VLSI Design and CAD Tools

Catalog description

This course introduces various industry-grade computer-aided-design (CAD) tools used to facilitate the design, verification and analysis of complex VLSI. the course first deals with CMOS layout and fabrication then focuses on interconnect design and noise modeling. Industry tools such as Synopsis Hspice, Custom Explorer and Microwind layout and verification tool will be used for moderate-sized circuits. Parasitic extraction, layout verification, interconnect design and timing analysis are all studies. Optical interconnects are also discussed. The course also introduces Verilog programming, a desired skill sought by industry. Topics include design verification, gate-level, dataflow, behavioral and switch modeling, timing, logic synthesis and UDPs.