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B-TECH-M-TECH in Microelectronics And Vlsi at Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur
Kanpur Nagar, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Microelectronics and VLSI at Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur Kanpur Nagar?
This Microelectronics and VLSI program at IIT Kanpur focuses on equipping students with advanced knowledge and practical skills in designing, fabricating, and testing integrated circuits and semiconductor devices. India''''s rapidly growing electronics manufacturing sector, driven by ''''Make in India'''' and digital initiatives, creates a significant demand for skilled professionals in this cutting-edge field. The program emphasizes both theoretical foundations and hands-on experience, preparing graduates for key roles in the global and domestic chip industry.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for highly motivated B.Tech Electrical/Electronics Engineering graduates or equivalent who possess a strong aptitude for circuit design, device physics, and mathematics. It caters to fresh graduates seeking entry into the semiconductor design and fabrication industry, as well as working professionals looking to upskill in advanced VLSI technologies or transition into microelectronics research and development roles. A solid foundation in analog and digital electronics is a crucial prerequisite.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to secure high-impact positions in R&D, design, and manufacturing within India''''s booming semiconductor industry. Career paths include VLSI Design Engineer, Device Engineer, Verification Engineer, Layout Engineer, and Embedded Systems Designer. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 8-15 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly higher. The program''''s rigorous curriculum aligns with industry standards, positioning graduates for rapid growth in leading Indian and multinational semiconductor companies.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Fundamental Concepts- (Semester 1-4)
Dedicate time to thoroughly understand core subjects like Signals & Systems, Analog Circuits, and Digital Circuits. Utilize online resources like NPTEL courses, MIT OpenCourseware, and standard textbooks to supplement classroom learning. Form study groups to discuss complex topics and solve problems collaboratively.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL, MIT OpenCourseware, Textbooks (e.g., Sedra/Smith for Analog, Morris Mano for Digital), Problem-solving sessions
Career Connection
A strong foundation is critical for advanced VLSI courses and for cracking technical interviews in semiconductor companies, where fundamental circuit and device knowledge is extensively tested.
Develop Programming and Simulation Skills- (Semester 1-4)
Beyond basic computing, focus on mastering programming languages like C/C++ and Python, and gain proficiency in simulation tools such as MATLAB/Octave and SPICE. Actively participate in lab sessions and try to implement small projects using these tools to solidify understanding.
Tools & Resources
C/C++, Python, MATLAB/Octave, LTSpice/ngspice, Online coding platforms
Career Connection
These skills are indispensable for system modeling, data analysis, and using EDA (Electronic Design Automation) tools later in the curriculum and in industry roles like VLSI verification or design.
Engage in Departmental Workshops and Seminars- (Semester 1-4)
Actively attend workshops, seminars, and guest lectures organized by the Electrical Engineering department or student clubs. These events often cover emerging trends in microelectronics, offer insights into industry practices, and provide networking opportunities with faculty and senior students.
Tools & Resources
Departmental notice boards, Student club events, Guest lectures by industry professionals
Career Connection
Early exposure to advanced topics and industry perspectives helps in choosing electives wisely and understanding future career avenues in the Microelectronics and VLSI domain.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Mini-Projects and Internships- (Semester 5-7)
Seek opportunities for mini-projects under faculty guidance or pursue summer internships (2-3 months) at startups or research labs in areas related to VLSI, embedded systems, or semiconductor devices. Even short, hands-on experiences provide invaluable practical exposure.
Tools & Resources
Faculty mentorship, IITK Internship Cell, LinkedIn for industry connections, Online project platforms
Career Connection
Practical experience significantly enhances your resume for future placements and helps in applying theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges, making you a more attractive candidate for specialized roles.
Specialize through Electives and Advanced Courses- (Semester 5-7)
Carefully choose advanced electives in Microelectronics, VLSI Design, Device Physics, and Analog/Digital VLSI. Dive deep into the specific sub-fields that align with your interests, building expertise beyond the core curriculum. Consider enrolling in online courses from platforms like Coursera or edX for niche topics.
Tools & Resources
Course curriculum handbook, Faculty advisors, Coursera/edX for specialized courses, Research papers
Career Connection
Developing specialized knowledge demonstrates commitment to the VLSI domain and prepares you for specialized roles in chip design, verification, or fabrication, which are highly sought after by companies.
Participate in Technical Competitions and Hackathons- (Semester 5-7)
Engage in national or international technical competitions focused on circuit design, embedded systems, or robotics. These platforms provide an excellent opportunity to test your skills, collaborate with peers, and showcase innovative solutions, often leading to recognition and industry visibility.
Tools & Resources
IEEE student chapters, Robotics clubs, Online hackathon platforms (e.g., HackerRank, Devpost), Institute''''s innovation cell
Career Connection
Winning or even participating in such competitions demonstrates problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and practical application of knowledge, which are highly valued by recruiters in core engineering sectors.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Comprehensive M.Tech Project- (Semester 8-10)
Select an M.Tech. project that addresses a significant problem in Microelectronics or VLSI, ideally with potential for research publication or industry application. Work closely with your supervisor, focusing on detailed design, rigorous simulation, and thorough validation. This project is the cornerstone of your M.Tech. degree.
Tools & Resources
Faculty research labs, Advanced EDA tools (Cadence, Synopsys), Research journals (IEEE, ACM), Institutional research grants
Career Connection
A strong project is a powerful differentiator for placements, showcasing your ability to conduct independent research, solve complex problems, and contribute original work to the field. It''''s often discussed in depth during interviews.
Network and Attend Industry Conferences- (Semester 8-10)
Actively network with alumni, faculty, and industry professionals. Attend relevant conferences (e.g., VLSI Design Conference, IEEE TENCON) in India to stay updated on technological advancements and connect with potential employers. Leverage LinkedIn for professional connections.
Tools & Resources
IITK Alumni network, LinkedIn, IEEE conferences (VLSI Design, Electron Devices Meeting), Career fairs
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to exclusive internship and full-time job opportunities, provides mentorship, and helps in understanding industry expectations and trends for strategic career planning.
Prepare Rigorously for Placements and Higher Studies- (Semester 8-10)
Start placement preparation early, focusing on technical aptitude tests, core subject revisions, and mock interviews. For those interested in PhD, identify research areas and faculty, prepare a strong research statement, and perform well in GRE/TOEFL if applying abroad. Utilize the institute''''s career development cell.
Tools & Resources
IITK Career Development Centre, Mock interview platforms, Company-specific preparation materials, GRE/TOEFL resources
Career Connection
Effective preparation is key to securing top placements in core VLSI companies or gaining admission to leading doctoral programs, ensuring a strong launch for your career in microelectronics.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Admission to B.Tech. program through JEE (Advanced) followed by internal admission to the Dual Degree program based on academic performance (CPI).
Duration: 10 semesters / 5 years
Credits: 491 Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LIF101 | Life Science | Core | 6 | Origin of life, Cell structure and function, Genetics and heredity, Physiology, Ecology and evolution |
| TA101 | Engineering Graphics | Core | 3 | Orthographic projections, Isometric views, Sections and developments, Computer-aided drafting, Dimensioning and tolerancing |
| ESC101 | Fundamentals of Computing | Core | 9 | Introduction to programming, Data types and operators, Control structures, Functions and arrays, Basic algorithms |
| MTH101 | Mathematics - I | Core | 10 | Differential calculus, Integral calculus, Sequences and series, Vector calculus, Multivariable functions |
| PHY101 | Physics - I | Core | 10 | Mechanics, Oscillations and waves, Thermodynamics, Kinetic theory of gases, Special relativity |
| PHY103 | Physics Lab - I | Lab | 3 | Experiments on mechanics, Oscillations, Thermal properties, Data analysis, Error estimation |
| HSS-I Elective | Humanities and Social Sciences Elective - I | Elective | 9 | Selected topics in humanities, Social sciences, Arts or literature |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHM101 | Chemistry | Core | 9 | Atomic structure, Chemical bonding, Organic chemistry, Physical chemistry, Materials science |
| MTH102 | Mathematics - II | Core | 10 | Linear algebra, Matrices, Differential equations, Laplace transforms, Fourier series |
| PHY102 | Physics - II | Core | 10 | Electromagnetism, Maxwell''''s equations, Optics, Quantum mechanics, Statistical physics |
| PHY104 | Physics Lab - II | Lab | 3 | Experiments on electricity, Magnetism, Optics, Modern physics, Experimental design |
| PE101 | Physical Education | Core | 9 | Sports and games, Fitness training, Wellness concepts, Team building, Physical conditioning |
| HSS-II Elective | Humanities and Social Sciences Elective - II | Elective | 9 | Communication skills, Economics, Psychology, Sociology, Ethics |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ESC201 | Introduction to Electronics | Core | 9 | Semiconductor diodes, Transistors, Operational amplifiers, Digital logic gates, Basic circuit analysis |
| MTH203 | Complex Analysis | Core | 10 | Complex numbers, Analytic functions, Contour integration, Residue theorem, Conformal mapping |
| EE201 | Signals and Systems | Core | 9 | Continuous and discrete time signals, LTI systems, Fourier series and transform, Laplace transform, Z-transform |
| EE210 | Electromagnetic Waves and Applications | Core | 9 | Maxwell''''s equations, Plane waves, Transmission lines, Waveguides, Antennas |
| EE250 | Electrical Engineering Laboratory | Lab | 3 | Basic circuit experiments, Measurement techniques, Instrumentation, Data acquisition, Safety practices |
| HSS-III Elective | Humanities and Social Sciences Elective - III | Elective | 9 | Philosophy, Literature, History, Fine arts, Societal impact of technology |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EE202 | Analog Circuits | Core | 9 | Diode circuits, Transistor biasing, Amplifier configurations, Frequency response, Feedback amplifiers |
| EE203 | Digital Circuits | Core | 9 | Boolean algebra, Logic gates, Combinational circuits, Sequential circuits, Memories |
| EE204 | Introduction to Control Systems | Core | 9 | System modeling, Transfer functions, Block diagrams, Stability analysis, PID controllers |
| EE205 | Electrical Machines | Core | 9 | Transformers, DC machines, Induction motors, Synchronous machines, Power generation |
| MTH301 | Probability and Statistics | Core | 9 | Probability theory, Random variables, Probability distributions, Hypothesis testing, Regression analysis |
| EE251 | Circuits and Systems Laboratory | Lab | 3 | Analog circuit design, Digital circuit implementation, Signal processing experiments, PCB design basics, Simulation tools |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EE301 | Microprocessors and Microcontrollers | Core | 9 | Processor architecture, Assembly language, Memory organization, I/O interfacing, Embedded systems |
| EE302 | Power Electronics | Core | 9 | Power semiconductor devices, DC-DC converters, AC-DC converters, DC-AC inverters, Motor drives |
| EE303 | Communication Systems | Core | 9 | Analog modulation, Digital modulation, Noise in communication, Error control coding, Multiple access techniques |
| EE304 | Digital Signal Processing | Core | 9 | Discrete Fourier transform, Fast Fourier transform, Digital filter design, Multirate signal processing, Adaptive filters |
| EE350 | Electronics Laboratory | Lab | 9 | Microprocessor programming, Microcontroller applications, Power electronics circuits, Communication system experiments, DSP algorithms |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EE305 | VLSI Design | Core | 9 | CMOS technology, Inverter characteristics, Combinational logic design, Sequential logic design, Memory design |
| EE306 | Electric Drives | Core | 9 | Motor control principles, DC motor drives, AC motor drives, Sensorless control, Industrial applications |
| EE307 | Antennas and Propagation | Core | 9 | Antenna fundamentals, Radiation patterns, Antenna types, Wave propagation, Wireless communication links |
| EE351 | Communication and Signal Processing Laboratory | Lab | 3 | Analog modulation experiments, Digital modulation schemes, Image processing, Audio signal processing, Real-time DSP |
| HSS-IV Elective | Humanities and Social Sciences Elective - IV | Elective | 9 | Entrepreneurship, Business management, Organizational behavior, Intellectual property rights, Project management |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EE401 | Power System Analysis | Core | 9 | Power system components, Load flow studies, Fault analysis, Stability analysis, Economic operation |
| EE402 | Principles of Measurement and Instrumentation | Core | 9 | Measurement errors, Transducers, Analog and digital meters, Data acquisition systems, Virtual instrumentation |
| EE403 | Introduction to Robotics | Core | 9 | Robot kinematics, Robot dynamics, Trajectory planning, Robot control, Sensors and actuators |
| OE-I Elective | Open Elective - I | Elective | 9 | Diverse topics from other engineering disciplines or general studies |
| EE498 | Project - I | Project | 9 | Problem formulation, Literature review, Methodology design, Preliminary implementation, Technical reporting |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OE-II Elective | Open Elective - II | Elective | 9 | Diverse topics from other engineering disciplines or general studies |
| OE-III Elective | Open Elective - III | Elective | 9 | Diverse topics from other engineering disciplines or general studies |
| EE499 | Project - II | Project | 9 | Advanced design and analysis, Experimental validation, Data interpretation, Thesis writing, Presentation skills |
| EE5XX/6XX Elective | Departmental Elective | Elective | 9 | Specialized topics within Electrical Engineering |
Semester courses
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EE601 | Advanced Digital Signal Processing | Core (M.Tech.) | 9 | Discrete-time random processes, Linear prediction, Adaptive filters (LMS, RLS), Multirate signal processing, Wavelet transforms |
| EE603 | Numerical Methods in Electrical Engineering | Core (M.Tech.) | 9 | Solution of linear systems, Eigenvalue problems, Numerical integration, Ordinary differential equations, Partial differential equations |
| EE640 | Device Physics and Technology | Elective (Microelectronics & VLSI Specialization) | 9 | Quantum mechanics principles, Semiconductor physics, P-N junction diode theory, MOS capacitor and MOSFETs, Bipolar junction transistors |
| EE641 | VLSI Design | Elective (Microelectronics & VLSI Specialization) | 9 | CMOS logic fundamentals, VLSI fabrication processes, Layout design rules, ASIC design flow, FPGA based design |
| EE642 | Digital VLSI Design | Elective (Microelectronics & VLSI Specialization) | 9 | MOS transistor theory, CMOS inverter characteristics, Combinational and sequential logic design, Interconnect modeling, Low power digital design |
| EE643 | Analog VLSI Design | Elective (Microelectronics & VLSI Specialization) | 9 | MOS device modeling, Single-stage amplifiers, Differential pairs and current mirrors, Operational amplifiers, Bandgap references and data converters |
| EE647 | VLSI Technology | Elective (Microelectronics & VLSI Specialization) | 9 | Crystal growth and wafer fabrication, Oxidation and lithography, Etching and diffusion processes, Ion implantation, Thin films and metallization |
| EE650 | Semiconductor Device Fabrication Lab | Lab (Microelectronics & VLSI Specialization) | 9 | Photolithography, Thin film deposition, Etching techniques, Device characterization, Cleanroom protocols |
| EE651 | VLSI Design Lab | Lab (Microelectronics & VLSI Specialization) | 9 | CMOS circuit design with EDA tools, Logic synthesis and simulation, Physical design and layout, Verification and testing, FPGA implementation |
| EE69X | M.Tech. Project | Project | 36 | Advanced research methodology, Problem solving in microelectronics, Design and implementation of VLSI systems, Data analysis and interpretation, Thesis writing and presentation |
