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M-TECH-PHD-DUAL-DEGREE in Vlsi System Design at Indian Institute of Technology Indore
Indore, Madhya Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is VLSI System Design at Indian Institute of Technology Indore Indore?
This VLSI System Design program at IIT Indore focuses on the comprehensive design and implementation of integrated circuits, critical for India''''s growing semiconductor ecosystem. It covers both analog and digital design, device physics, and fabrication processes, preparing students for cutting-edge roles in chip design and manufacturing, crucial for domestic innovation.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh engineering graduates with a B.Tech/B.E. in Electrical, Electronics, or related fields, aiming for advanced research and industry leadership in VLSI. It also suits working professionals seeking to specialize in chip design or pivot to the rapidly expanding semiconductor industry in India, leveraging their existing engineering foundations.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue high-impact careers as VLSI design engineers, ASIC architects, verification engineers, or R&D scientists in leading Indian and global semiconductor firms. Entry-level salaries range from INR 8-15 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. The dual degree path provides a strong foundation for academic and advanced research roles.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core VLSI Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Diligently focus on understanding fundamental courses like Digital VLSI Design, Analog CMOS Design, and Solid State Devices. Build a strong theoretical base and practice problem-solving rigorously.
Tools & Resources
CMOS VLSI Design by Neil Weste & David Harris, Analysis and Design of Analog Integrated Circuits by Paul R. Gray, Phillip E. Allen, R. G. Meyer, NPTEL lectures
Career Connection
Essential for clearing technical interviews for design and verification roles, and for advanced specialization.
Develop Strong Simulation Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Gain hands-on proficiency with industry-standard EDA tools for circuit simulation (e.g., Cadence Virtuoso, Synopsis Custom Compiler, HSPICE, Spectre) and digital design (e.g., Xilinx Vivado, Intel Quartus, ModelSim).
Tools & Resources
University lab sessions, Online tutorials from tool vendors, Open-source alternatives like ngspice or GTKWave
Career Connection
Direct skill required for almost all VLSI design and verification engineering positions, accelerating productivity in professional projects.
Engage in Peer Learning and Study Groups- (Semester 1-2)
Collaborate with peers on assignments, course projects, and exam preparation. Discuss complex topics, explain concepts to each other, and challenge assumptions to deepen understanding.
Tools & Resources
Study groups, Online collaborative platforms, Departmental common rooms
Career Connection
Develops teamwork, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities crucial for collaborative industry projects and research.
Intermediate Stage
Pursue Specialization-Specific Projects- (Semester 3-5)
Actively seek out small design projects or research tasks under faculty guidance that align with your specific VLSI interests (e.g., low-power design, RFIC, embedded systems).
Tools & Resources
Project labs, Faculty research groups, IEEE/ACM student chapters
Career Connection
Builds a strong project portfolio, demonstrates practical application of knowledge, and helps secure internships and specialized job roles.
Network with Industry Professionals- (Semester 3-5)
Attend departmental seminars, industry workshops, and guest lectures. Connect with visiting professionals, alumni, and recruiters on platforms like LinkedIn to explore career opportunities and gain insights.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Career fairs, Professional societies (IEEE Circuits and Systems Society)
Career Connection
Opens doors to internship and full-time job opportunities, provides mentorship, and helps understand current industry trends.
Participate in Design Competitions/Hackathons- (Semester 3-5)
Join university or national level VLSI design competitions or hackathons (e.g., Hackerearth VLSI challenges, IEEE design competitions) to test your skills under pressure and innovate.
Tools & Resources
Online challenge platforms, University prototyping labs
Career Connection
Enhances problem-solving skills, exposes you to real-world design constraints, and is a valuable addition to your resume for placements.
Advanced Stage
Deep Dive into Research for Ph.D. Thesis- (Semester 6-8)
Engage intensively in your Ph.D. research, focusing on identifying novel problems, developing innovative solutions, and rigorously validating your findings. Aim for high-quality publications in top-tier conferences and journals.
Tools & Resources
University research labs, High-performance computing resources, Academic databases (IEEE Xplore, ACM Digital Library), Mentorship from Ph.D. advisors
Career Connection
Establishes you as an expert in a niche VLSI area, critical for R&D roles in industry or academia, and strengthens your academic profile.
Develop Advanced Communication and Presentation Skills- (Semester 6-8)
Regularly present your research findings in departmental seminars, conferences, and workshops. Practice articulating complex technical ideas clearly and concisely to diverse audiences.
Tools & Resources
Departmental presentation series, Toastmasters International, Public speaking workshops, Conference opportunities
Career Connection
Essential for leadership roles, collaborative research, and effective communication with interdisciplinary teams in industry and academia.
Strategic Career Planning & Post-PhD Placement- (Semester 6-8)
Actively explore post-Ph.D. career options, whether in industrial R&D, faculty positions, or entrepreneurship. Tailor your Ph.D. work and networking efforts towards these goals, and prepare for interviews specific to advanced roles.
Tools & Resources
Career services, Alumni network, Professional conferences, Specific job portals for Ph.D. roles
Career Connection
Facilitates a smooth transition into high-level research or academic positions, leveraging the deep expertise gained during the dual degree program.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.Tech./B.E. or equivalent in Electrical/Electronics/E&C/Instrumentation Engineering or related areas with min 6.5 CGPA out of 10 or 60% marks; OR M.Sc. in relevant disciplines (Physics, Electronics) with valid GATE score or UGC/CSIR-JRF. Valid GATE score in EE/EC/IN/PH/CS or equivalent is generally required for B.Tech/B.E. direct entry.
Duration: 10 semesters / 5 years
Credits: 168 (48 M.Tech. coursework + 120 Ph.D. research) Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EE601 | Digital Signal Processing | Core (General EE) | 3 | Discrete-time signals and systems, Z-transform and applications, DFT and FFT algorithms, FIR filter design techniques, IIR filter design techniques, Multirate signal processing |
| EE603 | Advanced Engineering Mathematics | Core (General EE) | 3 | Linear algebra and vector spaces, Ordinary differential equations (ODEs), Partial differential equations (PDEs), Complex analysis and contour integration, Probability and statistics, Numerical methods |
| EE605 | Research Methodology | Core (General EE) | 3 | Research problem identification, Literature review and analysis, Experimental design and data collection, Statistical analysis and hypothesis testing, Thesis writing and presentation, Research ethics and intellectual property |
| EE613 | Solid State Devices | Core (VLSI Specific) | 3 | Semiconductor physics fundamentals, P-N junction diode characteristics, Bipolar Junction Transistors (BJTs), MOS capacitor and MOSFET operation, Device fabrication processes, Optoelectronic devices |
| EE621 | Digital VLSI Design | Core (VLSI Specific) | 3 | CMOS inverter characteristics, Static and dynamic logic circuits, Combinational and sequential logic design, Layout design rules and parasitic effects, Interconnect and clocking strategies, Design for testability (DFT) concepts |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EE623 | Analog CMOS Design | Core (VLSI Specific) | 3 | Current mirrors and references, Differential amplifiers and operational amplifiers, Frequency response and stability, Noise analysis in analog circuits, Bandgap references and voltage regulators, CMOS layout techniques |
| EE625 | VLSI Technology | Elective (VLSI Specialization) | 3 | IC fabrication overview, Photolithography techniques, Oxidation and diffusion processes, Ion implantation for doping, Thin film deposition (PVD, CVD), Etching and metallization |
| EE627 | Testing and Verification of VLSI Circuits | Elective (VLSI Specialization) | 3 | Fault modeling and simulation, Test pattern generation (ATG), Design for Testability (DFT), Scan design and BIST, Formal verification methods, Logic and functional verification |
| GEXXX | General Elective I | Elective (General) | 3 | Topics determined by chosen course from other departments/specializations |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EE629 | Advanced Digital VLSI Design | Elective (VLSI Specialization) | 3 | High-performance VLSI circuits, Clocking strategies and clock distribution, Memory circuits (SRAM, DRAM), Power and ground distribution networks, Interconnect modeling and analysis, Physical design automation concepts |
| EE633 | Low Power VLSI Design | Elective (VLSI Specialization) | 3 | Sources of power dissipation, Dynamic voltage and frequency scaling, Leakage power reduction techniques, Clock gating and power gating, Power estimation and optimization, Energy harvesting for low power systems |
| GEXXX | General Elective II | Elective (General) | 3 | Topics determined by chosen course from other departments/specializations |
| EE700 | M.Tech. Project (Part 1) | Project | 3 | Problem identification and definition, Extensive literature survey, Development of design methodology, Initial system implementation, Interim report writing, Project progress presentation |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EE635 | Mixed Signal Design | Elective (VLSI Specialization) | 3 | Data converters (ADC and DAC), Sample and hold circuits, Switched-capacitor circuits, Phase-locked loops (PLLs), Bandgap voltage references, High-speed data interfaces |
| EE643 | Embedded System Design | Elective (VLSI Specialization) | 3 | Microcontroller architectures, Real-time operating systems (RTOS), Device drivers and interrupts, Memory management techniques, System-on-Chip (SoC) architectures, Hardware-software co-design |
| EE701 | M.Tech. Project (Part 2) | Project | 3 | Advanced implementation and optimization, Extensive experimental validation, Performance analysis and benchmarking, Detailed thesis writing and documentation, Final project presentation, Contribution to research/innovation |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EE800 | Ph.D. Thesis | Research | 20 | In-depth literature review and analysis, Identification of research gaps, Formulation of novel research problem, Development of theoretical framework/methodology, Initial experimental/simulation work, Regular progress reporting and discussions |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EE800 | Ph.D. Thesis | Research | 20 | Refinement of research methodology, Extensive data collection and analysis, Development of novel algorithms/designs, Interdisciplinary collaborations, Preparation of research papers for publication, Attendance at conferences/workshops |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EE800 | Ph.D. Thesis | Research | 20 | Advanced experimental validation, Comprehensive theoretical contributions, Writing of research chapters, Presentation of research findings at international forums, Addressing feedback from publications, Mentoring junior researchers/students |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EE800 | Ph.D. Thesis | Research | 20 | Finalization of core research contributions, Integration of all research components, Preparation for pre-submission seminar, Initiating patent filing if applicable, Collaboration with industry partners for translation, Mentorship and leadership development |
Semester 9
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EE800 | Ph.D. Thesis | Research | 20 | Completion of thesis manuscript, Addressing reviewer comments for publications, Preparation for thesis defense, Final documentation and submission, Dissemination of research outcomes, Career planning and job search |
Semester 10
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EE800 | Ph.D. Thesis | Research | 20 | Successful thesis defense, Final revisions and institutional submission, Preparation for post-doctoral research, Networking for academic/industrial roles, Knowledge transfer activities, Mentoring and community engagement |
