.png&w=1920&q=75)
M-TECH in Vlsi Design at GITAM (Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management)
Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
.png&w=1920&q=75)
About the Specialization
What is VLSI Design at GITAM (Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management) Visakhapatnam?
This VLSI Design program at GITAM focuses on advanced semiconductor device design and manufacturing, preparing students for high-demand roles in chip design, verification, and testing. It aligns with India''''s growing semiconductor industry and ''''Make in India'''' initiatives in electronics. The program emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical application using industry-standard EDA tools to foster innovation in microelectronics.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh engineering graduates (B.Tech/B.E. in ECE, EEE, EIE) seeking entry into the microelectronics sector. It also caters to working professionals in related fields who wish to upskill or transition into advanced VLSI roles, and individuals aiming for research or doctoral studies in semiconductor technology. A strong foundation in digital electronics and programming is highly beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to secure roles as VLSI Design Engineers, Verification Engineers, CAD Engineers, or Application Engineers in companies like Intel, Qualcomm, Texas Instruments, Wipro, and HCL Technologies in India. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 6-10 LPA, with experienced professionals earning INR 15-30+ LPA. The program also opens doors to advanced research and entrepreneurship in the burgeoning electronics domain.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Concepts with Practical Application- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage in classroom learning for fundamental subjects like Advanced Digital Design and VLSI Technology. Supplement theory by spending significant time in labs, thoroughly understanding EDA tools like Cadence, Synopsys, or Mentor Graphics. Focus on simulating and synthesizing small designs to build a robust technical foundation.
Tools & Resources
Official lab manuals, Online tutorials for specific EDA tools, NPTEL courses on VLSI design
Career Connection
Builds a strong technical base essential for cracking technical interviews and excelling in entry-level design or verification roles.
Develop Strong HDL and Scripting Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond academic projects, practice writing efficient Verilog/VHDL code for complex digital systems. Crucially, learn basic scripting languages like Python or Perl, which are indispensable for automation in modern VLSI design flows. Participate in online coding challenges or contribute to relevant open-source projects.
Tools & Resources
Online platforms like Hackerrank, LeetCode, GitHub for open-source projects, Verilog/VHDL textbooks, Python/Perl scripting guides
Career Connection
These skills are highly valued for verification, design, and CAD engineering roles, enhancing employability and efficiency.
Form Study Groups and Peer Learning Networks- (Semester 1-2)
Collaborate with classmates to solve challenging problems, discuss complex VLSI topics, and prepare for examinations. Actively teach concepts to peers, as explaining solidifies your own understanding. Participate in department workshops, guest lectures, and seminars to broaden your knowledge.
Tools & Resources
Collaborative whiteboards, Group study sessions, Departmental forums and student clubs
Career Connection
Enhances problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills, which are critical for success in collaborative corporate engineering environments.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Mini-Projects and Specialised Certifications- (Semester 3)
Actively seek out mini-projects in areas of personal interest or emerging VLSI trends (e.g., low-power design, DFT implementation). Consider pursuing certifications in specific EDA tools or specialized VLSI areas like UVM for verification, which add tangible, industry-relevant skills to your profile.
Tools & Resources
Coursera/edX for specialized courses, Official EDA tool training modules, Faculty for project ideas and mentorship
Career Connection
Provides practical, hands-on experience, makes your resume stand out, and demonstrates initiative and specialized skill to potential recruiters.
Seek Quality Industry Internships and Workshops- (Semester 3)
Actively apply for internships at reputable semiconductor companies or design houses. Participate in industry-sponsored workshops, hackathons, or design contests. This provides invaluable real-world exposure, professional networking opportunities, and insights into industry practices.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell and career services, LinkedIn for job postings, Company career portals, Industry events and conferences
Career Connection
Offers a crucial ''''foot-in-the-door'''' for full-time placements, helps build professional networks, and clarifies your career interests within the VLSI domain.
Engage in Research Paper Reading and Presentation- (Semester 3)
Regularly read recent research papers in your chosen sub-specialties within VLSI (e.g., AI/ML in hardware, Neuromorphic Computing). Develop critical analysis skills by understanding complex methodologies and findings. Present your understanding to faculty or peers, honing your communication skills.
Tools & Resources
IEEE Xplore, ACM Digital Library, Google Scholar, Department research forums and seminars
Career Connection
Prepares you for higher studies, R&D roles, and enhances critical thinking, which is crucial for tackling complex and innovative design challenges.
Advanced Stage
Focus on a Robust Dissertation/Major Project- (Semester 3-4)
Choose a challenging and highly relevant dissertation topic that aligns with current industry or research trends. Dedicate significant time to rigorous design, simulation, and analysis. Aim for a publishable-quality outcome or a functional prototype, showcasing your comprehensive problem-solving abilities.
Tools & Resources
Advanced EDA tools, Dedicated faculty mentorship, University research labs and facilities
Career Connection
The project becomes a major talking point in interviews, allowing you to showcase depth of knowledge, research aptitude, and practical problem-solving skills to employers.
Intensive Placement Preparation- (Semester 3-4)
Begin focused preparation for placements well in advance, including technical aptitude tests, mock interviews (both technical and HR), and meticulous resume building. Practice explaining your projects and theoretical concepts thoroughly. Actively leverage the college''''s career services cell and alumni network.
Tools & Resources
Previous year''''s question papers, Online aptitude platforms (e.g., GeeksforGeeks), Mock interview panels, LinkedIn
Career Connection
Directly leads to successful placements in desired semiconductor companies, securing a strong start to your professional career.
Build a Professional Network Strategically- (Semester 3-4)
Actively connect with alumni, industry experts, and faculty members in the VLSI domain. Attend industry conferences, workshops, and technical webinars (both virtual and physical). A strong professional network can provide invaluable mentorship, job leads, and long-term career guidance.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional associations (e.g., IEEE), Alumni events, Industry meetups and tech talks
Career Connection
Opens doors to ''''hidden'''' job markets, provides mentorship opportunities, and facilitates long-term career growth and professional development.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.Tech/B.E. in ECE/EEE/EIE/Instrumentation/CS/IT or equivalent degree with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks. Valid score in GATE/GAT (GITAM Admission Test) is often preferred or required.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 79 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40%, External: 60%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MVDL 701 | Advanced Digital System Design | Core | 4 | Combinational and Sequential Logic, Hardware Description Languages (Verilog/VHDL), Logic Synthesis and Optimization, FPGA Architectures and Design Flow, System Verilog for Verification |
| MVDL 703 | VLSI Technology | Core | 4 | CMOS Fabrication Process, Layout Design Rules (DRC), Etching and Doping Techniques, Interconnects and Packaging, Device Characterization |
| MVDL 705 | Analog and Mixed Signal IC Design | Core | 4 | MOS Devices and Models, Operational Amplifiers Design, Comparators and Bandgap References, Analog to Digital Converters (ADCs), Digital to Analog Converters (DACs) |
| MVDL 711 | Elective - I: Scripting Languages for VLSI Design | Elective | 3 | Perl Scripting for VLSI, Tcl/Tk for EDA Tool Control, Python for Design Automation, Data Parsing and Report Generation, File Handling and Regular Expressions |
| MVDL 721 | Advanced Digital System Design Lab | Lab | 2 | Verilog/VHDL Simulation, FPGA Implementation and Debugging, Logic Analyzer Usage, Test Bench Development, Synthesis and Place & Route Tools |
| MVDL 723 | VLSI Technology Lab | Lab | 2 | CMOS Layout Design using EDA tools, Design Rule Check (DRC), Layout Versus Schematic (LVS), Parasitic Extraction, Process Flow Simulation |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MVDL 702 | CMOS Analog IC Design | Core | 4 | Advanced Amplifier Topologies, Current Mirrors and Bandgap References, Noise Analysis in Analog Circuits, RF CMOS Circuit Design, Phase-Locked Loops (PLLs) |
| MVDL 704 | Design for Testability (DFT) | Core | 4 | Fault Models and Simulation, Automatic Test Pattern Generation (ATPG), Scan Design Techniques, Built-In Self-Test (BIST), Boundary Scan (IEEE 1149.1) |
| MVDL 706 | VLSI Signal Processing | Core | 4 | DSP Architectures and Algorithms, FIR and IIR Filter Design, Parallel Processing and Pipelining, Data Flow Graphs and Retiming, Arithmetic Unit Design for DSP |
| MVDL 708 | Research Methodology & IPR | Core | 3 | Research Design and Problem Formulation, Data Collection and Analysis Methods, Technical Report Writing, Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), Patent Filing Procedures |
| MVDL 712 | Elective - II: Advanced Computer Architecture | Elective | 3 | Pipeline Architectures, Memory Hierarchy Design, Multiprocessors and Cache Coherence, Vector Processors, Parallel Computing Models |
| MVDL 722 | CMOS Analog IC Design Lab | Lab | 2 | Op-amp Simulations and Characterization, ADC/DAC Design and Verification, Layout of Analog Building Blocks, Mixed-Signal Simulations, Noise Measurement and Analysis |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MVDL 811 | Elective - III: Embedded Systems for VLSI | Elective | 3 | Microcontroller Architectures, Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS), Sensor Interfacing, Embedded C Programming, Firmware Development and Debugging |
| MVDL 813 | Elective - IV: Low Power VLSI Design | Elective | 3 | Sources of Power Dissipation, Dynamic and Static Power Reduction, Voltage and Frequency Scaling, Clock Gating Techniques, Power Gating and Multi-threshold CMOS |
| MVDL 815 | Elective - V: System-on-Chip Design | Elective | 3 | SoC Architectures, IP Core Integration, Bus Architectures (AMBA, OCP), Verification Methodologies, Design for Debug |
| MVDL 881 | Mini Project | Project | 5 | Problem Identification and Scope Definition, Literature Survey, Design and Implementation of a small VLSI system, Testing and Verification, Technical Report Writing and Presentation |
| MVDL 883 | Industrial Training / Internship | Internship | 6 | Industry Exposure and Best Practices, Practical Application of VLSI Concepts, Project Work in an Industrial Setting, Professional Communication and Teamwork, Problem Solving in Real-World Scenarios |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MVDL 891 | Dissertation / Major Project | Project | 20 | Advanced Research and Problem Statement, System Level Design and Prototyping, Experimental Analysis and Results, Thesis Writing and Documentation, Viva Voce and Defense |
