

M-TECH in Vlsi Design And Embedded Systems at Visvesvaraya Technological University


Belagavi, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is VLSI Design and Embedded Systems at Visvesvaraya Technological University Belagavi?
This VLSI Design and Embedded Systems program at Visvesvaraya Technological University focuses on equipping students with advanced knowledge and practical skills in the design, analysis, and implementation of integrated circuits and embedded systems. Given India''''s growing semiconductor industry and demand for skilled engineers in IoT, automotive electronics, and telecommunications, this program is highly relevant and contributes significantly to the national talent pool.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for engineering graduates with a background in Electronics, Electrical, Telecommunication, or Computer Science who are keen to specialize in chip design or embedded software/hardware integration. It suits fresh graduates aspiring for core engineering roles, working professionals seeking to upskill in cutting-edge technologies, and researchers aiming for advanced R&D positions within India''''s tech landscape.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to find rewarding career paths as VLSI Design Engineers, Embedded Software Developers, Firmware Engineers, Verification Engineers, or System Architects in leading Indian and multinational companies like Intel, Qualcomm, Texas Instruments, Wipro, and TCS. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 6-10 LPA, with significant growth trajectories as experience builds, reaching INR 15-30+ LPA for experienced professionals.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Digital & Analog Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Develop a strong grasp of digital logic, CMOS circuit design, and analog circuit analysis. Regularly practice problem-solving, design exercises, and circuit simulations to build an intuitive understanding of VLSI components and prepare for advanced courses.
Tools & Resources
Cadence Virtuoso, Synopsis Design Compiler, Xilinx Vivado, NPTEL/Coursera VLSI courses
Career Connection
A robust foundation is critical for advanced design, verification, and testing roles in the semiconductor industry, enabling you to tackle complex chip designs.
Build Proficiency in Embedded C/C++ and RTOS- (Semester 1-2)
Gain hands-on experience with embedded programming languages (C/C++), microcontroller architectures (like ARM Cortex-M), and Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) such as FreeRTOS. Work on mini-projects involving sensor interfacing and basic peripheral control to solidify your practical skills.
Tools & Resources
Keil MDK, STM32CubeIDE, Raspberry Pi/Arduino, Reference books on RTOS
Career Connection
Essential for roles in embedded software development, firmware engineering, and IoT system design, which are high-demand areas in the Indian tech market.
Active Participation in Technical Seminars & Workshops- (Semester 1-2)
Engage actively in departmental seminars, technical workshops, and student clubs. Present topics related to VLSI and Embedded Systems, improving presentation and research skills. Participate in hackathons focused on embedded applications or FPGA design to apply theoretical knowledge.
Tools & Resources
IEEE publications, VTU departmental events, National tech fests, Technical communication guides
Career Connection
Enhances communication skills, exposes you to the latest research trends, and helps build a professional network, which is vital for future job prospects and collaborations.
Intermediate Stage
Strategically Choose Electives and Master Advanced Tools- (Semester 2)
Select electives that align with your specific career interests, such as SoC Design, AI for VLSI, or IoT Systems, to develop specialized expertise. Deepen your practical skills using advanced EDA tools like Cadence Innovus or Synopsys PrimeTime, beyond basic simulation.
Tools & Resources
Advanced Cadence/Synopsys tools, Specialized online certifications, Industry whitepapers, Research articles
Career Connection
Develops highly sought-after expertise in specific, high-demand areas, making you a specialized candidate for targeted roles in the semiconductor and embedded industries.
Pursue Certification and Participate in Design Competitions- (Semester 2)
Consider obtaining professional certifications, such as ARM Certified Engineer or functional verification certifications, to validate your skills. Actively participate in national-level design competitions to apply classroom knowledge to real-world problems and gain recognition within the industry.
Tools & Resources
Certification bodies (e.g., ARM, Synopsys), Design contest platforms, Collaborative design environments, Problem-solving resources
Career Connection
Validates your technical skills to potential employers and provides tangible portfolio projects, significantly boosting your resume and interview prospects.
Initiate Project Work and Build Industry Connections- (Semester 2 (late) to Semester 3 (early))
Begin exploring potential topics for your Semester 3 Project Work Phase I and Industrial Internship early. Network with alumni, faculty, and industry professionals to identify potential mentors and internship opportunities within companies located in major Indian tech hubs like Bengaluru or Hyderabad.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, VTU alumni network, Industry conferences, Research journals, Networking events
Career Connection
Securing a relevant internship is often a direct path to pre-placement offers or invaluable industry experience, which is crucial for final placements in core companies.
Advanced Stage
Maximize Industrial Internship Experience- (Semester 3)
Treat your Semester 3 Industrial Internship as a rigorous learning opportunity. Focus on contributing meaningfully to company projects, understanding industry workflows, and building a strong professional network. Document your work meticulously for your project report and future reference.
Tools & Resources
Company-specific tools and software, Internal documentation and wikis, Mentor feedback and guidance, Professional networking platforms
Career Connection
A successful internship can lead to a pre-placement offer, valuable recommendation letters, and a strong resume entry, significantly enhancing your job prospects for core engineering roles.
Deliver a High-Impact Project Work (Phase I & II)- (Semester 3-4)
Dedicate significant effort to your M.Tech project, aiming for a novel contribution or a robust implementation. Break down Phase I and II into clear milestones, regularly consulting with your guide. Aim for publications in reputable conferences or journals if your work demonstrates research merit.
Tools & Resources
Research papers and literature, Advanced simulation and design tools, Laboratory equipment, LaTeX for thesis writing
Career Connection
A strong final project showcases your problem-solving, design, and implementation skills, which are highly valued by employers for R&D, design, and product development roles in India.
Focused Placement Preparation and Networking- (Semester 3 (late) to Semester 4)
Actively participate in mock interviews, resume building workshops, and technical aptitude tests organized by the placement cell. Tailor your resume and interview responses to specific company requirements in VLSI design, embedded systems, or related fields. Leverage your network for referrals and insights into company cultures.
Tools & Resources
VTU Placement Cell resources, Interview preparation platforms (e.g., GeeksforGeeks, LeetCode), Company career websites, Professional mentors
Career Connection
Directly prepares you for the competitive placement process, significantly increasing your chances of securing a desirable job in the Indian semiconductor and embedded industry immediately after graduation.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.E./B.Tech. or equivalent degree in Electronics & Communication, Electrical & Electronics, Telecommunication, Computer Science, Information Science, Instrumentation, Medical Electronics, or M.Sc. in Electronics/Physics with Electronics specialization, AMIE, AMIETE, etc., from an AICTE recognized institution with a valid GATE score or PGCET score.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 72 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22EVE11 | Digital VLSI Design | Core | 4 | Introduction to CMOS circuits, MOS Transistor Theory, CMOS Inverter Characteristics, Combinational MOS Logic Circuits, Sequential MOS Logic Circuits, VLSI Design Methodologies |
| 22EVE12 | Advanced Embedded System | Core | 4 | Embedded System Overview, ARM Processor Architecture, Programming in Embedded C, Real-Time Operating Systems Concepts, IoT and Embedded Applications, Embedded System Design Methodology |
| 22EVE13 | Advanced Engineering Mathematics | Core | 3 | Linear Algebra, Probability and Random Variables, Stochastic Processes, Numerical Methods, Optimization Techniques, Calculus of Variations |
| 22EVE141 | ASIC Design (Program Elective – 1, example chosen) | Elective | 3 | ASIC Design Flow, Programmable ASICs and FPGAs, HDL Synthesis, Static Timing Analysis, Low Power VLSI Design, Placement and Routing |
| 22EVE151 | Advanced Computer Architecture (Program Elective – 2, example chosen) | Elective | 3 | Instruction Set Architecture, Pipelining and Parallelism, Cache Memory Hierarchy, Multiprocessor Systems, Vector Processors, Input/Output Organization |
| 22EVEL16 | VLSI Design and Embedded System Lab – 1 | Lab | 2 | Verilog HDL Programming, Digital Circuit Simulation, FPGA Synthesis and Implementation, ARM Microcontroller Programming, RTOS Task Management, Peripheral Interfacing |
| 22EVE17 | Technical Seminar | Project | 2 | Literature Review, Research Problem Identification, Technical Report Writing, Presentation Skills, Research Ethics, Oral Communication |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22EVE21 | Analog and Mixed Mode VLSI Design | Core | 4 | MOS Device Physics and Modeling, Single-Stage CMOS Amplifiers, Differential Amplifiers, Current Mirrors and Bandgap References, Operational Amplifiers, Data Converter Architectures |
| 22EVE22 | Real-Time Operating System | Core | 4 | RTOS Fundamentals, Task and Thread Management, Scheduling Algorithms, Inter-Task Communication, Memory Management in RTOS, RTOS for Embedded System Applications |
| 22EVE231 | Scripting Languages for VLSI Design (Program Elective – 3, example chosen) | Elective | 3 | Perl Scripting for EDA, Python for Design Automation, TCL/TK Basics, Automation Scripts Development, Data Parsing and Manipulation, Tool Command Language |
| 22EVE241 | Design of Embedded Controllers (Program Elective – 4, example chosen) | Elective | 3 | Microcontroller Architectures (ARM Cortex-M), Peripheral Interfacing, Device Drivers, Interrupt Handling, Real-Time Programming, Firmware Development |
| 22EVE251 | SoC Design (Program Elective – 5, example chosen) | Elective | 3 | SoC Architecture and Integration, IP Core Integration, Verification Methodologies, Design for Testability (DFT), Platform-Based Design, Network-on-Chip |
| 22EVEL26 | VLSI Design and Embedded System Lab – 2 | Lab | 2 | Analog CMOS Circuit Design, Mixed-Signal Simulation, RTOS-Based Embedded Projects, Sensor and Actuator Interfacing, Communication Protocols Implementation, FPGA-Based System Development |
| 22EVEA27 | Research Methodology and IPR | Audit Course (Mandatory, 0 Credits) | 0 | Research Problem Formulation, Literature Survey Techniques, Data Collection and Analysis Methods, Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), Patent Filing Procedures, Report Writing |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22EVE31 | Industrial Internship | Project | 6 | Industry Exposure, Practical Project Work, Application of Theoretical Knowledge, Technical Report Writing, Professional Ethics, Teamwork and Communication |
| 22EVE32 | Project Work Phase – I | Project | 6 | Problem Definition and Scope, Comprehensive Literature Survey, System Design and Architecture, Initial Module Development, Simulation and Preliminary Results, Technical Documentation |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22EVE41 | Project Work Phase – II | Project | 20 | Advanced Design and Implementation, Extensive Testing and Verification, Performance Analysis and Optimization, Thesis Writing and Documentation, Project Defense and Presentation, Innovation and Contribution |




