Digital VLSI system

The objective of this course is to introduce students to basic techniques to design and implement digital VLSI system. This course introduces students to VLSI technology. A historical perspective on the evolution of integrated circuit technology is covered. Important issues when designing a VLSI circuit are discussed. MOS transistors are studied in detail, including their characteristics, structure, switch-level behaviour, and current equation. SPICE model of a MOS transistor is also described. The simplest circuit, an inverter, is studied in detail. Its voltage-transfer characteristic, noise margin and how to control the inversion point is investigated. How an IC is fabricated is described. Fabrication processes are elaborated. Layout, design rules and stick diagram are explained. This course teaches how to design circuits. Several logic families will be introduced. Advantages and disadvantages of each logic design style are explained. Delay and power performance of each logic family is also compared. Latch and flip-flop circuits are also covered.