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M-TECH in Vlsi Design at Shanmugha Arts Science Technology & Research Academy (SASTRA)
Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is VLSI Design at Shanmugha Arts Science Technology & Research Academy (SASTRA) Thanjavur?
This VLSI Design program at Shanmugha Arts, Science, Technology & Research Academy (SASTRA) focuses on designing integrated circuits for cutting-edge electronics. This program equips students with expertise in front-end and back-end design, verification, and testing of chips. Given India''''s burgeoning semiconductor ecosystem and push for indigenous chip manufacturing, this specialization is highly relevant, addressing the industry''''s demand for skilled VLSI engineers crucial for technological self-reliance.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for engineering graduates with a B.E./B.Tech in ECE, EEE, EIE, CSE, or IT, or M.Sc in relevant fields, seeking to specialize in microchip design. It caters to freshers aiming for core semiconductor roles and working professionals in electronics or software domains looking to transition into VLSI, offering a comprehensive skill set for high-impact careers in the Indian semiconductor industry.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to secure roles as VLSI Design Engineers, Verification Engineers, CAD Engineers, or Application Engineers in leading Indian and global semiconductor firms. Entry-level salaries range from INR 6-10 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. The program fosters expertise aligned with industry certifications, paving the way for leadership and innovation in chip design and advanced electronics.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Strengthen Digital and Analog Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Consistently revise core concepts of Digital Electronics and Analog Circuits. Solve problems from standard textbooks and actively participate in laboratory sessions to understand the practical implications of design principles.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses on VLSI Design, Online circuit simulators (LTSpice, ngspice), Semiconductor device physics textbooks
Career Connection
A strong foundation is critical for clearing technical interviews and for building complex designs in later stages, ensuring a deep understanding of circuit behavior.
Master CAD Tools Early- (Semester 1-2)
Get hands-on with industry-standard Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools like Cadence Virtuoso, Synopsys Design Compiler, Mentor Graphics Calibre, and Xilinx Vivado. Utilize university lab access and engage in guided tutorials.
Tools & Resources
Official EDA tool documentation, University provided licenses, Online tutorials (e.g., YouTube channels focusing on EDA tools)
Career Connection
Proficiency in EDA tools is a non-negotiable skill for VLSI engineers, making you immediately employable and productive in diverse design and verification roles.
Engage in Peer Learning and Problem Solving- (Semester 1-2)
Form study groups to discuss complex topics, collaboratively solve design challenges, and prepare for examinations. Work together on laboratory assignments and elective projects, sharing different problem-solving approaches.
Tools & Resources
Collaborative online whiteboards, Discord/WhatsApp groups for technical discussions, Shared online code repositories
Career Connection
Enhances crucial communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, which are highly valued in semiconductor R&D teams and collaborative work environments.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Mini-Projects and Internships- (Semester 3)
Identify a specific area of interest (e.g., analog layout, digital verification, FPGA design) and develop mini-projects to apply acquired knowledge. Actively seek internships during semester breaks at Indian semiconductor companies or startups.
Tools & Resources
GitHub for project version control, LinkedIn for internship searches, University placement cell resources
Career Connection
Builds a practical portfolio, provides invaluable industry exposure, and often leads to pre-placement offers, significantly accelerating career entry.
Specialize in an Elective Domain- (Semester 3)
Deep dive into your chosen elective subjects (e.g., Low Power VLSI, RFIC Design, Machine Learning for VLSI). Read relevant research papers, attend specialized webinars, and work on advanced problems in your area of specialization.
Tools & Resources
IEEE Xplore, ACM Digital Library, ResearchGate, Specialized online courses (Coursera, edX), Industry whitepapers
Career Connection
Develops niche expertise, making you a more attractive candidate for specialized roles in areas like AI accelerators or advanced communication chips.
Network with Industry Professionals- (Semester 3)
Attend industry conferences, workshops, and technical talks (online or offline) organized by professional bodies like IEEE or IETE in India. Connect with speakers and professionals on LinkedIn to gain insights and mentorship.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Conference websites (e.g., VLSI Design Conference India), Professional body memberships
Career Connection
Opens doors to hidden job opportunities, provides mentorship, and offers a deeper understanding of current industry trends and future demands.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Capstone Project (Phase II)- (Semester 4)
Dedicate significant time to your final project, ensuring robust design, thorough verification, and comprehensive documentation. Aim for a publishable-quality outcome or a demonstrable prototype that showcases innovation.
Tools & Resources
Advanced EDA tools, High-performance computing resources (if required), Academic writing guides, Dedicated faculty mentors
Career Connection
A strong, well-executed project is your best calling card, showcasing your ability to deliver complex solutions from concept to completion, directly impacting placement success.
Intensive Placement Preparation- (Semester 4)
Begin rigorous preparation for technical interviews, focusing on VLSI core concepts, problem-solving, and logical reasoning. Practice aptitude tests and participate in mock interviews to refine your presentation and communication skills.
Tools & Resources
Online coding platforms (e.g., GeeksforGeeks for algorithms), VLSI interview preparation books, SASTRA''''s placement training modules and previous year''''s questions
Career Connection
Maximizes your chances of clearing technical rounds and securing desirable job offers in leading Indian and multinational semiconductor companies.
Explore Higher Education or Entrepreneurship- (Semester 4)
For those interested in research, actively explore Ph.D. opportunities in India or abroad and prepare well-structured research proposals. For entrepreneurial aspirations, network with startup founders and explore university incubation centers.
Tools & Resources
University research departments, Incubators (e.g., SASTRA TBI), Government funding schemes for startups, GRE/TOEFL/IELTS preparation materials
Career Connection
Provides alternative pathways for career growth, innovation, and intellectual contribution beyond traditional employment, aligning with India''''s burgeoning startup and research ecosystem.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.E./B.Tech. in ECE/EEE/EIE/CSE/IT or equivalent degree in relevant discipline OR M.Sc. in Physics/Electronics/Computer Science/IT/Applied Electronics or equivalent with valid GATE score or SASTRA Post Graduate Admission Test (PGAT) score.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 72 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VLM601 | Digital VLSI Design | Core | 4 | CMOS Logic, Static and Dynamic Gates, Combinational Logic, Sequential Logic, Memory and Clocking, Low-power Design |
| VLM603 | Analog and Mixed Signal Design | Core | 4 | MOS Device Models, Single-stage Amplifiers, Differential Amplifiers, Current Mirrors, OPAMP Design, Data Converters (ADC/DAC) |
| VLM605 | Computer Aided Design for VLSI | Core | 4 | VLSI Design Flow, Logic Synthesis, Placement and Routing, Floorplanning, Timing Analysis, High-level Synthesis |
| VLM607 | Research Methodology for Engineers | Core | 2 | Research Problem Formulation, Literature Review, Research Design, Data Collection, Statistical Tools, Technical Report Writing |
| VLP601 | Digital VLSI Design Laboratory | Lab | 2 | CMOS Inverter Design, Logic Gates Simulation, Latches and Flip-Flops, Combinational/Sequential Circuits, Static Timing Analysis, Layout Verification |
| VLP603 | Analog and Mixed Signal Design Laboratory | Lab | 2 | MOS Amplifiers Design, Current Mirrors Design, Differential Amplifiers, Bandgap References, Op-Amp Layout, ADC/DAC Simulation |
| VLM616 | Machine Learning for VLSI | Elective | 2 | ML Fundamentals, Supervised and Unsupervised Learning, Deep Learning Architectures, ML for EDA, Optimization in VLSI Design, Design Flow Automation |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VLM602 | Embedded System Design | Core | 4 | ARM Architecture, Memory Interfacing, I/O Interfacing, Interrupts and Exceptions, RTOS Concepts, System-on-Chip (SoC) Design |
| VLM604 | Design for Testability | Core | 4 | Fault Models, Test Generation (ATPG), Scan Design, Built-in Self-Test (BIST), Boundary Scan, Test Pattern Compression |
| VLM606 | CMOS RFIC Design | Core | 4 | RF Transistors, Passive Components, S-Parameters, Low Noise Amplifiers (LNA), Mixers and Oscillators, PLLs and Transceivers |
| VLM608 | Advanced Microprocessors and Microcontrollers | Elective | 2 | Processor Architectures (ARM, RISC-V), Cache Memory Systems, Virtual Memory Management, Multicore Processors, Peripheral Interfacing, RTOS in Microcontrollers |
| VLP602 | Embedded System Design Laboratory | Lab | 2 | Microcontroller Programming, Sensor/Actuator Interfacing, RTOS Implementation, Communication Protocols (UART, SPI, I2C), IoT Application Development, Device Driver Development |
| VLP604 | CAD for VLSI Laboratory | Lab | 2 | HDL Coding and Simulation, Logic Synthesis, Static Timing Analysis, Place and Route, Physical Verification (DRC, LVS), FPGA Implementation |
| VLM612 | Internet of Things | Elective | 2 | IoT Architecture and Components, Sensing and Actuation, Communication Technologies (Zigbee, LoRa), IoT Protocols (MQTT, CoAP), Cloud Platforms for IoT, Edge Computing and Security |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VLM701 | Advanced Digital Signal Processing | Core | 4 | Discrete-time Signals and Systems, Z-transforms and DFT/FFT, FIR and IIR Filter Design, Multirate Signal Processing, Adaptive Filters, DSP Processor Architectures |
| VLM705 | Low Power VLSI Design | Elective | 2 | Power Dissipation in CMOS, Static Power Reduction Techniques, Dynamic Power Reduction Techniques, Voltage Scaling and Frequency Scaling, Power Gating and Clock Gating, Low Power Architectures |
| VLM711 | Advanced Digital Design with FPGA | Elective | 2 | FPGA Architectures (LUTs, CLBs), Design Flow for FPGAs, High-Level Synthesis, IP Core Integration, System-on-Chip Design on FPGA, Verification on FPGA Platforms |
| VLM751 | Project Work Phase I | Project | 6 | Problem Identification, Literature Survey, System Design and Architecture, Component Selection, Preliminary Simulation and Analysis, Project Report Writing |
| VLP701 | Advanced DSP Laboratory | Lab | 2 | FIR/IIR Filter Implementation, Multirate DSP Systems, Adaptive Filter Algorithms, DSP Processor Programming, Real-time DSP Applications, Spectral Analysis |
| VLS701 | Seminar | Core | 2 | Technical Topic Selection, Extensive Literature Review, Presentation Skills Development, Effective Report Writing, Critical Discussion and Q&A, Research Communication |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VLM752 | Project Work Phase II | Project | 14 | Advanced Design and Implementation, Extensive Testing and Verification, Performance Evaluation and Optimization, Prototype Development (if applicable), Comprehensive Thesis Writing, Oral Presentation and Viva-Voce |
