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M-TECH in System On Chip Design at Indian Institute of Technology Palakkad
Palakkad, Kerala
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About the Specialization
What is System-on-Chip Design at Indian Institute of Technology Palakkad Palakkad?
This System-on-Chip Design program at IIT Palakkad focuses on equipping engineers with advanced knowledge and skills required for designing complex integrated circuits. It addresses the growing demand for specialized professionals in the Indian semiconductor industry, covering aspects from architectural design to verification and testing of sophisticated chips. The program emphasizes a holistic understanding of the entire SoC design flow, from concept to silicon, catering to the burgeoning hardware sector in India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh engineering graduates with a background in Electrical, Electronics, or Computer Science engineering who aspire to build a career in semiconductor design. It also serves working professionals looking to upskill in cutting-edge VLSI and embedded systems, or career changers aiming to transition into the high-demand System-on-Chip industry. A strong foundation in digital electronics and a valid GATE score are specific prerequisites for admission.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to secure roles as VLSI design engineers, embedded systems architects, design verification engineers, or SoC integrators within leading Indian and multinational semiconductor companies operating in India. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 8-15 lakhs per annum, with significant growth potential for experienced professionals. The program aligns with industry needs, enhancing readiness for specialized roles in chip development and related domains.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Strengthen Core VLSI and Embedded Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time in semesters 1-2 to master the foundational concepts of Analog and Digital VLSI Design, Microprocessor Architectures, and Embedded System Design. Focus on clarity in circuit theory, digital logic, and basic programming for embedded systems. Actively participate in lab sessions to gain hands-on experience with design tools and hardware platforms.
Tools & Resources
Cadence Virtuoso, Synopsys Design Compiler, Xilinx Vivado, ARM development kits, NPTEL courses on VLSI/Embedded Systems
Career Connection
A robust foundation ensures readiness for advanced subjects and project work, which are critical for securing core engineering roles in chip design and embedded development during placements.
Develop Strong HDL and Simulation Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond classroom lectures, proactively practice writing and verifying hardware description language (HDL) codes (Verilog/VHDL) for various digital circuits. Utilize simulation tools to analyze circuit behavior and debug designs. Engage in online coding challenges focused on digital logic and system design to enhance problem-solving.
Tools & Resources
Verilog/VHDL simulators (e.g., ModelSim, VCS), FPGA development boards (e.g., Altera, Xilinx), Online platforms like HackerRank, LeetCode for logic puzzles
Career Connection
Proficiency in HDL and simulation is a fundamental requirement for roles such as RTL design engineer, design verification engineer, and FPGA engineer in the semiconductor industry.
Engage in Early Research and Peer Learning- (Semester 1-2)
Form study groups to discuss complex topics, share insights, and collaboratively solve problems. Start exploring research papers and review articles related to SoC Design to understand current trends and challenges. Seek guidance from professors on potential mini-projects or term papers to delve deeper into specific areas of interest.
Tools & Resources
IEEE Xplore, ACM Digital Library, Scopus for research papers, Departmental seminars and workshops
Career Connection
Early exposure to research fosters analytical thinking and innovative problem-solving, which are valuable traits for R&D roles and for excelling in the M.Tech thesis project.
Intermediate Stage
Pursue Internships and Industry Projects- (Semester 3)
Actively seek summer internships or part-time industry projects in Semester 3 to gain practical exposure to real-world SoC design challenges and workflows. This involves applying theoretical knowledge to commercial tools and processes, and understanding industry best practices.
Tools & Resources
Company career portals (Intel, Qualcomm, Synopsys, Cadence), Internshala, LinkedIn for networking
Career Connection
Internships are crucial for building a professional network, gaining relevant work experience, and often lead to pre-placement offers (PPOs), significantly boosting placement prospects.
Specialize through Electives and Advanced Labs- (Semester 3)
Strategically choose electives that align with your career interests, whether it''''s Analog/Mixed-Signal design, Embedded Systems, Hardware Security, or AI/ML accelerators. Utilize advanced lab facilities to build complex designs, simulate sophisticated circuits, and work on mini-projects that demonstrate specialized skills.
Tools & Resources
Specialized EDA tools (e.g., High-level synthesis tools), Advanced FPGA kits with embedded processors, Custom PCB design tools
Career Connection
Deep specialization through electives creates a strong resume for targeted roles and demonstrates expertise that differentiates you in the competitive job market, especially for roles in specific domains like RFIC or power management.
Participate in Technical Competitions and Workshops- (Semester 3)
Engage in national or international technical competitions like IEEE design contests, hackathons, or project exhibitions. Attend workshops and training sessions organized by industry experts on trending topics like RISC-V architecture, advanced verification, or physical design flows.
Tools & Resources
IEEE Design Challenges, CoreEL Technologies workshops, RISC-V Foundation resources
Career Connection
Participation showcases practical skills, problem-solving abilities under pressure, and enhances your technical portfolio, making you a more attractive candidate for recruiters. It also helps in networking with industry professionals.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Project and Thesis Work- (Semester 3-4)
The M.Tech Project (Project I and Project II) is the cornerstone of your specialization. Choose a challenging topic, conduct thorough research, design and implement innovative solutions, and ensure high-quality documentation and presentation. Aim for publishable results or a demonstrable prototype.
Tools & Resources
Research papers from top conferences (ISSCC, VLSI Symposium), Open-source projects (e.g., OpenTitan), LaTeX for thesis writing
Career Connection
A strong project and thesis demonstrate your ability to conduct independent research and development, solve complex engineering problems, and contribute new knowledge, which is highly valued for R&D positions and Ph.D. aspirations.
Master Placement Preparation and Interview Skills- (Semester 4)
Begin placement preparation early in Semester 4 by revising core concepts, solving interview-focused problems in VLSI, digital electronics, and C/Data Structures. Practice mock interviews, group discussions, and technical presentations. Tailor your resume and cover letters to specific job descriptions.
Tools & Resources
GeeksforGeeks, InterviewBit, Glassdoor for company-specific interview experiences, Career Services at IIT Palakkad
Career Connection
Effective placement preparation is crucial for converting interview opportunities into job offers, ensuring a smooth transition into the industry with competitive compensation.
Build a Professional Portfolio and Network- (Semester 4)
Compile a comprehensive portfolio of your projects, lab work, research papers, and competition achievements. Actively network with alumni, industry professionals, and faculty. Attend conferences, webinars, and industry events to stay updated and build connections for future career growth.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn profiles, GitHub for project showcasing, Industry conferences (e.g., VLSI Design Conference, India), Alumni association events
Career Connection
A strong professional network and a well-curated portfolio significantly enhance visibility, provide access to hidden job markets, and open doors for mentorship and long-term career advancement.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.Tech/B.E. in Electrical Engineering/Electronics Engineering/Electronics & Communication Engineering/Computer Science and Engineering or equivalent degree with an aggregate of 60% or 6.5 CGPA in a 10-point scale. Valid GATE score in Electrical Engineering (EE)/Electronics and Communication Engineering (EC)/Computer Science and Information Technology (CS). For IIT B.Techs, a minimum CGPA of 8.0 out of 10.0 is required.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 96 Credits
Assessment: Internal: undefined, External: undefined
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EE5100 | Analog VLSI Design | Core | 3 | Current mirrors, Differential amplifiers, Operational amplifiers, Comparators, Switched capacitor circuits, Data converters, Phase-locked loops |
| EE5101 | Digital VLSI Design | Core | 3 | MOS transistor theory, CMOS inverter characteristics, Combinational and sequential logic design, Interconnect effects, Clocking strategies, VLSI design methodologies, Design flow |
| EE5102 | Microprocessor and Microcontroller Architectures | Core | 3 | Processor architectures (RISC/CISC), Instruction sets, Addressing modes, Pipelining, Memory hierarchy, I/O programming, Interrupts, ARM processor architecture |
| EE5150 | VLSI Design Lab | Core | 2 | CMOS inverter design and simulation, Combinational logic implementation, Sequential circuit design, Layout generation, Post-layout simulation, Design rule checking |
| Elective 1 | Program Elective 1 | Elective | 3 | Choice from core electives or other electives |
| Elective 2 | Program Elective 2 | Elective | 3 | Choice from core electives or other electives |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EE5103 | Embedded System Design | Core | 3 | Microcontroller programming, Embedded operating systems, Real-time operating systems (RTOS), Task scheduling, Memory management, Device driver development, Communication protocols |
| EE5104 | SoC Architecture | Core | 3 | SoC vs. traditional processor design, SoC design flow, On-chip interconnect architectures, Memory subsystems, Cache coherence, Virtual memory, Power management techniques |
| EE5105 | Advanced Digital System Design | Core | 3 | FPGA architectures, ASIC design flow, High-level synthesis, Verification methodologies, Fault modeling, Design-for-testability (DFT), Scan design |
| EE5151 | Embedded System Design Lab | Core | 2 | Microcontroller firmware development, RTOS implementation, Sensor interfacing, Actuator control, Communication protocol implementation, Debugging embedded systems |
| Elective 3 | Program Elective 3 | Elective | 3 | Choice from core electives or other electives |
| Elective 4 | Program Elective 4 | Elective | 3 | Choice from core electives or other electives |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EE6198 | Project I | Project | 12 | Literature review, Research problem identification, Preliminary system design, Simulation and modeling, Technical report writing, Presentation skills |
| Elective 5 | Program Elective 5 | Elective | 3 | Choice from core electives or other electives |
| Elective 6 | Program Elective 6 | Elective | 3 | Choice from core electives or other electives |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EE6199 | Project II | Project | 24 | System implementation, Experimental validation, Performance analysis, Thesis writing, Oral defense, Research publication preparation |
