

M-TECH in Digital Systems at COEP Technological University


Pune, Maharashtra
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About the Specialization
What is Digital Systems at COEP Technological University Pune?
This Digital Systems program at COEP Technological University focuses on the advanced design, analysis, and implementation of complex digital and mixed-signal systems. Rooted in India''''s booming electronics and semiconductor industry, the program equips students with expertise in VLSI, embedded systems, computer architecture, and signal processing, crucial for developing cutting-edge technology products. Its comprehensive curriculum caters to the evolving demands of the global and Indian digital technology landscape.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for engineering graduates with a Bachelor''''s degree in Electronics, E&TC, Computer Engineering, or related fields, particularly those with a valid GATE score. It caters to fresh graduates aspiring for research and development roles, as well as working professionals seeking to upskill in areas like ASIC/FPGA design, embedded systems, and VLSI verification to advance their careers in the semiconductor and electronics design sectors.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue rewarding careers as VLSI Design Engineers, Embedded Systems Developers, Verification Engineers, ASIC Designers, or R&D Engineers in India. Starting salaries typically range from INR 6-12 LPA for freshers, with significant growth potential. The program also prepares students for higher studies (PhD) or entrepreneurial ventures in the Indian tech ecosystem, aligning with industry-recognized skill sets.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Digital Design Tools- (Semester 1-2)
Develop strong proficiency in industry-standard HDL (Verilog, SystemVerilog) and simulation/synthesis tools (e.g., Xilinx Vivado, Intel Quartus, ModelSim). Actively practice labs and take online courses to solidify understanding.
Tools & Resources
Xilinx Vivado, Intel Quartus Prime, ModelSim/QuestaSim, Verilog/SystemVerilog tutorials on platforms like Coursera, Udemy
Career Connection
Essential for all VLSI, FPGA, and embedded system design roles, forming the bedrock for entry-level positions.
Build a Strong Foundation in Computer Architecture- (Semester 1-2)
Deeply understand processor pipelines, memory hierarchies, and parallel processing concepts. Supplement classroom learning with reading advanced textbooks and solving problems from sources like Patterson & Hennessy.
Tools & Resources
Computer Architecture: A Quantitative Approach by Hennessy & Patterson, Online courses on NPTEL (e.g., Advanced Computer Architecture)
Career Connection
Crucial for roles in processor design, high-performance computing, and hardware acceleration, which are in demand in India.
Engage in Peer Learning and Technical Events- (Semester 1-2)
Form study groups to discuss complex topics and solve problems collaboratively. Actively participate in departmental workshops, technical paper presentations, and hackathons to broaden knowledge and practical skills.
Tools & Resources
Departmental study groups, Technical clubs, Online forums, COEP''''s annual technical festivals
Career Connection
Enhances problem-solving skills, teamwork, and communication, all vital for collaborative engineering environments and showcasing talent.
Intermediate Stage
Strategic Elective Selection and Mini-Project Execution- (Semester 3)
Carefully choose electives that align with your career interests (e.g., verification, low-power design, AI in VLSI) and use the Mini Project with Seminar opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience in these specialized areas.
Tools & Resources
Course faculty advisors, Industry mentors, Project guides, Advanced simulation software, Specific hardware development kits
Career Connection
Develops expertise in high-demand niches, making candidates more attractive to specialized roles and forming a strong basis for the final project.
Seek Industry Internships and Live Projects- (Semester 3 (and summer after Semester 2))
Actively seek and pursue short-term internships or live industry projects, particularly during breaks, to apply theoretical knowledge, understand industry workflows, and build a professional network.
Tools & Resources
COEP placement cell, LinkedIn, Internshala, Company career pages of semiconductor firms in India
Career Connection
Provides invaluable real-world experience, often leading to pre-placement offers or strong recommendations, significantly boosting employability.
Develop Research and IPR Acumen- (Semester 3)
Focus on the ''''Research Methodology & IPR'''' course to understand scientific research processes, data analysis, ethical considerations, and the importance of Intellectual Property. Apply these learnings to Project-I.
Tools & Resources
Academic databases (IEEE Xplore, Scopus), Patent search engines, COEP library resources, Faculty guidance
Career Connection
Essential for roles in R&D, innovation, and product development, as well as for those considering higher studies or entrepreneurship in India.
Advanced Stage
Master the Final Project for Industry Readiness- (Semester 4)
Dedicate comprehensive effort to Project-II, aiming for an innovative, well-executed, and industry-relevant solution. Focus on thorough design, implementation, testing, and professional documentation (thesis).
Tools & Resources
Advanced design and simulation tools, COEP research labs, Dedicated faculty mentorship, Collaboration with industry partners where possible
Career Connection
A high-quality, impactful final project serves as a robust portfolio, showcasing problem-solving capabilities and technical expertise to potential employers or for direct research entry.
Intensive Placement and Interview Preparation- (Semester 4)
Engage in rigorous preparation for campus placements, focusing on technical interviews (VLSI, embedded, architecture), aptitude tests, and soft skills. Utilize mock interviews and alumni networks for insights.
Tools & Resources
COEP placement cell, Online coding/technical platforms (LeetCode, GeeksforGeeks), Interview preparation guides, Alumni success stories
Career Connection
Directly targets successful placement in core semiconductor, electronics design, and R&D companies across India, ensuring a strong career start.
Cultivate Professional Networking and Continuous Learning- (Semester 4)
Continue building a professional network through alumni connections, industry events, and platforms like LinkedIn. Subscribe to technical journals and blogs to stay updated on emerging trends in Digital Systems.
Tools & Resources
COEP alumni association, Industry conferences (e.g., VLSI Design Conference, DAC), Professional organizations (IEEE), Tech news sites
Career Connection
Essential for long-term career growth, identifying new opportunities, mentorship, and staying competitive in the rapidly evolving Indian tech industry.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering / Technology with relevant specialization (e.g., E&TC, Electronics, Computer Engineering) and a valid GATE score (for non-sponsored candidates).
Duration: 2 years (4 Semesters)
Credits: 80 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40% (Theory), 50% (Lab/Seminar/Project-I), 40% (Project-II), External: 60% (Theory), 50% (Lab/Seminar/Project-I), 60% (Project-II)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PGE1101 | Electronics System Design | Core | 4 | Electronic system design flow, Digital design challenges, Mixed-signal design, EMI/EMC, Signal integrity, Design for Manufacturability (DFM) |
| PGE1102 | Advanced Digital System Design | Core | 4 | ASIC Design flow, FPGA Architecture, System Verilog, Design for Testability (DFT), Verification techniques, High-level synthesis |
| PGE1103 | Advanced Computer Architecture | Core | 4 | Pipelining, Instruction Level Parallelism (ILP), Multiprocessor systems, Cache coherence, Memory hierarchy, Vector Processors |
| PGE1104A | Advanced Embedded Systems (Elective-I) | Elective | 4 | Embedded Processors, RTOS, Device drivers, Embedded Networking, Firmware development, Design challenges |
| PGE1104B | Advanced Digital Communication (Elective-I) | Elective | 4 | Digital modulation, Channel coding, Spread spectrum, OFDM, MIMO, Equalization |
| PGE1104C | Cryptography & Network Security (Elective-I) | Elective | 4 | Symmetric and Asymmetric Ciphers, Hash Functions, Digital Signatures, Network Security Protocols (SSL/TLS, IPsec), Firewalls |
| PGE1104D | Digital Image Processing (Elective-I) | Elective | 4 | Image enhancement, Image restoration, Image segmentation, Feature extraction, Image compression, Morphological processing |
| PGE1104E | Wireless and Mobile Communications (Elective-I) | Elective | 4 | Cellular concepts, Wireless channels, Multiple access techniques, GSM, CDMA, 4G/5G technologies |
| PGE1105 | Digital System Design Lab-I | Lab | 2 | HDL programming (Verilog/VHDL), FPGA synthesis, Logic simulation, Timing analysis, Hardware description |
| PGE1106 | Seminar-I | Seminar | 2 | Research topic selection, Literature review, Technical presentation, Report writing, Communication skills |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PGE1201 | Mixed Signal VLSI Design | Core | 4 | CMOS analog design, Data converters (ADC/DAC), Phase-Locked Loops (PLL), Mixed-signal layout, Noise analysis, RF circuits |
| PGE1202 | ASIC & FPGA Design | Core | 4 | ASIC design flow, FPGA architectures, Synthesis, Place & route, Timing closure, Verification methodologies |
| PGE1203A | Low Power VLSI Design (Elective-II) | Elective | 4 | Power dissipation analysis, Dynamic power reduction, Leakage power reduction, Low-power architectures, Voltage scaling |
| PGE1203B | MEMS & System on Chip (Elective-II) | Elective | 4 | MEMS fabrication, Micro-sensors, Micro-actuators, SoC architecture, IP integration, Verification of SoC |
| PGE1203C | Wireless Sensor Networks (Elective-II) | Elective | 4 | WSN architecture, Routing protocols, MAC protocols, Localization, Security in WSN, Energy management |
| PGE1203D | Advanced DSP (Elective-II) | Elective | 4 | Multi-rate DSP, Adaptive filters, Wavelet transforms, Spectral estimation, Speech processing, Audio processing |
| PGE1203E | Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Digital Systems (Elective-II) | Elective | 4 | Neural Networks, Deep Learning Architectures, Reinforcement Learning, Hardware acceleration for AI, Edge AI |
| PGE1204A | Hardware-Software Co-design (Elective-III) | Elective | 4 | Co-design methodologies, Partitioning, Interface synthesis, Estimation, Verification, RTOS for co-design |
| PGE1204B | Verification Methodology (Elective-III) | Elective | 4 | Functional verification, Coverage driven verification, SystemVerilog for verification, Formal verification, Emulation |
| PGE1204C | Advanced Error Control Coding (Elective-III) | Elective | 4 | Linear block codes, Cyclic codes, BCH codes, Reed-Solomon codes, Convolutional codes, Turbo codes |
| PGE1204D | Bio-Medical Signal Processing (Elective-III) | Elective | 4 | ECG, EEG, EMG processing, Noise removal, Feature extraction, Classification, Medical imaging |
| PGE1204E | IoT System Design (Elective-III) | Elective | 4 | IoT architecture, Communication protocols (Zigbee, LoRa, NB-IoT), Sensor integration, Cloud platforms, Security in IoT |
| PGE1205 | Digital System Design Lab-II | Lab | 2 | Mixed-signal simulation, ASIC synthesis, FPGA prototyping, Verification using SystemVerilog, Power analysis |
| PGE1206 | Mini Project with Seminar | Project | 2 | Problem Definition, Design Implementation, Testing & Validation, Report Writing, Presentation |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PGE2101A | Advanced Digital Signal Processing (Elective-IV) | Elective | 4 | Adaptive filtering algorithms, Kalman filters, Speech signal processing, Image and video processing, Multirate signal processing |
| PGE2101B | Cyber Physical Systems (Elective-IV) | Elective | 4 | CPS architecture, Modeling and analysis, Real-time systems, Communication in CPS, Security and privacy, Design methodologies |
| PGE2101C | VLSI Testing (Elective-IV) | Elective | 4 | Fault models, Test pattern generation, Design for Testability (DFT), Built-in Self-Test (BIST), Boundary scan, ATPG |
| PGE2101D | High Level Synthesis (Elective-IV) | Elective | 4 | HLS flow, Scheduling, Resource allocation, Binding, Control synthesis, Design space exploration |
| PGE2101E | Deep Learning for VLSI (Elective-IV) | Elective | 4 | Neural network architectures, CNNs, RNNs, VLSI architectures for deep learning, Hardware acceleration, Quantization techniques |
| PGE2102 | Research Methodology & IPR | Core | 4 | Research problem formulation, Literature review, Data analysis techniques, Research ethics, Intellectual Property Rights, Patent filing |
| PGE2103 | Project-I | Project | 6 | Problem identification, Literature survey, Methodology definition, System design, Initial implementation, Progress report |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PGE2201 | Project-II | Project | 20 | Advanced design and implementation, Experimental validation, Performance analysis, Technical thesis writing, Oral defense, Publication readiness |




