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M-TECH in Vlsi Design at National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal
Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is VLSI Design at National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal Dakshina Kannada?
This VLSI Design and Embedded Systems program at NITK Mangaluru focuses on cutting-edge design and development of integrated circuits and embedded systems. It addresses the growing demand for skilled professionals in India''''s semiconductor and electronics manufacturing sector, driving innovation from chip-level design to complex embedded applications. The program provides a strong foundation in both hardware and software aspects, fostering expertise vital for the national technological landscape.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for engineering graduates with a background in Electronics, Electrical, Computer Science, or Instrumentation, seeking entry into the semiconductor industry. It also suits working professionals aiming to upskill in advanced VLSI and embedded domains, or career changers transitioning into core hardware and software development for consumer electronics, automotive, and IoT industries in India.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to secure roles in chip design, embedded software development, verification, and hardware-software co-design within leading Indian and multinational companies. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 6-12 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. The strong theoretical and practical training prepares students for R&D roles, product development, and offers pathways for further research or entrepreneurship in India''''s booming electronics market.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Design Principles- (Semester 1)
Dedicate time to thoroughly understand fundamental concepts in Digital, Analog, and Embedded Systems design. Utilize course textbooks, online resources like NPTEL lectures, and supplement with basic reference books to build a robust theoretical base.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses on VLSI/Embedded Systems, Standard textbooks for Digital/Analog VLSI, Online forums like Stack Exchange for queries
Career Connection
A strong foundation is crucial for excelling in technical interviews and advanced design tasks in the VLSI industry, leading to better placement opportunities.
Hands-on EDA Tool Proficiency- (Semester 1)
Actively engage with lab sessions and spend extra hours practicing with industry-standard Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools like Cadence Virtuoso, Synopsys Design Compiler, Xilinx Vivado, and ARM Keil µVision. Complete all assignments diligently and explore additional tutorials.
Tools & Resources
Cadence tools suite, Synopsys tools suite, Xilinx Vivado/ISE, ARM Keil µVision IDE
Career Connection
Practical tool proficiency is a primary requirement for entry-level design and verification roles, significantly boosting employability in semiconductor companies.
Form Collaborative Study Groups- (Semester 1)
Establish small study groups with peers to discuss complex topics, solve problems together, and prepare for exams. Collaborate on mini-projects and lab assignments to share knowledge and accelerate learning. Peer teaching reinforces understanding.
Tools & Resources
Google Meet/Zoom for virtual discussions, GitHub for code sharing, Shared whiteboards
Career Connection
Develops teamwork and communication skills vital for industry, while improving academic performance for better CGPA and project outcomes.
Intermediate Stage
Pursue Targeted Internships- (Semester 2 (Summer break and during semester if allowed))
Actively seek and complete internships at reputable semiconductor or embedded systems companies in major Indian tech hubs like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, or Pune. Focus on gaining exposure to real-world design flows, verification methodologies, or embedded software development.
Tools & Resources
NITK Placement Cell, LinkedIn, Internshala, Company career portals
Career Connection
Internships provide invaluable industry experience, build professional networks, and often lead to pre-placement offers, accelerating career entry and growth.
Develop a Strong Project Portfolio- (Semester 2)
Undertake challenging mini-projects, either individually or in teams, beyond coursework. Focus on practical applications in VLSI design, FPGA acceleration, or embedded IoT solutions. Document your designs thoroughly and maintain a professional online portfolio.
Tools & Resources
GitHub/GitLab for version control, Personal website/blog, Open-source FPGA boards (e.g., Zynq, Artix)
Career Connection
A robust portfolio demonstrates practical skills and initiative to recruiters, making you a more attractive candidate for specialized roles and project work.
Network and Participate in Competitions- (Semester 2)
Attend industry workshops, seminars, and technical conferences (e.g., VLSI Design Conference India). Network with professionals and participate in national-level design competitions (e.g., contests by Intel, Cadence, Synopsys) to showcase your talent and learn from experts.
Tools & Resources
IEEE/ACM student chapters, Conference websites, Online design challenge platforms
Career Connection
Expands professional contacts, provides insights into industry trends, and competition wins enhance your resume for top-tier placements and scholarships.
Advanced Stage
Excellence in Master''''s Thesis/Project- (Semesters 3-4)
Choose a challenging and industry-relevant thesis topic. Aim for a high-quality research output, potentially leading to publications in reputable conferences or journals. Collaborate closely with your supervisor and leverage institutional research facilities.
Tools & Resources
NITK Central Research Facility, Access to IEEE Xplore, Scopus, Google Scholar, LaTeX for thesis writing
Career Connection
A strong thesis demonstrates advanced research capabilities and problem-solving skills, highly valued for R&D positions and academic pursuits (e.g., PhD).
Intensive Placement Preparation- (Semesters 3-4)
Begin intensive preparation for campus placements early in Semester 3. Focus on technical aptitude (VLSI, Digital, Analog, C/C++, Data Structures), problem-solving, and mock interviews. Practice coding on platforms like LeetCode and GeeksforGeeks.
Tools & Resources
NITK Placement Cell resources, Online coding platforms (LeetCode, HackerRank), Company-specific interview guides
Career Connection
Systematic preparation directly translates into better performance in interviews, securing desirable job offers from leading companies.
Develop Soft Skills and Professionalism- (Semesters 3-4)
Beyond technical expertise, hone essential soft skills such as communication, presentation, leadership, and ethical conduct. Participate in workshops, club activities, and departmental roles to cultivate a well-rounded professional persona.
Tools & Resources
NITK English Language & Communication Skills center, Toastmasters clubs, Leadership training programs
Career Connection
These skills are critical for career progression, effective team collaboration, and assuming leadership roles in the industry, distinguishing you beyond technical prowess.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.E./B.Tech. in ECE/EIE/E&T/EEE/CSE/IT or M.Sc. in Electronics/Instrumentation/Physics or equivalent. Candidates must have a valid GATE score (EC/EE/CS/IN/PH). Minimum 6.5 CGPA or 60% (Gen/OBC/EWS), 6.0 CGPA or 55% (SC/ST/PwD).
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 80 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ECE 701 | Digital VLSI Design | Core | 4 | MOS Transistor Theory, CMOS Inverter Characteristics, Combinational Logic Circuits, Sequential Logic Circuits, Memory and Low-power VLSI Design, Design for Testability |
| ECE 702 | Analog VLSI Design | Core | 4 | MOS Device Modeling, Current Mirrors and References, Single-stage Amplifiers, Differential Amplifiers, Operational Amplifier Design, Bandgap References |
| ECE 703 | Embedded System Design | Core | 4 | Embedded Processors and Microcontrollers, ARM Architecture and Programming, Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS), Interfacing Techniques, Embedded Software Development, IoT System Design |
| ECE 704 | Advanced Digital Signal Processing | Core | 4 | DSP System Design Fundamentals, Multirate Signal Processing, Adaptive Filter Theory, Wavelet Transforms, DSP Processor Architectures, Speech and Image Processing Applications |
| ECE 705 | VLSI Design Lab | Lab | 2 | CMOS Logic Gate Design and Simulation, Verilog HDL for Digital Design, Analog Circuit Simulation (SPICE), Layout Design using EDA Tools, FPGA based System Implementation |
| ECE 706 | Embedded System Design Lab | Lab | 2 | Microcontroller Programming and Interfacing, RTOS Implementation on Embedded Boards, Sensor and Actuator Interfacing, Embedded Linux Development, IoT Device Prototyping |
| PE-I | Program Elective-I | Elective | 4 | Topics vary based on chosen elective, Advanced Digital System Design, VLSI Technology, Low Power VLSI Design, Advanced Computer Architecture, Solid State Devices |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ECE 751 | CMOS RF Integrated Circuits | Core | 4 | RF System Architectures, Noise and Linearity in RF Circuits, Low Noise Amplifiers (LNA) Design, Mixers and Oscillators (VCO), Power Amplifiers, Frequency Synthesizers |
| ECE 752 | FPGA based System Design | Core | 4 | FPGA Architectures and Technologies, HDL Synthesis and Optimization, Pipelining and Parallel Processing, High-Level Synthesis (HLS), IP Core Integration, Verification and Debugging on FPGA |
| ECE 753 | Verification of VLSI Circuits | Core | 4 | Verification Methodologies (UVM), Testbench Architectures, Coverage Driven Verification, Functional Verification, Formal Verification Techniques, Debugging and Assertion Based Verification |
| ECE 754 | Seminar/Mini Project | Core | 2 | Research Methodology, Technical Literature Survey, Project Proposal Formulation, Presentation Skills, Preliminary Design/Simulation, Report Writing |
| ECE 755 | RFIC Design Lab | Lab | 2 | RF Transceiver Architectures, Filter and Matching Network Design, Low-Noise Amplifier (LNA) Simulation, Mixer and VCO Design, RFIC Layout Considerations |
| ECE 756 | FPGA Design Lab | Lab | 2 | FPGA Development Tool Flow, HDL Coding and Synthesis, IP Core Integration and Customization, Timing Analysis and Constraints, Hardware Acceleration Techniques |
| PE-II | Program Elective-II | Elective | 4 | Topics vary based on chosen elective, Mixed Signal Design, Testing and Testable Design, MEMS and Sensor Design, Nanoelectronics, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning |
| PE-III | Program Elective-III | Elective | 4 | Topics vary based on chosen elective, High Level Synthesis for VLSI, Reconfigurable Computing, System-on-Chip (SoC) Design, High Performance VLSI Design, Data Structures and Algorithms for VLSI |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ECE 798 | Project Work (Phase-I) | Project | 12 | Problem Identification and Definition, Extensive Literature Review, Methodology and Design Specification, Preliminary Implementation/Simulation, Data Collection and Analysis, Project Report and Presentation |
| PE-IV | Program Elective-IV | Elective | 4 | Topics vary based on chosen elective, Quantum Computing and Devices, Neuromorphic Computing, Cybersecurity in Embedded Systems, IoT Device Design, Design for Manufacturability in VLSI |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ECE 799 | Project Work (Phase-II) | Project | 16 | Advanced Design and Implementation, System Integration and Testing, Performance Evaluation and Optimization, Comprehensive Thesis Writing, Result Analysis and Discussion, Oral Defense and Presentation |
