ACIT4740 Microelectronic Circuits and Systems Course description

Knowledge of microelectronic circuits and systems and associated design flows continue to play a crucial role in the research and development of integrated energy efficient electronics. The topic is particularly important in sustaining the growth required in the global electronics industry to satisfy the requirements of many strategic sectors including energy efficient and smart sensory, computing and communication systems in bioelectronics, automation and robotics.

The course covers fundamentals of microelectronic systems with emphasis on contemporary building blocks and architectures. In-class discussions highlight primary design metrics such as delay, power dissipation, energy, performance, noise, integration, cost, and cover the challenges of robust design flows. The theoretical learning will be supported by practical design assignments using Computer Aided Design (CAD) tools.

Basic knowledge of linear and non-linear components will be useful. Previous knowledge in electronics is beneficial.

No formal requirements over and above the admission requirements.

After completing this course, the student will have the following learning outcomes, defined as knowledge, skills, and general competence.

Knowledge

On successful completion of the course, the student has knowledge of:

• design flows in microelectronics,
• steady state and transient response of microelectronic building blocks,
• fundamental design metrics used for comparing microelectronic solutions.

Skills    

On successful completion of the course, the student can:

• interpret specifications of digital and analog microelectronic circuits and systems,
• analyze microelectronic circuits of medium to high complexity using paper-and-pencil method as well as CAD simulations for robust functionality, performance, power and energy dissipation,
• determine a method for delivering microelectronic circuit design based on specifications,
• provide a microelectronic circuit solution to a mixed-signal electronics problem,
• use CAD tools to design and verify microelectronic circuits and systems,
• consider implications of design and fabrication technologies on the operating characteristics of the microelectronic circuits and systems.

General competence   

On successful completion of the course, the student is capable of:

• resolving the functional and electrical characteristics of microelectronic circuits from specifications, whitepapers and datasheets,
• determining a method to analyze the characteristics of original digital and analog circuits in microelectronics,
• designing microelectronic systems using recurring topologies,
• verifying the functionality and performance of microelectronic circuits through standard analysis techniques as well as CAD based simulations.

This course will feature weekly lectures. This will be supplemented by reading and problem solving assignments, which will include design and verification using CAD tools. The project will be carried out in groups of a size suited for the chosen project.

The following coursework requirements must have been approved for the student to sit the exam:

• completion of 3 assignments with a submission for each that includes calculations, schematics and simulation-based verification.
• a group project to design and verify microelectronic circuits for a problem related to biomedical engineering applications with a maximum of 2000 word written report and a presentation as a team.

All requirements must be passed to take the written exam.

Individual written exam under supervision, 3 hours.

New/postponed exam:

In case of failed exam or legal absence, the student may apply for a new or postponed exam. New or postponed exams are offered within a reasonable period following the regular exam. The student is responsible for applying for a new/postponed exam within the time limits set by OsloMet. The Regulations for new or postponed examinations are available in Regulations relating to studies and examinations at OsloMet.

In the event of a new/postponed exam, an oral examination may be used instead. If an oral exam is used, the examination results cannot be appealed.

A handheld calculator that cannot be used for wireless communication or to perform symbolic calculations. If the calculator’s internal memory can store data, the memory must be deleted before the exam. Random checks may be carried out.

Grading scale A - F.

One internal examiner. External examiners are used periodically.

Associate Professor Ali Muhtaroglu