M-TECH in Micro Electronics at Manipal Academy of Higher Education
Udupi, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Micro Electronics at Manipal Academy of Higher Education Udupi?
This Micro Electronics program, offered as M.Tech VLSI Design & Embedded Systems at Manipal Academy of Higher Education, focuses on core principles of semiconductor device design, integrated circuit development, and embedded system integration. It addresses the significant demand for skilled professionals in India’s burgeoning electronics manufacturing and design sector, emphasizing practical applications vital for indigenous innovation and global competitiveness. The curriculum uniquely blends advanced hardware and software aspects, preparing graduates for complex system challenges.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a B.E./B.Tech in ECE, EEE, or similar disciplines, aspiring to enter the semiconductor industry or embedded systems domain. It also caters to working professionals seeking to upskill in VLSI design, embedded systems, or microelectronics, thereby enhancing their career trajectories in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Candidates with an M.Sc. or MCA in relevant fields are also well-suited, aiming for specialized roles in chip design and system integration.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates can expect diverse career paths in India’s prominent semiconductor hubs like Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Pune, securing roles such as VLSI Design Engineer, Embedded Software Developer, ASIC Design Engineer, or Verification Engineer. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 6-10 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. The program prepares students for advanced research and development positions, contributing to India''''s self-reliance in electronics and potentially aligning with professional certifications from industry leaders.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Concepts and Digital Design- (Semester 1-2)
Focus intensely on understanding fundamental concepts of digital electronics, analog circuits, and advanced digital system design. Utilize online resources like NPTEL courses, Coursera, and edX for supplementary learning. Actively participate in labs to gain hands-on experience with FPGA tools and IC design software from day one.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL lectures, Coursera/edX for VLSI/Embedded basics, Xilinx Vivado/Intel Quartus (FPGA tools), Cadence/Mentor Graphics (Analog/Mixed-Signal tools)
Career Connection
A strong foundation is crucial for cracking technical interviews and excelling in initial project assignments in core companies. This builds confidence in fundamental problem-solving.
Build Programming and Scripting Proficiency- (Semester 1-2)
Develop strong programming skills in C/C++ for embedded systems and scripting languages like Python/Perl for automation in VLSI design flows. Practice coding challenges on platforms like HackerRank or LeetCode, focusing on data structures and algorithms relevant to hardware design and optimization.
Tools & Resources
GeeksforGeeks, HackerRank, LeetCode, Online C/C++ and Python tutorials, Linux command line proficiency
Career Connection
Essential for embedded software development, verification roles, and automating design tasks, directly enhancing employability for diverse roles in the industry.
Engage in Technical Societies and Mini-Projects- (Semester 1-2)
Join college technical clubs (e.g., IEEE, IETE student chapters) and participate in inter-college competitions or hackathons. Start working on small embedded system mini-projects or FPGA-based designs to apply theoretical knowledge, often collaborating with peers for mutual learning.
Tools & Resources
College technical clubs, Project boards (Arduino, Raspberry Pi, FPGA kits), Online project ideas platforms
Career Connection
Develops teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and a portfolio of practical work, which are highly valued by recruiters during placements and internship selections.
Intermediate Stage
Specialization through Electives and Advanced Labs- (Semester 3)
Carefully select electives based on career interests (e.g., Low Power VLSI, RF IC Design, System Verilog) and dive deep into their practical applications during advanced labs. Utilize industry-standard EDA tools extensively to design, simulate, and verify complex circuits and systems.
Tools & Resources
Industry EDA tools (Cadence Virtuoso, Synopsys Design Compiler, Mentor Graphics Calibre), Specialized simulation software
Career Connection
Enables specialization in high-demand areas like chip design, verification, or embedded AI, making graduates more competitive for specific roles and advanced research opportunities.
Seek Internships and Industrial Training- (Semester 3 (during vacation or dedicated internship period))
Actively pursue internships at semiconductor companies, design houses, or R&D organizations in India. Focus on gaining hands-on experience in real-world projects, understanding industry workflows, and building a professional network. Leverage alumni connections and university placement cells.
Tools & Resources
University placement cell, LinkedIn for networking, Internship portals (Internshala, Twenty19), Alumni network
Career Connection
Internships are critical for practical exposure, converting into pre-placement offers, and significantly boosting resumes for final placements. They provide a clear career advantage.
Participate in Research and Publication- (Semester 3-4)
Engage with faculty on research projects, aiming to publish findings in conferences or journals. This could involve exploring novel architectures, efficient algorithms for VLSI, or advanced embedded applications. Presenting research enhances communication skills and deepens subject matter expertise.
Tools & Resources
Academic research papers (IEEE Xplore, ACM Digital Library), LaTeX for document preparation, Collaboration with professors
Career Connection
Beneficial for students considering PhDs, R&D roles, or those aiming for leadership positions where analytical and innovative thinking are paramount.
Advanced Stage
Execute a High-Impact Project Work- (Semester 3-4)
Dedicate significant effort to the M.Tech project, choosing a topic with real-world relevance or research potential. Ensure the project involves comprehensive design, implementation, testing, and analysis. Document the work meticulously, creating a strong portfolio item.
Tools & Resources
Advanced EDA tools, Development boards, Simulation platforms, Academic research databases, Technical writing guides
Career Connection
The M.Tech project is often a major talking point in interviews, demonstrating problem-solving capabilities, practical skills, and ability to work independently or in teams.
Intensive Placement Preparation- (Semester 4)
Begin placement preparation early, focusing on technical aptitude, core subject revision (VLSI, Embedded Systems, Digital Electronics), and behavioral skills. Practice mock interviews, group discussions, and solve previous year''''s technical interview questions. Tailor resumes and cover letters for specific job profiles.
Tools & Resources
Placement coaching centers, Online interview platforms (InterviewBit), Company-specific previous year questions, Resume/LinkedIn profile optimization services
Career Connection
Directly impacts success in securing desired job roles with top companies. Thorough preparation maximizes chances for lucrative offers in the competitive Indian job market.
Network Professionally and Mentor Juniors- (Semester 3-4 and beyond)
Actively build a professional network by attending industry webinars, conferences, and connecting with professionals on LinkedIn. Leverage alumni for guidance and mentorship. Simultaneously, mentor junior students to solidify understanding and develop leadership qualities.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Industry conferences (VLSI Design & Embedded Systems Conference), Alumni networking events
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to hidden job opportunities, valuable career advice, and fosters long-term professional relationships crucial for career growth and leadership development.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Pass in B.E. / B.Tech. or AMIE or equivalent in Electronics & Communication Engg., Electrical & Electronics Engg., Electronics Engg., Telecommunication Engg., Instrumentation & Control Engg., Medical Electronics, Mechatronics or M.C.A. / M.Sc. (Electronics / Instrumentation) with minimum 50% aggregate marks.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 80 Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCE 6101 | Microcontrollers and Processors for Embedded Systems | Core | 4 | Microcontroller architecture, ARM processors, Embedded operating systems, RTOS concepts, Device drivers |
| PCE 6102 | Advanced Digital System Design with FPGAs | Core | 4 | Digital system design principles, Verilog HDL, FPGA architectures, Logic synthesis, Static timing analysis |
| PCE 6103 | Advanced Digital Signal Processing | Core | 4 | DSP fundamentals, Discrete Fourier Transform, FIR/IIR filter design, Adaptive filters, Multirate signal processing |
| PCE 6104 | Analog and Mixed Signal IC Design | Core | 4 | MOS device physics, Analog circuit design, Op-amps and comparators, Data converters (ADC/DAC), Noise analysis |
| PCE 6111 | Advanced Digital System Design with FPGAs Lab | Lab | 2 | FPGA tool flows, Verilog implementation, Synthesis and simulation, Hardware verification |
| PCE 6112 | Analog and Mixed Signal IC Design Lab | Lab | 2 | Cadence/Mentor Graphics tools, SPICE simulation, Layout design, Post-layout simulation |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCE 6201 | VLSI Design | Core | 4 | CMOS logic and fabrication, Design rules and stick diagrams, Layout design and power estimation, Inverters and gates, Interconnect modeling |
| PCE 6202 | Embedded System Design | Core | 4 | System-on-chip (SoC) architecture, Embedded software design, Real-time operating systems, Communication protocols (UART, SPI, I2C), Debugging techniques |
| PCE 6203 | Advanced Computer Architecture | Core | 4 | Pipeline hazards, Instruction-level parallelism, Memory hierarchy and cache coherence, Multicore processors, GPU architecture |
| PCE 62XX | Elective 1 (Choose any one) | Elective | 4 | Advanced Digital Image Processing / Optical Fiber Communication, Pattern Recognition / Advanced Microprocessor Architecture, Digital Control Systems |
| PCE 6211 | VLSI Design Lab | Lab | 2 | Full custom IC design, Layout verification (DRC, LVS), Parasitic extraction, SPICE simulations |
| PCE 6212 | Embedded System Design Lab | Lab | 2 | Microcontroller programming, Sensor interfacing, RTOS implementation, Embedded Linux experiments |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCE 71XX | Elective 2 (Choose any one) | Elective | 4 | Hardware Software Co-design / System Verilog and Verification, Low Power VLSI Design / Testing and Testability of VLSI Circuits, Advanced Data Structures and Algorithms |
| PCE 71XX | Elective 3 (Choose any one) | Elective | 4 | MEMS and NEMS / RF IC Design, Advanced CMOS Devices and Technology / Digital Image Processing and Deep Learning, Robotics and Automation |
| PCE 7191 | Internship | Project | 4 | Industry exposure, Project execution, Report writing, Presentation skills |
| PCE 7192 | Project Work - Phase 1 | Project | 8 | Literature survey, Problem definition, Methodology development, Initial design and simulation |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCE 7291 | Project Work - Phase 2 | Project | 20 | Implementation and testing, Optimization and validation, Final report preparation, Thesis defense (Viva-voce) |