CSU, Chico Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

EECE 447: Introduction to VLSI Systems

Prerequisites: EECE 144, EECE 315

Catalog Description: Design of VLSI circuits. Emphasis is on design methodologies, including the use of CAE tools for schematic capture, chip layout, circuit simulation, and fault/timing analysis. Formerly ECE 237.

Course Objectives:

• understand CMOS design methodologies and techniques for VLSI circuits
• understand physical characteristics of CMOS circuits and the benefits and limitations of using different models
• understand the CMOS integrated circuit fabrication and layout process

Course Outcomes:

Students shall be able to:

• design integrated circuits using MOSFET theory, improve MOSFET switch model, including resistance/capacitance estimation, RC timing model, and transistor sizing
• design and layout combination logic circuits with CMOS techniques and design rules
• design and layout sequential logic circuits with CMOS techniques and design rules
• optimize designs with routing algorithms
• design and layout a 4-bit ALU with CMOS technology using LASI software Student must also be able to:
• use CAE tools for CMOS integrated circuit design and layout
• use CAD software tools for CMOS integrated circuit simulation and analysis

Class/Laboratory schedule:

• One hundred and fifty minutes a week lecture

Contribution of Course to Meet the Professional Component:

• Engineering Science: 2 units
• Engineering Design: 1 unit

Relationship of Course to Program Outcomes and Objective:

This course makes significant contributions the following program outcomes:

• An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs
• An ability to identify, formulate and solve engineering problems

This course supports the achievement of the following elements of the program objective:

• Apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering to identify, formulate, and solve computer engineering problems
• Use industry standard tools to analyze, design, develop and test computer-based systems containing both hardware and software components.
• Achieve success in graduate programs in computer engineering, electrical engineering or computer science.
• Continue to develop their knowledge and skills after graduation in order to succeed personally and contribute to employer success.

Back to Courses

Back to EE flow chart

Back to CMPE flow chart