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.

• Lectures and exercises associated with microelectronic circuits, including practical considerations in design and application.
• Assignments to enhance understanding through practice.
• Project work related to biomedical engineering applications.

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.

None.

Portfolio assessment which includes the following:

• three individual assignments with a submission for each that includes calculations, schematics and simulation-based verification.
• a group project report, 2-3 students per group, that documents design and verification of microelectronic circuits for a problem related to biomedical engineering applications (maximum of 2000 words), and
• a group presentation of the group project, 20-25 minutes

The portfolio must be awarded a grade E or better for a student to successfully pass the course.

In group work, the students’ different contributions must be reflected in the submitted work. Normally, all members of the group receive the same grade, but in exceptional cases, individual grades may be assigned within groups after further assessment. In such cases, all students in the relevant group will be informed that grades will be given individually before the grades are published.

The exam can be appealed. In the event of an appeal, the written work will be reassessed, and the student must complete a new oral presentation. In the case of a group examination, the right to appeal is individual. This means that each group member may appeal only on their own behalf. A student who submits an appeal must complete the oral presentation individually. Failure to attend results in a grade of "not attended" for the entire course.

All aids are permitted, provided the rules for plagiarism and source referencing are complied with.

Grading scale A - F.

One internal examiner. External examiners are used periodically.

Ali Muhtaroglu

This course has 100% overlap with the course ELI3740 Microelectronic Circuits and Systems