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M-TECH in Vlsi Design at Indian Institute of Technology Delhi
Delhi, Delhi
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About the Specialization
What is VLSI Design at Indian Institute of Technology Delhi Delhi?
This VLSI Design program at IIT Delhi, jointly offered by Electrical Engineering and Computer Science & Engineering, focuses on equipping students with advanced knowledge in integrated circuit design. It delves into the intricate processes of designing, fabricating, and testing semiconductor chips, which are the bedrock of modern electronics. With India''''s growing semiconductor ecosystem, this program is at the forefront of preparing talent for high-demand roles in chip manufacturing and design.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates holding a B.E./B.Tech in Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Information Technology, or Instrumentation Engineering, possessing a strong foundation in digital electronics and a valid GATE score. It also caters to working professionals in the electronics industry seeking to upskill or transition into specialized roles in VLSI design and verification, offering a deep dive into advanced concepts and practical applications.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to secure high-impact roles in core semiconductor companies across India and globally. Career paths include ASIC Design Engineer, Verification Engineer, CAD Engineer, FPGA Designer, Embedded Systems Engineer, and Device Physicist. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 8-15 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more (INR 25-50+ LPA), driven by the strong demand for chip design talent in the Indian market, particularly in cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Noida.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Digital and Analog VLSI Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate significant effort to understanding core concepts of digital and analog circuit design. Thoroughly grasp device physics, CMOS logic, and operational amplifier principles. Utilize course materials, textbooks, and online resources for in-depth learning.
Tools & Resources
Course lectures and notes, Textbooks (e.g., Razavi, Kang & Leblebici), NPTEL courses on VLSI design, Basic circuit simulators (LTSpice, ngspice)
Career Connection
A strong foundation is crucial for excelling in advanced courses and forms the bedrock for any role in chip design or verification.
Engage Actively in VLSI Lab Sessions and Projects- (Semester 1-2)
Hands-on experience with industry-standard Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools is invaluable. Actively participate in lab sessions for circuit design, simulation, layout, and verification. Take initiative to explore beyond given assignments.
Tools & Resources
Cadence Virtuoso, Synopsys Design Compiler, Mentor Graphics Calibre, Verilog/VHDL, FPGA development boards
Career Connection
Proficiency in EDA tools is a primary skill sought by recruiters for design, verification, and physical design engineering roles.
Build a Strong Foundational Network- (Semester 1-2)
Connect with peers, senior students, and faculty. Form study groups to discuss complex topics and prepare for exams. Seek mentorship from professors on research interests or career paths. Attend departmental seminars and workshops.
Tools & Resources
Departmental events, Student clubs (e.g., IEEE student chapter), Campus networking events
Career Connection
Peer learning enhances understanding, and faculty connections can open doors to research opportunities, internships, and project guidance.
Intermediate Stage
Focus on Elective Specialization and Industry Projects- (Semester 3)
Strategically choose elective courses that align with your career interests (e.g., Analog/Mixed-Signal, Digital ASIC, Verification, Embedded Systems). Seek out industry-relevant mini-projects or research work under faculty guidance to apply specialized knowledge.
Tools & Resources
Advanced EDA tools for specialized domains, Research papers (IEEE Xplore, ACM Digital Library), Online courses on specific tools/techniques (e.g., UVM, SystemC)
Career Connection
Specialized knowledge and practical project experience make you a more attractive candidate for targeted roles in the semiconductor industry.
Participate in Design Competitions and Hackathons- (Semester 3)
Engage in national-level VLSI design competitions, hackathons, or challenges organized by industry bodies or academic institutions. This provides exposure to real-world problems, teamwork, and problem-solving under pressure.
Tools & Resources
Open-source FPGA platforms, EDA tool licenses for competition use, GitHub for collaborative coding
Career Connection
Showcasing competitive projects demonstrates practical skills, initiative, and the ability to work in a team, highly valued during placements.
Seek Early Internships in Semiconductor Firms- (Semester 3)
Actively apply for summer or short-term internships at semiconductor companies. Even a brief exposure provides invaluable insights into industry practices, workflows, and company culture. Leverage IIT Delhi''''s strong industry connections.
Tools & Resources
IIT Delhi Placement Cell resources, Company career portals (Intel India, Qualcomm India, STMicroelectronics India), LinkedIn for networking
Career Connection
Internships are often a direct pathway to pre-placement offers (PPOs) and provide critical experience that distinguishes your resume.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Major Project Work and Research- (Semester 4)
Your M.Tech thesis is a culmination of your learning. Aim for a high-quality project with significant contributions, whether academic or industrial. Focus on rigorous methodology, in-depth analysis, and clear documentation. Consider publishing your work.
Tools & Resources
Advanced simulation and verification platforms, Access to research labs and facilities, LaTeX for thesis writing, Reference management tools
Career Connection
A strong major project demonstrates research capability, problem-solving skills, and deep domain expertise, critical for R&D roles and higher studies.
Prepare for Placements with Focused Skill Development- (Semester 4)
Tailor your interview preparation to specific company requirements. Practice technical questions on VLSI fundamentals, digital/analog design, algorithms, and data structures. Work on communication skills and mock interviews to build confidence.
Tools & Resources
GeeksforGeeks, LeetCode (for coding rounds), Online technical interview prep platforms, Departmental placement cell mock interview sessions, Company-specific interview guides
Career Connection
Effective preparation directly leads to success in campus placements, securing desirable roles with leading semiconductor and tech companies.
Network with Alumni and Industry Leaders- (Semester 4)
Leverage IIT Delhi''''s extensive alumni network. Attend alumni events, industry conferences, and workshops to connect with professionals. These connections can provide insights, mentorship, and potential career opportunities in the long run.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, IIT Delhi Alumni Association events, IEEE/VLSI Society events, Industry conferences (e.g., VLSI Design Conference, DAC)
Career Connection
Networking is vital for career growth, staying updated on industry trends, and discovering hidden job markets and leadership opportunities.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.E./B.Tech. or equivalent degree in Electrical Engg./Electronics Engg./Electronics & Communication Engg./Instrumentation Engg./Computer Science & Engg./Information Technology with minimum 60% marks or 6.00 CGPA (on a 10 point scale) (55% or 5.50 CGPA for SC/ST/PwD candidates). Valid GATE score in EC/EE/CS.
Duration: 4 semesters
Credits: 64 Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EEL630 | Analog VLSI Design | Core | 3 | MOS device models, Current mirrors and references, Differential amplifiers, Operational amplifiers, Feedback and stability, Switched-capacitor circuits, Data converters (ADC/DAC) |
| EEL710 | Digital VLSI Design | Core | 3 | CMOS logic families, Combinational and sequential circuits, Static and dynamic logic, Circuit characterization, Timing and power analysis, Interconnect effects, Design for Testability (DFT) |
| EEL700 | Seminar | Core | 2 | Technical literature review, Research paper analysis, Presentation skills, Technical report writing, Domain-specific advanced topics |
| EEL784 / EEL785 (Choose One) | Principles of VLSI Design / MOS Devices | Core Elective Option | 3 | VLSI design flow (front-end to back-end), CMOS process technology, Power, delay, and scaling issues, Physical design automation, Semiconductor physics, MOSFET theory and characteristics, Short channel effects, Advanced MOS devices |
| Electives (Choose 2) | Elective Courses from Pool | Elective | 3-4 each | Students select 2 elective courses from the comprehensive pool of electives offered by EE and CSE departments., These courses cover various aspects of VLSI, embedded systems, computer architecture, and device physics. |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EEP711 | VLSI Design Lab | Core | 2 | CMOS inverter and logic gates design, Digital and analog circuit simulation (SPICE), Physical layout design (Cadence Virtuoso), Design rule checking (DRC), Layout versus schematic (LVS), Post-layout simulation, FPGA based design implementation |
| MPP700 | Major Project Part I | Core | 6 | Problem identification and literature review, Project proposal formulation, Design of architecture/algorithms, Initial simulation and analysis, Defining project scope and methodology |
| Electives (Choose 2) | Elective Courses from Pool | Elective | 3-4 each | Students select 2 elective courses from the comprehensive pool of electives offered by EE and CSE departments., These courses cover various aspects of VLSI, embedded systems, computer architecture, and device physics. |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPR700 | Major Project Part II | Core | 8 | Detailed design and implementation, Extensive simulation and verification, Performance analysis and optimization, Mid-term project report and presentation, Addressing challenges and refining methodology |
| Electives (Choose 2) | Elective Courses from Pool | Elective | 3-4 each | Students select 2 elective courses from the comprehensive pool of electives offered by EE and CSE departments., These courses cover various aspects of VLSI, embedded systems, computer architecture, and device physics. |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPD700 | Major Project Part III | Core | 12 | Final system integration and testing, Advanced characterization and validation, Comprehensive performance evaluation, Final thesis writing and defense, Contribution to research or industry-relevant problem |
Semester pool
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EEL631 | RF Microelectronics | Elective | 3 | CMOS RF circuits, Low noise amplifiers, Mixers, Oscillators, Power amplifiers, RF transceivers |
| EEL632 | CAD for VLSI | Elective | 3 | VLSI design automation, Partitioning, Placement, Routing, Floorplanning, Logic synthesis, Design verification |
| EEL633 | Mixed Signal Circuit Design | Elective | 3 | Analog and digital circuit interaction, Noise analysis, Sampling and quantization, Data converters, Phase-locked loops |
| EEL705 | Embedded System Design | Elective | 3 | Microcontrollers, Embedded processors, RTOS, Memory organization, IoT applications, Hardware-software co-design |
| EEL706 | Hardware Software Co-design | Elective | 3 | System specification, Partitioning, Hardware/software interfaces, Verification, Performance optimization |
| EEL714 | System Level Design & Modeling | Elective | 3 | High-level design languages, SystemC, Transaction-level modeling, ESL design flows, Architecture exploration |
| EEL715 | Semiconductor Memory Design | Elective | 3 | SRAM, DRAM, Flash memory architectures, Memory cells, Sense amplifiers, Error correction codes, Memory testing |
| EEL716 | Advanced Topics in VLSI Design | Elective | 3 | Emerging VLSI technologies, 3D ICs, Heterogeneous integration, Neuromorphic computing, Advanced packaging |
| EEL717 | Low Power VLSI Design | Elective | 3 | Power consumption analysis, Dynamic and static power reduction, Voltage scaling, Clock gating, Power gating, Multi-Vth techniques |
| EEL718 | Device Modelling and Simulation | Elective | 3 | MOSFET models (BSIM), Process simulation, Device simulation, TCAD tools, Parameter extraction |
| EEL719 | Advanced Analog & Mixed Signal Design | Elective | 3 | High-speed analog design, Advanced op-amp architectures, PLLs, DLLs, Sigma-Delta converters, RFICs |
| EEL720 | Testing & Testability of VLSI Circuits | Elective | 3 | Fault models, Test generation, Fault simulation, Built-in self-test (BIST), Boundary scan (JTAG), Automatic test pattern generation (ATPG) |
| EEL721 | Advanced Digital System Design | Elective | 3 | FPGA based design, High-level synthesis, Asynchronous circuits, System-on-Chip (SoC) architectures, Verification methodologies |
| EEL722 | Nanoscale Devices & Circuits | Elective | 3 | Quantum effects in nanodevices, FinFETs, GAAFETs, Tunnel FETs, Nanowire transistors, Carbon nanotubes, Graphene devices |
| EEL723 | Machine Learning for VLSI CAD | Elective | 3 | AI/ML algorithms in CAD, Design space exploration, Placement and routing optimization, Design rule checking, Performance prediction |
| EEL724 | Quantum Computing Systems | Elective | 3 | Quantum mechanics fundamentals, Qubits and quantum gates, Quantum algorithms (Shor''''s, Grover''''s), Quantum hardware platforms, Error correction |
| EEL725 | Reliability in VLSI Systems | Elective | 3 | Device degradation mechanisms, Electromigration, Hot carrier injection, Negative bias temperature instability, Reliability modeling, Fault tolerance |
| EEL730 | Introduction to Bio-MEMS | Elective | 3 | MEMS fabrication, Microfluidics, Biosensors, Lab-on-a-chip devices, Medical implants |
| EEL731 | Advanced MEMS | Elective | 3 | Advanced MEMS devices, Actuators and sensors, Integration with electronics, Packaging, Applications in consumer electronics and healthcare |
| EEL751 | Compound Semiconductor Devices | Elective | 3 | III-V and II-VI semiconductors, Heterostructures, HEMTs, HBTs, LEDs and laser diodes, High-frequency devices |
| EEL753 | Nanoelectronic Devices | Elective | 3 | Quantum dots, Quantum wires, Resonant tunneling devices, Single electron transistors, Spintronic devices |
| EEL754 | Spintronics | Elective | 3 | Spin phenomena in semiconductors, Giant magnetoresistance, Tunnel magnetoresistance, Spin injection, Magnetic random access memory (MRAM) |
| EEL755 | Organic Electronics | Elective | 3 | Organic semiconductors, Organic LEDs, Organic thin-film transistors, Flexible electronics, Bio-degradable electronics |
| EEL781 | Solid State Device Modeling | Elective | 3 | Semiconductor equations, Drift-diffusion model, MOSFET I-V modeling, Compact models, Device simulation software |
| EEL782 | Nano-scale Optoelectronic Devices | Elective | 3 | Quantum confined devices, Nanophotonics, Plasmonics, Quantum dot lasers, Photodetectors, Solar cells |
| EEL783 | Fabrication Technology | Elective | 3 | Cleanroom technology, Photolithography, Thin film deposition, Etching, Ion implantation, Metallization, Packaging |
| EEL786 | Optoelectronic Devices & Circuits | Elective | 3 | LEDs, Lasers, Photodetectors, Optical fibers, Photonic integrated circuits, Optical communication systems, Sensors |
| EEL810 | Advanced Microprocessors | Elective | 3 | Microprocessor architectures, Instruction set architectures, Pipelining, Cache memories, Virtual memory, Multicore processors |
| EEL811 | High Performance Computer Architecture | Elective | 3 | Superscalar and VLIW architectures, Out-of-order execution, Vector processors, GPU architectures, Memory hierarchy optimization |
| EEL812 | Advanced Topics in Computer Architecture | Elective | 3 | Domain-specific accelerators, Near-memory computing, Processing-in-memory, Hardware security, Emerging architectures |
| EEL813 | Advanced Computing for VLSI | Elective | 3 | High-performance computing in CAD, Parallel algorithms for VLSI tools, Cloud-based EDA, Distributed simulation and verification |
| ELL794 | Principles of Electromagnetics | Elective | 3 | Maxwell''''s equations, Wave propagation, Transmission lines, Antennas, Electromagnetic interference (EMI) |
| MCS730 | Parallel Computing | Elective | 3 | Parallel architectures, Message passing interface (MPI), OpenMP, GPU programming (CUDA/OpenCL), Parallel algorithms |
| MCL730 | VLSI Design | Elective | 3 | CMOS digital circuit design, Gate level design, Timing and power estimation, Design methodologies, FPGA implementation |
| MCL731 | Advanced VLSI Design | Elective | 3 | Deep submicron issues, Clock distribution networks, Power delivery networks, Signal integrity, Process variations, Yield optimization |
| MCL732 | CAD for VLSI | Elective | 3 | Physical design automation, Logic synthesis algorithms, Verification tools, Test vector generation, Design for manufacturability (DFM) |
| MCL733 | Formal Verification | Elective | 3 | Model checking, Equivalence checking, Theorem proving, Temporal logic, Formal methods in hardware design |
| MCL734 | Testing and Verification | Elective | 3 | Fault models and simulation, ATPG, Scan design, BIST, Functional verification, Assertion-based verification |
| MCL735 | Embedded Systems | Elective | 3 | Embedded processors, ARM architecture, Peripherals and interfaces, Device drivers, Real-time operating systems (RTOS) |
| MCL736 | Processor Design | Elective | 3 | CPU pipeline design, Instruction cache, Data cache, Branch prediction, Register file design, RISC-V architecture |
| MCL737 | Synthesis of Digital Systems | Elective | 3 | HDL-based design, Logic synthesis algorithms, Mapping to standard cells, Timing closure, FPGA synthesis |
| MCL738 | High-Level Synthesis | Elective | 3 | Behavioral synthesis, Scheduling, Allocation, Binding, Control and data path generation, SystemC HLS |
| MCL739 | Reconfigurable Computing | Elective | 3 | FPGA architectures, Custom computing machines, Partial reconfiguration, High-level programming for FPGAs, Accelerated computing |
| MCL740 | Advanced Computer Architecture | Elective | 3 | Multicore processors, Memory consistency models, Interconnects, Domain-specific accelerators, Cloud computing architecture |
| MCL741 | Parallel Architectures | Elective | 3 | SIMD, MIMD architectures, Shared memory systems, Distributed memory systems, Network-on-Chip (NoC), Cache coherence |
| MCL742 | Topics in Parallel Computing | Elective | 3 | GPU architecture, CUDA programming, OpenCL, Parallel algorithms for scientific computing, Big data processing |
| MCL743 | Advanced Microprocessors | Elective | 3 | Superscalar pipelining, Branch prediction techniques, Memory management units, Virtualization support, Performance counters |
| MCL744 | Embedded System Software | Elective | 3 | Firmware development, Bootloaders, Device drivers, Real-time scheduling, Embedded Linux, Software debugging |
| MCL745 | Digital Hardware Design | Elective | 3 | Verilog/VHDL for design, Finite state machines, Datapath design, Synchronous design principles, Clock domain crossing (CDC) |
| MCL746 | Design of Embedded Systems | Elective | 3 | System specification, Hardware/software co-verification, Power optimization in embedded systems, Security in embedded devices, Case studies |
| MCL747 | System-on-Chip Design | Elective | 3 | SoC architecture, IP core integration, Bus architectures (AMBA, OCP), Verification methodologies for SoCs, Power management in SoCs |
| MCL748 | Design Verification of Digital Systems | Elective | 3 | Verification plan, Testbench architecture, Coverage metrics, Constrained random verification (UVM/SystemVerilog), Formal verification |
| MCL749 | Secure Hardware Design | Elective | 3 | Hardware Trojans, Side-channel attacks, Physical unclonable functions (PUF), Trusted execution environments, Cryptographic hardware |
| MCL750 | Computer System Performance Analysis | Elective | 3 | Performance metrics, Benchmarking, Simulation techniques, Queueing theory, Workload characterization, Profiling |
| MCL751 | Advanced Logic Design | Elective | 3 | Complex combinational logic, Sequential logic design with FSMs, Asynchronous logic, Synthesis for FPGAs, Optimization techniques |
