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

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

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 of Nanoelectronic and Photonic Devices and the Application & Design of Integrated Circuits.
• This module is complemented by the 60 credit MEng Research and Development project module 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.
• Integrated MEMs Applications: for micro sensors and Transducers taking account of the special mechanical design considerations associated with MEMs devices such as the accelerometer and Digital Mirror Device .
• RF Integrated Circuit Design: for communciations and telephony. The design and implementation of real RF circuits will be explored using MIcrowave Office simulation software. This will invlove a laboratory simulation exercise to enable the studnets to experience how inherent circuit properties such as track length and capacitance can affect the performance of RF circuits.
• MIxed Signal Integrated Circuit applications for Audio and Video. Modelling of electronic circuits using SPICE, and the types of analysis available by simulation including a Lab exercise. Development of a SPICE model for a given circuit and simulation of the circuit to investigate its properties. Simulation will include "What If" experiments to determine e.g.sensitivity to component value.
• Emerging Organic 'Systems in a Package' for display devices. Organic electronic devices break away from traditional IC process flows through the use of conductive polymers, often on flexible substrates. Current applications of organic electronics . Key design parameters such as performance, processing, temperature handling and the scale of organic devices are very different from those of conventional CMOS FET.

Learning Outcomes

• 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.

• An awareness of current technology and industrial practices along with the ability to apply those methods in novel situations.
• 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.

• Capacity for independent self-learning within the bounds of professional practice.
• Highly specialised analysis skills appropriate to an engineer.
• 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 the Application and Design of Integrated Circuits are covered in lectures, and are reinforced by direct reading and problem solving activity invlving contiuous assessment.
• The course in Nanoelectronics and Photonics are covered in lectures and are reinforced by probelm 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