A two-semester project-based mixed-signal IC design course using commercial EDA tools-from design to chip evaluation

Abstract

An increasing demand on qualified IC designers requires engineering schools to train more graduates with specialty in IC design. These newly trained graduates should not only have strong fundamentals, but also good analytical and practical skills. They should be able to quickly adapt to the commercial environment and require minimum training when hired by the design firms. A two-semester project-based mixed-signal IC design course using professional EDA tools is introduced and aimed to equip the students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The course allows students to go through a mixed-signal IC prototyping cycle from design to chip evaluation.