Module Specification

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title Integrated Circuits - Concepts and Design
Code ELEC472
Coordinator Dr M Raja
Electrical Engineering and Electronics
M.Raja@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2021-22 Level 7 FHEQ Whole Session 15

Aims

To understand the reasons for the predominance and importance of silicon-based microelectronics to the semiconductor industry. To understand how materials, devices and circuit issues are inter-related and exploited to make the microchips that underpin the information age. To prepare students for entering the Silicon semiconductor industry.


Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):

ELEC212 CMOS Integrated Circuits 

Co-requisite modules:

 

Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Appreciation of MOS based integrated circuit design philosophy: power, speed, yield, packing density considerations and of design trade-offs associated with materials, device and circuit limitations.

(LO2) Knowledge of how to analyse and design simple MOS logic gates and amplifier stages.

(LO3) Appreciation of historical and future development of silicon based integrated circuit technology.

(LO4) Knowledge of silicon integrated circuit technology.

(LO5) Appreciation of some IC design issues.

(LO6) Ability to use simulation tool (i.e. Multisim) to design, layout and test by simulation digital circuit cells.

(S1) On successful completion of the module, students should be able to show experience and enhancement of the following key skills: Independent learning. Problem solving and design skills.

(S2) On successful completion of the module, students will have skill to utilise software package such as Multisim, in the design and simulation of circuit designs.

(S3) On successful completion of the module, students should be able to demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge of the module concepts on simulation package such as Multisim in the design and testing of digital/analogue circuits.

(S4) On successful completion of the module the student is expected to have: Appreciation of MOS based integrated circuit design philosophy: power, speed, yield, packing density considerations and of design trade-offs associated with materials, device and circuit limitations. Knowledge of how to analyse and design simple MOS logic gates and amplifier stages. Appreciation of historical and future development of silicon based integrated circuit technology.Knowledge of silicon integrated circuit technology. Appreciation of some IC design issues.


Syllabus

 

1. The MOS transistor Revision of MOST equations, subthreshold operation and substrate bias effects, device design considerations, substrate current and reliability, device capacitance, the SPICE model, Moore's Law.

2. Evolution of MOS logic families with circuit analysis Resistor, saturated and unsaturated MOST load, depletion load (nMOS) technologies: basic inverter operation, advantages and disadvantages of each.

3. The CMOS Inverter basic operation, transfer characteristic, transient response, latch-up and its suppression.

4. CMOS circuits NAND, NOR, Realisation of more complex combinational gates: Composite (AOI), MOS scaling, low voltage/low power issues and circuits.

5. Dynamic circuits nMOS and CMOS transfer gates, shift register, pre-charge concept and domino logic, design issues: charge sharing, charge coupling and delay hazards, clocked combinational logic, PLA.

6. Semiconductor fabrication processing Oxidation, doping, lithograph y, yield, CMOS process flow, design rules, transistor parasitic, capacitance, latch-up and its suppression.

7. Analogue CMOS circuits Circuit building blocks, Common source amplifiers with active loads; differential amplifier, micro-power amplifiers, temperature effects.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Due to Covid-19, one or more of the following delivery methods will be implemented based on the current local conditions and the situation of registered students. It is anticipated that both a) & b) will be in operation for semester 1.

(a) Hybrid delivery, with social distancing on Campus

Teaching Method 1 - On-line asynchronous lectures
Description: Lectures to explain the material
Attendance Recorded: No
Notes: On average one per week – although they will be front loaded in the first semester

Teaching Method 2 - Synchronous face to face tutorials
Description: Tutorials on the Assignments and Problem Sheets
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: On average one per fortnight

Teaching Method 3 - Campus based Laboratory Work Tutorials
Description: Laboratory Sessions to undertake tutorials and the Assignments
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: On average 2 hours of supervised lab per week (10 weeks per semester)

(b ) Fully online delivery and assessment

Teaching Method 1 - On-line asynchronous lectures
Description: Lectures to explain the material
Attendance Recorded: No
Notes: On average one per week – although they will be front loaded in the first semester

Teaching Method 2 - On-line synchronous tutorials
Description: Tutorials on the Assignments and Problem Sheets
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: On average one per fortnight

Teaching Method 3 - on-line Laboratory Work Tutorials
Description: Laboratory Sessions to undertake tutorials and the Assignments
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: On average 2 hours of on-line supervised lab per week where students can contact demonstrators to provide support (10 weeks per semester)

(c) Standard on-campus delivery with minimal social distancing

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Lectures to explain the material
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: On average one p er week – although they will be front loaded in the first semester

Teaching Method 2 - Tutorial
Description: Tutorials on the Assignments and Problem Sheets
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: On average one per fortnight

Teaching Method 3 - Laboratory Work
Description: Laboratory Sessions to undertake tutorials and the Assignments
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: On average 2 hours of supervised lab per week (10 weeks per semester)


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 16

    72

  6

94
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 56
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
(472) Standard resit opportunity is available. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. Assessment Schedule (When): January (Semester 1)    60       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
(472.1) Assessment 1 Resit opportunity for this component is available via another coursework. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. Assessment Schedule (When): Semester 1, Approx. We    10       
(472.2) Assessment 2 Resit opportunity for this component is available via another coursework. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. Assessment Schedule (When): Semester 2, Approx. We    15       
(472.3) Assessment 3 Resit opportunity for this component is available via another coursework. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. Assessment Schedule (When): Semester 2, Approx. We    15       

Reading List

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.