Course content

The curriculum include construction and functionality of integrated circuits implemented in modern CMOS technology. This includes basic analog building blocks and modeling using Spice simulators. Synchronous sequential circuits and general digital functions are also included. Hardware descriptive languages (HDL) are used for specification and simuation of digital circuits and systems.

Topics include:

The subject deals with MOS transistors and simple analog circuits. The emphasis is towards digital circuits and systems, though. Basic principles for construction are considered. It includes CMOS technology and the MOS transistor: Function and characteristic properties. Static and dynamic analysis of logical functions. Simplified layout. Simple digital modules and an introduction to CAD tools are also treated. Guest lecturers from the electronic industry.

Mandatory project: Design and verification of a small analog/digital circuit.

Learning outcome

The students should
1. gain knowledge into the functioning of MOSFET transistors and models for these, including small signal LF-models.
2. gain knowledge about analog building blocks like current mirrors, and basic amplifiers implemented in CMOS.
3. understand functioning for general VLSI system components for combinatorial cicuits, artithmetics and memory.
4. understand principles for clocking as well as aspects concerning system design for synchronous sequential circuits.
5. understand basic characteristics like power consumption, energy consumption, delay and noise margins for CMOS circuitry.
6. get experience in using Spice simulators and hardware descriptive (HDL) languages.

B. Skills objectives:
Students should
1. gain an understanding about principles behind operation of basic analog and digital circuit building blocks in CMOS.
2. be able to combine analog and digital functions in system.
3. get basic skills within simulation and modelling of analog and digital building blocks, as well as sequential circuits.
4. gain experience in cooperating in groups and presenting results from their work in a written report.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, self study and a mandatory project. The final grade is given from the exam (70%) and the project assignment (30%). If threre is a re-sit examination, the examination form may be changed from written to oral.

Compulsory assignments

• Exercises
• Mandatory project

Recommended previous knowledge

TFE4100 Electric Circuits (see course description for 2013/14), TET4100 Circuit Analysis, TTT4100 Electronic Circuits and TFE4105 Digital Design and Computer Fundamentals, or equivalent.

Course materials

Will be announced at course start.

Credit reductions