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M-TECH in Vlsi Design Embedded System at National Institute of Technology Rourkela
Sundargarh, Odisha
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About the Specialization
What is VLSI Design & Embedded System at National Institute of Technology Rourkela Sundargarh?
This VLSI Design & Embedded System program at NIT Rourkela focuses on equipping students with advanced knowledge and practical skills in designing integrated circuits and embedded systems. Given India''''s burgeoning electronics manufacturing and design sector, this specialization is highly relevant, addressing the industry''''s need for skilled engineers in microelectronics and intelligent systems. The program differentiates itself through a blend of theoretical foundations and hands-on lab experience, crucial for developing cutting-edge hardware solutions.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a B.Tech/B.E. in Electronics, Electrical, Computer Science, or related fields, especially those with a valid GATE score, seeking entry into core electronics R&D or design roles. It also suits working professionals aiming to upskill in VLSI and embedded domains, and career changers transitioning to high-demand industries like IoT, automotive electronics, and AI hardware in India.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect promising career paths in India as VLSI Design Engineers, Embedded Software Developers, ASIC Engineers, Verification Engineers, and IoT Solutions Architects. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 6-12 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. The program prepares students for growth trajectories in major Indian and multinational semiconductor firms and offers a strong foundation aligning with potential professional certifications in design and verification.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core VLSI & Embedded Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate significant time to thoroughly grasp concepts in Advanced Digital System Design, Analog & Mixed Signal Design, and VLSI Design. Utilize textbooks, online courses (e.g., NPTEL, Coursera), and supplementary materials to build a robust theoretical foundation. Actively participate in laboratory sessions (EC651, EC653, EC655) to solidify practical understanding of tools and design flows.
Tools & Resources
Cadence Virtuoso, Synopsys Design Compiler, Xilinx Vivado/Intel Quartus, NPTEL VLSI Design courses, Standard textbooks
Career Connection
A strong foundation is critical for clearing technical interviews and excelling in initial roles as a design or verification engineer, particularly in leading Indian semiconductor companies.
Cultivate Problem-Solving Skills through Coding & Simulation- (Semester 1-2)
Regularly practice problem-solving in C/C++/Python for embedded systems and HDL (Verilog/VHDL) for digital design. Engage in online coding platforms and utilize simulation tools extensively for lab assignments and mini-projects. Focus on optimizing code for performance and power, a key skill in embedded and VLSI domains.
Tools & Resources
CodeChef, LeetCode, HackerRank, ModelSim, Isim/QuestaSim, Proteus, Keil uVision
Career Connection
Proficiency in coding and simulation directly translates to efficiency in developing and debugging complex designs, making graduates highly sought after for embedded software and hardware design roles.
Engage in Technical Seminars and Peer Learning- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in the Seminar & Viva-voce (EC699) by choosing a relevant, cutting-edge topic. Beyond coursework, form study groups with peers to discuss complex concepts, share knowledge from diverse backgrounds, and collaboratively solve problems. Attend department seminars and workshops to stay abreast of industry trends.
Tools & Resources
IEEE Xplore, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, Department seminar series
Career Connection
Enhances communication skills, exposes you to diverse research areas, and builds a strong professional network invaluable for future collaborations and referrals within the Indian tech ecosystem.
Intermediate Stage
Specialize in Electives and Industry-Relevant Projects- (Semester 2-3)
Strategically choose professional electives (Semesters 2 & 3) that align with your career interests, such as Low Power VLSI Design, Hardware Software Co-design, or Advanced Computer Architecture. Work diligently on the Mini Project (EC698) and identify a challenging problem for Major Project – Part I (EC797) that has real-world application or research potential, possibly with industry mentorship.
Tools & Resources
Advanced EDA tools (e.g., Cadence, Synopsys), Industry whitepapers, IEEE/ACM journals
Career Connection
Specialization makes you a valuable asset to specific industry segments. A strong project portfolio showcases your ability to apply knowledge, a crucial factor for placements and higher studies.
Pursue Internships and Industrial Training- (After Semester 2, during summer breaks)
Actively seek and secure internships during semester breaks, especially after Semester 2, with companies specializing in VLSI design, embedded systems, or semiconductor manufacturing in India. These experiences provide invaluable exposure to industry practices, corporate culture, and networking opportunities. Even remote internships or short-term industry training programs are beneficial.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, LinkedIn, Internshala, Company career pages
Career Connection
Internships are often a direct gateway to pre-placement offers (PPOs) and significantly enhance your resume, demonstrating practical experience to potential employers across India''''s vibrant tech landscape.
Develop Advanced Technical Skills and Tool Proficiency- (Semester 2-3)
Go beyond basic lab exercises to master advanced features of EDA tools for VLSI design, synthesis, verification, and embedded software development environments. Explore scripting languages (e.g., Python, Perl, Tcl) for automation in design flows. Participate in design challenges or hackathons to hone skills under pressure.
Tools & Resources
Cadence Innovus/Genus, Synopsys VCS/DC/ICC, ARM Development Studio, Python scripting tutorials
Career Connection
High proficiency in industry-standard tools and automation scripting is a major differentiator, enabling you to contribute effectively to complex design projects and secure roles in top-tier design houses.
Advanced Stage
Focus on High-Impact Major Project – Part II and Thesis- (Semester 4)
Dedicate the final semester to the successful completion and robust documentation of Major Project – Part II (EC798). Aim for novel contributions, publishable research work, or a functional prototype with clear impact. Prepare a high-quality thesis and practice presentation skills extensively for the defense.
Tools & Resources
Academic research papers, Simulation results, Hardware prototypes, LaTeX/Word for thesis writing
Career Connection
A significant project demonstrates your research capabilities, problem-solving prowess, and ability to execute. This is crucial for securing R&D roles, pursuing PhDs, or even entrepreneurship in India.
Intensive Placement Preparation and Networking- (Semester 3-4)
Engage in rigorous placement preparation, including mock interviews, aptitude tests, and technical discussions focused on VLSI and embedded systems. Network extensively with alumni working in the industry and professionals through conferences, webinars, and platforms like LinkedIn. Tailor your resume and cover letters for specific companies and roles.
Tools & Resources
College placement committee, Online aptitude platforms, LinkedIn, Industry-specific job portals
Career Connection
Optimizes your chances for securing highly competitive positions in leading semiconductor and embedded system companies, ensuring a strong start to your career in India.
Explore Entrepreneurship or Advanced Research Avenues- (Semester 4 and beyond)
For those with an entrepreneurial bent, explore the possibility of converting your major project into a startup idea, leveraging incubation facilities if available. Alternatively, identify specific research labs or faculty for potential PhD opportunities, building upon your M.Tech thesis work. This fosters innovation and advanced academic pursuits.
Tools & Resources
NIT Rourkela Innovation & Incubation Centre, Startup India resources, PhD admission portals, Research journal submission guidelines
Career Connection
Offers pathways beyond traditional employment, enabling you to become a job creator, a leader in academic research, or a specialist contributing to India''''s technological advancements.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.Tech. in Electronics & Communication Engg. / Electronics Engg. / Electrical & Electronics Engg. / Electrical Engg. / Instrumentation Engg. / Electronics & Instrumentation Engg. / Computer Science & Engg. / Information Technology / Telecommunication Engg. / Industrial Electronics / Applied Electronics & Instrumentation. OR M.Sc. in Electronics Science / Computer Science / Physics / Mathematics / Applied Mathematics / Statistics. Minimum 6.5 CGPA (or 60% marks) for UR/OBC/EWS and 6.0 CGPA (or 55% marks) for SC/ST/PwD. Valid GATE Score in EC/EE/IN/CS/PH/MA is mandatory.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 57 (calculated from subject breakdown, institution states minimum 68 credits) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EC601 | Advanced Digital System Design | Core | 3 | HDL based Digital System Design, Logic Synthesis, Asynchronous Sequential Circuits, Synchronous Sequential Circuit, Fault Diagnosis & Testing |
| EC603 | Analog & Mixed Signal Design | Core | 3 | CMOS Analog Circuit, Current and Voltage References, CMOS Operational Amplifiers, Analog Filters, Data Converters |
| EC605 | VLSI Design | Core | 3 | CMOS Fabrication, Layout Design, Logic Gates, Dynamic CMOS Logic, Interconnects, Delay, Timing |
| EC651 | Advanced Digital System Design Lab | Lab | 2 | HDL, FPGA, ASIC Design flow, Synthesis, Simulation |
| EC653 | Analog & Mixed Signal Design Lab | Lab | 2 | Analog IC Design, Cadence Virtuoso, SPICE Simulation, Op-Amp Design, Filters, PLL |
| EC655 | VLSI Design Lab | Lab | 2 | Layout Design, CMOS Inverter, Combinational Logic, Sequential Logic, DRC, LVS |
| MA601 | Advanced Engineering Mathematics | Core | 3 | |
| HS601 | Research Methodology and IPR | Core | 2 | |
| EC699 | Seminar & Viva-voce | Project | 1 | Technical presentation, Literature review, Research paper analysis |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EC602 | Embedded System Design | Core | 3 | Embedded System Architecture, Microcontrollers, RTOS, Device Drivers, Embedded Networking |
| EC604 | Low Power VLSI Design | Core | 3 | Power Dissipation, Low Power Techniques, Design Methodologies, Energy Recovery, Clock Gating |
| Professional Elective I | Professional Elective I | Elective Placeholder | 3 | Refer to listed professional electives for choices and topics. |
| Professional Elective II | Professional Elective II | Elective Placeholder | 3 | Refer to listed professional electives for choices and topics. |
| EC652 | Embedded System Design Lab | Lab | 2 | Microcontroller programming, RTOS implementation, Sensor interfacing, Embedded Linux, Debugging |
| EC654 | Elective Lab | Lab | 2 | Practical application based on chosen elective, Hardware/Software tools |
| EC698 | Mini Project | Project | 2 | Project planning, Design, Implementation, Documentation, Presentation |
| EC610 | Digital Signal Processing for VLSI | Professional Elective | 3 | DSP Fundamentals, Filter Design, Spectral Estimation, Adaptive Filters, Multirate DSP |
| EC612 | Hardware Software Co-design | Professional Elective | 3 | Co-design Issues, Prototyping, Synthesis, Verification, Embedded Software |
| EC614 | Semiconductor Device Modeling | Professional Elective | 3 | Semiconductor Physics, MOSFET Modeling, BJT Modeling, Device Simulation, Reliability |
| EC616 | Internet of Things (IoT) | Professional Elective | 3 | IoT Architecture, Sensors, Communication Protocols, Data Analytics, Security |
| EC618 | Advanced Communication Networks | Professional Elective | 3 | Network Architectures, Routing Protocols, Quality of Service (QoS), Wireless Networks, Network Security |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Elective III | Professional Elective III | Elective Placeholder | 3 | Refer to listed professional electives for choices and topics. |
| Professional Elective IV | Professional Elective IV | Elective Placeholder | 3 | Refer to listed professional electives for choices and topics. |
| EC797 | Major Project – Part I | Project | 4 | Problem identification, Literature survey, Design and methodology, Simulation/Preliminary work, Project proposal |
| EC711 | Advanced Computer Architecture | Professional Elective | 3 | Pipelining, Cache Memory, Parallel Processing, Multicore Architecture, GPU Computing |
| EC713 | Testing & Verification of VLSI Circuits | Professional Elective | 3 | Fault Models, Test Generation, Design for Testability (DFT), Verification Techniques, Formal Verification |
| EC715 | Advanced Digital Signal Processors | Professional Elective | 3 | DSP Processors Architecture, Fixed-Point Arithmetic, Filter Implementations, Code Optimization, Real-time DSP |
| EC717 | Medical Electronics | Professional Elective | 3 | Biomedical Sensors, Imaging Systems, Diagnostic Equipment, Therapeutic Devices, Telemedicine |
| EC719 | Mobile Communication | Professional Elective | 3 | Wireless Channels, Cellular Systems, MIMO, OFDM, 5G Technologies |
| EC721 | Advanced Neural Networks and Deep Learning | Professional Elective | 3 | Perceptrons, Backpropagation, CNN, RNN, Reinforcement Learning |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EC798 | Major Project – Part II | Project | 8 | Implementation, Testing and validation, Data analysis, Technical report writing, Thesis defense |
