Module ENGI4131: MICROELECTRONICS

Department: Engineering

ENGI4131: MICROELECTRONICS

Prerequisites

• (ENGI3361 Electronics, ENGI3321 Software Engineering and Communications, ENGI3331 Microelectronics, ENGI3391 Control and Signal Processing, ENGI3351 Engineering Design, ENGI3431 Management and Electronic Manufacture) OR (MEng(Overseas))

Corequisites

Excluded Combination of Modules

Aims

• This module is for students intending to fulfil the requirements of the M.Eng. streams in Electronic Engineering (H610), Computer Engineering (H130) and Communications Engineering (H640).
• The module will provide graduates with advanced knowledge and understanding Nanoelectronic Devices and Integrated Circuit Design.
• This module is complemented by the 60 credit MEng Research and Development project module or by the 40 credit Technical Project where the final year MEng student has the opportunity to apply the material taught in this module in a large scale project.
• The module provides a firm foundation for a broad range of careers in Electronic, Computer, Communications and General Engineering through an appropriate combination of core and optional courses

Content

• Evolution of electronics. Scaling of microelectronic devices.
• ‘Top-down’ versus ‘bottom-up’ approaches to nanoelectronics.
• Materials. Inorganic and organic compounds. Functional and smart materials.
• Molecular Electronics.
• Atomic resolution microscopes.
• Photonic crystals. Manipulation of the flow of light exploiting the macroscopic dielectric properties while using advanced microfabrication processing for photonic applications. – Principle & band structures-Fabrication techniques and applications.
• Photonic devices. The concept of photodetection operation and the fabrication of semiconductor photodiodes/lasers and solar cells.
• IC Design Techniques.
• System specification; architectural design; system timing.
• Logic and circuit design.
• Circuit to layout transformation, sticks diagrams; leaf cell layout; design rules.
• Design to fabrication routes.
• CMOS circuits design styles.
• Dynamic circuits, programmable structure.
• CAD Tools.
• Schematic capture packages; Specification languages; simulation packages.
• Logic and timing simulation; circuit simulation using SPICE; testability analysis.
• Layout tools, automatic placement and routing. Design verification; Design Rule checking; Electrical Rule checking.

Learning Outcomes

• A knowledge of the problems arising from the design of complex systems on silicon and an insight to the solutions of these problems.
• An understanding of design and device operation equations used by device and IC design engineers.
• An awareness of the state-of-the-art of microelectronic devices.
• An understanding of the scope for further developments and an appreciation of the possible exploitation of nanoelectronics and photonics technologies (improved materials, processing and manipulation) for the realisation of new device architectures.

• Ability to design and analyse a range of CMOS IC elements.
• Ability to interpret IC layout diagrams
• An awareness of current technology and industrial practices along with the ability to apply those methods in novel situations.
• The ability to carry out the design and analysis of a range of IC elements and devices.
• An in-depth knowledge and understanding of specialised and advanced technical and professional skills, an ability to perform critical assessment and review and an ability to communicate the results of their own work effectively.

• Experience of the use of CAD tools for IC design.
• Capacity for independent self-learning within the bounds of professional practice.
• Highly specialised analysis skills appropriate to an engineer.
• Highly specialised use of information technology (IT) relevant to IC Design and Device Design.
• Mathematics relevant to the application of advanced engineering concepts.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• The courses in Integrated Circuit Design and Nanoelectronics and Photonics are covered in lectures, and are reinforced by problem sheets, leading to the required problem solving capability.
• Students are able to make use of staff 'Tutorial Hours' to discuss any aspect of the module with teaching staff on a one-to-one basis.
• Written timed examinations are appropriate because of the wide range of analytical, in-depth material covered in this module and to demonstrate the ability to solve advanced problems independently.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

None

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University