VLSI Design Project

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• The use of CAD tools in the design process
• The importance of a systematic approach to design and test in order to reduce the problems of debugging large systems
• A complete integrated circuit design flow based on a standard cell design approach

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Manage a complex system design through the use of hierarchy and a modular design and test strategy

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Verify function and performance of designs using digital and analogue simulators
• Model complex digital systems using a hardware description language

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Work as a member of a team.

Preparation:

Within each team, students will undertake research relevent to the system design and present their results to the team.

System Design:

Having completed a cell library it will be used in the construction of a large digital system. The tasks undertaken will include:

• Interpretation of the specification
• Outline block design
• HDL Specification
• Detailed module design
• Module place & route
• Flooplanning & global layout
• Simulation at all stages

A number of deliverables will be produced in connection with these tasks.

Fabrication:

The best student design will be chosen for fabrication, with the fabricated chip being used in subsequent projects by other students.

Note that where a group project is not appropriate a suitably tailored individual project or programme of work is substituted. This is the case for part time students for whom collaboration is not practicable.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.