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M-TECH in Vlsi Design at GITAM, Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management
Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is VLSI Design at GITAM, Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management Visakhapatnam?
This M.Tech VLSI Design program at GITAM focuses on advanced concepts in integrated circuit design, encompassing digital, analog, and mixed-signal domains. It addresses the growing demand for skilled VLSI engineers in India''''s semiconductor industry, driven by government initiatives like the India Semiconductor Mission and global chip manufacturing shifts. The program emphasizes hands-on experience with industry-standard EDA tools and a strong foundation in design, verification, and testing methodologies crucial for the Indian market.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for engineering graduates with a B.E./B.Tech in ECE, EEE, EIE, CSE, or related fields, seeking to specialize in semiconductor design. It also caters to M.Sc (Physics/Electronics/CS) or MCA graduates aiming for a career transition into VLSI. Working professionals in related domains looking to upskill in advanced chip design techniques to stay competitive in the fast-evolving Indian tech landscape will find this program beneficial for career growth.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue rewarding careers as VLSI Design Engineers, Verification Engineers, CAD Engineers, or Application Engineers in leading semiconductor companies and R&D centers across India. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 5-8 lakhs per annum, with experienced professionals earning upwards of INR 15-30 lakhs. The program aligns with industry needs, preparing students for roles in companies like Intel, Qualcomm, Synopsis, Cadence, and various Indian design houses.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Digital & Analog Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate significant effort to understanding core concepts in Advanced Digital System Design and Analog VLSI. Regularly solve problems from textbooks, practice circuit analysis, and thoroughly understand device physics. Participate in extra practice sessions or workshops if available to solidify these foundational concepts.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses on VLSI design, Online circuit simulators (LTSpice, Multisim), Verilog/VHDL practice platforms, Textbook exercises
Career Connection
A strong grasp of fundamentals is critical for cracking technical interviews for core VLSI roles and forms the bedrock for advanced topics.
Develop Hands-on EDA Tool Proficiency- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage in Advanced Digital System Design Lab and Analog VLSI Design Lab. Go beyond assigned tasks to explore different features of industry-standard Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools like Cadence Virtuoso, Synopsis VCS, Mentor Graphics QuestaSim. Document your learning and create a portfolio of small design projects.
Tools & Resources
Cadence, Synopsis, Mentor Graphics tool suites (available in university labs), Official tool documentation, Online tutorials, GitHub for project sharing
Career Connection
Direct experience with EDA tools is a mandatory skill for all VLSI engineering roles and is highly valued by recruiters.
Build a Strong Peer Learning Network- (Semester 1-2)
Form study groups with classmates to discuss complex topics, share insights, and collaboratively solve problems. Explain concepts to each other to reinforce understanding. Actively participate in departmental seminars, tech talks, and student chapters (e.g., IEEE) to expand your academic and professional circle.
Tools & Resources
WhatsApp/Telegram groups, University library discussion rooms, Online collaboration tools, Professional networking platforms (LinkedIn)
Career Connection
Peer networks provide support, diverse perspectives, and can lead to collaborative projects or job referrals later in your career.
Intermediate Stage
Specialize through Electives and Mini-Projects- (Semester 3)
Carefully choose Electives III and IV based on your career interests (e.g., Embedded Linux for firmware, Mixed-Signal Design for analog focus). In Project Work - Phase I (Semester 3), select a topic that deepens your specialization. Engage in mini-projects related to your electives, even if not formally assessed, to gain practical expertise.
Tools & Resources
Advanced EDA tools for specific domains (e.g., UVM for verification, custom design tools for analog), Research papers, Specialized forums
Career Connection
Specialization helps differentiate your profile, making you a more targeted candidate for specific roles like Embedded Software Engineer or Analog Layout Engineer.
Seek Industry Exposure through Internships/Workshops- (Semester 3)
Proactively search for summer internships or industrial training opportunities in semiconductor companies or relevant startups. Attend industry workshops, conferences, and webinars to understand current trends and technologies. Network with professionals to gain insights into real-world VLSI challenges.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Internshala, Company career pages, Industry event platforms, Alumni network
Career Connection
Internships provide invaluable practical experience, lead to pre-placement offers (PPOs), and build a professional network crucial for job search.
Develop Strong Problem-Solving and Scripting Skills- (Semester 3)
Focus on courses like VLSI Signal Processing and Design for Testability to hone analytical and problem-solving abilities. If opting for ''''Scripting Languages for VLSI Design'''', practice extensively to automate design tasks. Participate in coding competitions or problem-solving challenges relevant to algorithms and data structures.
Tools & Resources
Python, Perl, Tcl/Tk, HackerRank, LeetCode, EDA tool APIs
Career Connection
Scripting and strong problem-solving are essential for efficiency in VLSI flows (e.g., design automation, verification scripting) and highly sought after by employers.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Your Master''''s Project- (Semester 4)
Treat Project Work - Phase II as a real-world engineering problem. Aim for novel contributions, thorough implementation, and rigorous testing. Document every step meticulously, prepare a high-quality thesis report, and rehearse your final presentation and viva-voce extensively. Seek regular feedback from your guide.
Tools & Resources
Advanced EDA tools, Research journals (IEEE Xplore, ACM Digital Library), Technical writing guides, Presentation software
Career Connection
A well-executed master''''s project is a significant resume highlight, showcasing your research, design, and problem-solving capabilities, often leading to publications or strong recommendations.
Targeted Placement Preparation & Interview Skills- (Semester 4)
Begin early preparation for campus placements. Practice technical questions specific to VLSI domains (digital logic, analog circuits, RTL design, DFT, verification methodologies). Work on communication skills, mock interviews, and resume building. Understand company-specific hiring processes and typical interview rounds.
Tools & Resources
Online interview platforms, Company-specific interview guides, Career services cell, Alumni mentors, Mock interview sessions
Career Connection
Direct impact on securing desirable job offers from top-tier semiconductor companies and design houses.
Build a Professional Brand & Network- (Semester 4)
Refine your LinkedIn profile, highlighting your projects, skills, and academic achievements. Attend virtual and in-person career fairs and industry networking events. Connect with alumni working in VLSI. Consider publishing your project work in conferences or journals to enhance your academic and professional visibility.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Industry conferences, Professional associations (IEEE, IETE), Research publication platforms
Career Connection
A strong professional network can open doors to opportunities beyond campus placements, provide mentorship, and support long-term career growth in the Indian semiconductor industry.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.E./B.Tech. or equivalent in ECE/ EEE/ Instrumentation/ Electronics/ Computer Science & Engg./ Information Technology/ Biomedical Engineering/ Bio Technology or M.Sc in Physics/ Electronics/ Electronic Science/ Instrumentation/ Computer Science or MCA with minimum 50% aggregate marks from a recognized university.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 68 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40%, External: 60%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23EVD701 | Advanced Digital System Design | Core | 3 | Logic Design and VHDL, FPGA Design Flow and Verilog HDL, Finite State Machine Design, Synchronous Sequential Circuits, Asynchronous Sequential Circuits, System Verilog |
| 23EVD702 | Analog VLSI Design | Core | 3 | MOS Devices and Models, Current Mirrors and Biasing, Single Stage Amplifiers, Differential Amplifiers, Frequency Response of Amplifiers, Operational Amplifiers |
| 23EVD703 | Embedded Systems Design | Core | 3 | Embedded Processors, ARM Processor Architecture, Memory and I/O Interfacing, Real-Time Operating Systems, Embedded Networking, Programming for Embedded Systems |
| 23EVD704 | Professional Ethics and Human Values | Core | 3 | Engineering Ethics, Moral Values and Theories, Professionalism and Responsibility, Safety, Risks, and Rights, Global Issues and Corporate Ethics, Human Rights and Value Education |
| 23EVD705 | Advanced Digital System Design Lab | Lab | 2 | FPGA Design Simulation, Verilog HDL Implementation, VHDL HDL Implementation, Test Bench Generation, Logic Synthesis, ASIC Design Flow Basics |
| 23EVD706 | Analog VLSI Design Lab | Lab | 2 | MOS Characteristics Simulation, Current Mirror Design, Amplifier Design and Analysis, Differential Amplifier Design, CMOS Inverter Characteristics, Analog Layout Design |
| 23RMC701 | Research Methodology and IPR | Audit Course | 0 | Research Problem and Design, Literature Review and Data Collection, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Report Writing and Presentation, Intellectual Property Rights, Patents and Patent Filing |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23EVD707 | VLSI Signal Processing | Core | 3 | DSP System Fundamentals, Pipelining and Parallel Processing, Retiming Techniques, Folding and Unfolding, Systolic Array Design, Fast Convolution Algorithms |
| 23EVD708 | Design for Testability | Core | 3 | Fault Modeling and Simulation, Test Generation for Combinational Circuits, Test Generation for Sequential Circuits, Scan Design Techniques, Built-In Self-Test (BIST), Boundary Scan Standard (IEEE 1149.1) |
| 23EVD711 | Advanced Microcontrollers | Elective | 3 | 8051 Microcontroller Architecture, PIC Microcontrollers, ARM Cortex-M Processors, Peripheral Interfacing, Interrupt Handling, Embedded Software Development |
| 23EVD715 | CMOS RF Integrated Circuits | Elective | 3 | RF Passive Components, Active RF Devices, Low Noise Amplifier Design, Mixer Design, Voltage Controlled Oscillators, RF Power Amplifiers |
| 23EVD709 | VLSI Signal Processing Lab | Lab | 2 | DSP Algorithm Simulation (MATLAB), FIR/IIR Filter Implementation, DFT and FFT Algorithms, Pipelined Architectures Simulation, Systolic Array Design, DSP Processor Programming |
| 23EVD710 | Design for Testability Lab | Lab | 2 | Fault Simulation and Analysis, Automatic Test Pattern Generation (ATPG), Scan Chain Insertion, BIST Architecture Implementation, Memory BIST, Boundary Scan Implementation |
| 23ELC701 | English Language Competency | Audit Course | 0 | Listening and Speaking Skills, Reading Comprehension, Writing Professional Documents, Grammar and Vocabulary Enhancement, Presentation Skills, Interview Skills |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23EVD801 | Embedded Linux | Elective | 3 | Linux Kernel Architecture, Embedded System Boot Process, Device Drivers Development, File Systems in Embedded Linux, Cross-Compilation Toolchains, Debugging Embedded Linux Systems |
| 23EVD805 | Scripting Languages for VLSI Design | Elective | 3 | Perl Scripting Fundamentals, Tcl/Tk for EDA Tool Control, Python for VLSI Automation, Regular Expressions, File I/O and Data Processing, Interfacing with EDA Tools |
| 23EVD8XX | Open Elective | Open Elective | 3 | Interdisciplinary topics, Emerging technologies, Management principles, Social sciences applications, Environmental studies, Humanities |
| 23EVD891 | Project Work - Phase I | Project | 9 | Problem Identification and Scope Definition, Literature Survey and State-of-Art, Methodology and Design Specification, System Architecture Development, Preliminary Simulations and Results, Project Proposal and Planning |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23EVD892 | Project Work - Phase II | Project | 18 | Detailed Implementation and Development, Extensive Testing and Verification, Performance Analysis and Optimization, Results Interpretation and Validation, Technical Report Writing, Final Presentation and Viva-Voce |
