Spring 2021: VLSI Design

Course Description: This course deals with the design of a MOS integrated circuit. We start by discussing basic devices specifically diode and MOSFETs. We then explore the MOSFET operation and then inverter implementation using MOSFETs. After, we proceed to understand the characteristics of interconnects. We then design different combinational circuits and sequential circuits. We then discuss about memory and the approach to design the basic processor. The coursework contains lab that uses a custom design environment and the class project aims at designing one or few components of a digital computer.

Find Cadence tutorials required for this course here!

Fall 2019: Power Electronics

Course Description: This course deals with the design of modern power converters design and analysis. We start by discussing the basic concepts of switched-mode converter circuits and principles of converter circuit analysis for finding the steady state voltages, current, and efficiency of power converters. We then discuss about the realization of the power semiconductors in converters specifically power diodes, power MOSFETs, and IGBTs are explained, along with the origins of their switching times. We then discuss about equivalent circuit models that include the effects of switching loss. We then briefly discuss about the design of a feedback system to control a switching converter. Finally, we discuss the analysis and design of magnetic components, including inductors and transformers, used in power electronic converters.