Technical University of Munich (TUM) Asia

MASTER OF SCIENCE

Integrated
Circuit Design
www.tum-asia.edu.sg

At a Glance

• The best of German and Asian

know-how in integrated electronics

• Nurturing innovators to take on the

dynamic semiconductor industry

• Joint degree conferred by TUM

and NTU

• Vast career prospects regionally

NTU Full Logo printing on uncoated stock: CMYK

and worldwide

• Apply online at www.tum-asia.edu.sg

0C 100M 90Y 0K 100C 68M 7Y 28K
 About Technical University of Munich (TUM) Asia

TUM & NTU

Technical University of Munich (TUM) Asia was set up in
2002 as the first academic venture abroad by a German
university, blending German academic excellence with
industry relevance in Asia. Its partnerships with top
Asian universities and industry leaders combine German
engineering with Asian relevance to equip talents for
Technical University of Munich (TUM) industry and research sectors in the world.

The Technical University of Munich (TUM) was founded in With the changing needs of the economy, the specialised
1868 and is one of Europe’s leading technical universities. Master programmes that are offered keep pace with
Serving as an entrepreneurial university that promotes industry needs through an Asian-European perspective.
talents and creates value for society, TUM has produced Lecturers and professors hail from as far as Germany to
17 Nobel Prize winners since 1927, most notably Ernst Otto equip students with their rich knowledge and experience.
Fischer (Chemistry) and Rudolf Mößbauer (Physics). Its
focus areas are engineering sciences, natural sciences, More than a thousand students have come through the
life sciences, medicine, management and political and doors of TUM Asia and now ply their trades in top research
social sciences. institutes and companies across the globe.

TUM promotes talents with its network of strong partners Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
in research and industry. It is represented worldwide with
the TUM Asia campus in Singapore, as well as offices in Inaugurated in 1991, Nanyang Technological University
Beijing, Brussels, Cairo, Mumbai, San Francisco and São (NTU) has grown to become a full-fledged research
Paulo. university and has been ranked the world’s best young
university (under 50 years old) by Quacquarelli Symonds
In international rankings, TUM regularly places among for the sixth consecutive year in 2019.
the best universities in Germany and worldwide. It is the
only university to have won recognition as a German NTU’s academic and research programmes, which bear
‘Excellence University’ in every round since 2006. strong real-world relevance, have garnered strong
support from major corporations and industry leaders. As
the main Science and Technology university in Singapore,
NTU has made substantial contributions to Singapore’s
drive for research and innovation.
NO.
1
university
TUM is ranked as
the no. 1 University
in Germany+

6
TUM ranked no.
NO.
6 in the Global
Employability
in employability
Survey^

17 17 scientists and
Master of Science | Integrated Circuit Design

alumni of TUM
Nobel Prize have received the
recipients Nobel Prize

50
+
As rated by QS World Ranking 2015 -2019 and Academic Ranking
TUM is ranked of World Universities (Shanghai ranking) 2011 - 2013, 2016
As ranked in the 2018 & 2019 Global University Employability
among the world’s
^

Ranking by Times Higher Education (THE)

universities Top 50 Universities# #
As rated by Times Higher Education World University Rankings
2020, QS World Ranking 2018 and Academic Ranking of World
Universities (Shanghai ranking) 2016 - 2018
Programme
Overview

Awarded by TUM and NTU, the Master of Science in Integrated Circuit Design
(MSc in ICD) equips students with the academic proficiency and hands-on
knowledge required in the design, development, and manufacture of integrated
circuit and integrated electronic products.

Programme Structure and Timeline

14 45
• 6 Core Technical Electives
for every Core and
• 4 Specialisation Technical Electives
Specialisation Elective
• 2 Non-Technical Elective Modules
Module
modules • 2 Lab Courses contact hours

2 Years • Full-time programme

• Coursework in Singapore
• Internationally-recognised degree

July Year 1 Year 2 Graduation

Arrival in • Laboratory Modules • Non-Technical Elective End of

Singapore • Core Technical Elective Modules programme
Modules • Internship
• Specialisation Technical • Master Thesis at a
Elective Modules company, university
• Non-Technical Elective or research institute
Modules (Supervised by an NTU or
TUM professor)

Note: This outline is a general reference to the duration of study. A student’s actual duration of study may or may not follow this general reference. This outline is subject
to change during the course timetable.
 Programme
Modules
Compulsory Laboratory Digital Signal Processing of long channel and short channel
Introduction to Discrete Fourier MOSFETs, hot carrier effects; short
Modules transform (DFT) and fast Fourier channel effects, scaling rules; basics
transform (FFT). Z transform. Digital of charge carrier transport (quantum
Laboratory 1 Analog IC Design
filters. Linear prediction and optimum mechanical, hydro dynamics,
Introduction to Cadence design tools;
linear filters. Power spectrum ballistics); proposed new MOSFET
CMOS high speed analog circuits; HF
estimation. structures (strain engineering, metal-
characteristics of CMOS Transistors
gate, high-k, vertical MOSFETs,
and more.
IC Packaging double gate MOSFETs); hot electron
Plastic Packaging Materials transistors; tunneling transistors; low
Laboratory 2 Digital IC Design
Manufacturing Processes for Plastic dimensional devices; single electron
Synchronous digital circuit concept;
Encapsulated Microelectronics. State- transistors, single electron memories,
description of sequential and
of-the-art Packaging Techniques. quantum electronics.
combinational logic cells; basic
Failure Mechanisms, Sites, and Modes.
components of digital circuits; state
Qualification Process. Accelerated Design for Testability of VLSI
machines; simulation; synthesis, static
Testing for Packaging. Effects Fault Models and Testability concepts.
timing analysis; implementation and
of Packaging on the Electrical Test Generation and Fault Simulation
testing.
Performance. Future Trends and Algorithms. Shift-register polynomial
Challenges in Packaging. division. Pseudo-random sequence
Core Technical Elective generators. Special purpose shift-
Mixed Signal Circuit Design register circuits. Random pattern BIST.
Modules Specifics of semiconductor process Build-in boundary scan structure.
(Choose 6 out of 7 modules)
technology and devices for the building Limitations and other concerns of
of integrated circuits. Transistor level random pattern test. Test techniques
Analog IC Design
circuits and the implementation in for automatic test equipment.
Review of fundamentals: Noise,
CMOS technology: amplifier, current
Modeling, Analog Building Blocks,
and voltage reference, power supply Embedded Systems
Components Layout, Switched
as well as clock generation, regulation The lectures cover the topics: Basics
Capacitor Circuits, Current Mode
and distribution, A/D and D/A of embedded processor architectures;
Circuits, Transconductors, Auto-
converters. Bus and memory architectures;
tuning, Gm-C and MOSFET-C Filters,
Performance/Timing analysis of
Continuous-Time Filters, Switch
System-on-Chip Solutions & embedded systems; Models for real-
Current Circuits and Class D Amplifiers.
Architecture time systems; Principles of embedded
Basics of CMOS integrated circuits software development; Basic real-time
Design Methodology & Automation
from a system´s perspective: From programming language concepts (e.g.
Computer-aided design of primarily
MOSFET transistor to realization of Esterel); real-time operating systems;
digital integrated circuits; VLSI design
combinatorial/sequential logic, Finite Power management; Design space
flow; Overview of system level,
State Machines (FSM), SRAM, DRAM, exploration.
algorithmic level, register transfer
FLASH, FPGA, CPU core building blocks.
level, logic level, and circuit level
Packaging and I/O technology; System IC Marketing / Business
VLSI design methods. Focus on: logic
modelling; Projection of IC technology Management
synthesis, digital simulation, testing.
scaling and implementation Trends in the IC industry: technology
Techniques from discrete mathematics
alternatives; Moore´s law and what it and manufacturing trends, demand
and computer science. Emphasis
will mean for different IC technologies applications and product trends.
is placed on techniques that are
today and in future. Market characteristics: the customers,
applicable to very complex, industrially
business cycles, demand lead and
Master of Science | Integrated Circuit Design

relevant circuits.
supply lag (the bull-whip effect),
Specialisation Technical IC industry, supply and value
Digital IC Design
Review of integrated circuit
Elective Modules* chain, stakeholders, geographical
(Choose 4 out of 7 modules) distribution of excellence centres,
fundamentals: Layout and design
technology centres, design centres,
issues, CMOS digital circuits,
Advanced MOSFET & Novel Devices fabrication centres, the disintegration
BiCMOS digital circuits, Sub-system
Historical development of of the value chain and outsourcing
design in digital circuits and Design
mainstream MOSFETs until today; trends. Managing the marketing
methodologies.
economical, technological and function: the sources of product
physical fundamentals; properties ideas, the role of standards, formats,
and intellectual property. Strategic
partnership, distributorship, demand Modern Developments in Industry
forecast, matching supply with
Non-Technical The module will provide insights in the
demand. Elective Modules core elements of Industry 4.0 such as:
(Choose 2 out of 6 modules) introduction to Cyber-Physical System,
Nano-Electronics Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
Low dimensional structures: quantum Business Administration technologies, information collection
wells, quantum wires and quantum The primary purpose of the module is with intelligent sensors, industrial
dots. Electronic, optical, transport to introduce students to the different networking to connect the machines
properties of nanostructures. Quantum areas of business administration with and processes together, Manufacturing
semiconductor devices. Fabrication the final objective to give them a Execution System (MES) for order
and characterisation techniques basic understanding of how to face management, production control and
of nanotechnology. Applications decision problems in a company. Most value adding to the complete supply
of nanostructures, nanodevices importantly, we will analyse long-term chain management.
and nanosystems. The bottom- investment decisions, how to set up
up approach to nanotechnology: strategic planning in a company, how Production Planning In Industry
to gather timely information about the Manufacturers are confronted
introduction to molecular electronics
current situation of a company, and with special requirements of their
and optoelectronics. Organic
how to set up its long-term financial production processes. Cycles, by-
materials for
structure. products, batches and campaigns
electronics: self-assembled
are difficult to handle by Enterprise
monolayers, conducting polymers,
Industrial Marketing Resource Planning (ERP) software
carbon nanotubes. Circuit
Marketing strategies are developed packages nowadays. Concepts of
implementations and architectures
for a typical commodity and speciality material requirements planning,
for nanostructures: quantum cellular
business. Students will work in teams supply chain management (SCM)
automata and cellular non-linear
to develop business cases, make their combined with basics in cost
networks. Introduction to quantum own business decisions and develop accounting will be explained.
computing. marketing concepts based on provided
information of a real case study.
RF IC Design
System design considerations, Innovation and Technology
CMOS RF components and devices, Management
Low-noise amplifier (LNA), Mixers, This module presents the dynamics
Voltagecontrolled oscillators (VCOs), of technological development
RF power amplifiers, Phase-Locked through innovation and the related
Loops and Frequency Synthesizers. management issues, the difference
between creating a new product
Simulation and Optimisation of (invention) and improving an existing
Analog Circuits product/idea (innovation), start-
Principles of circuit simulation: ups and financing of innovation,
DC/AC/TR analysis. Basic analog innovation-driven economic cycles
optimization tasks: worst-case and innovation impact on growth and
analysis, yield analysis, nominal jobs.
design and design centring. Basic
principles of optimisation: optimality International Intellectual Property
conditions, line search, Nelder-Mead Law
method, Newton approach, Conjugate This module will give a brief
Gradient approach, Quadratic introduction to intellectual property
Programming and Sequential rights and focus on insights into
Quadratic Programming. Structural general principles of patent law and
analysis of analog circuits. international conventions governing
the patent law. Current developments
and criticism of the current patent *Disclaimer: Elective modules available for selection
law system will also be addressed. In are subject to availability. Unforeseen circumstances
addition, practical (legal) aspects of that affect the availability of the module include an
insufficient number of students taking up the module
the commercialisation of patents will
and/or the unavailability of the professor. TUM Asia
be dealt with. reserve the right to cancel or postpone the module
under such circumstances.
 The TUM
Experience
The Integrated Circuit
Design programme
offered a module
that was related to
intellectual property
and invited a German
professional patent
attorney to teach it. The
module opened a new
window for me and
helped me to discover a
career path that I was
passionate about.

Minghui Sun
Alumni
Master of Science
in Integrated Circuit Design

Entrepreneurial Thinking Highest International TUMCREATE

and Engagement Standards TUMCREATE is a joint programme
You will formulate and discuss ideas You will receive a holistic learning between the Technical University
based on the diverse economic experience with the local lecturers of Munich (TUM) and the Nanyang
realities and learn to see from from academia and industry. Our Technological University (NTU).
multiple vantage points. The unique TUM modules are covered by The electromobility institute brings
joint degree programme equips you professors who fly in from Germany together the expertise and innovation
not only with the technical knowledge, on an exclusive teaching basis, to of Germany and Singapore to drive
but also with the business and cultural ensure that you get the undivided innovation and shape the future
aspects of the subject. attention of their lecturers. of sustainable mobility by tackling
issues ranging from molecules to
Master of Science | Integrated Circuit Design

the megacity. Graduates have the

Industry Relevance Global Prospects opportunity to apply for positions
Our professors - the world’s best You can choose to complete your at TUMCREATE, especially if
– are industry experts and active internship and thesis in Singapore your interest lies in the area of
researchers. This allows you to learn or anywhere in the world with a transportation and mobility research.
from a curriculum that is built around company, university or research
the latest technological trends and institute. Your internationally
knowledge. recognised degree and experience is
a great boost to your profile for future
global job opportunities.
Industry
Outlook
Did you know that a part of your gadgets today - computer, mobile phone, tablet
or video console - were designed or manufactured in Singapore? Leaders of the
Singapore electronics industry are working to push the boundaries of Artifical
Intelligence (AI), Autonomous Vehicles (AVs), and Industry 4.0.

Rich and diverse

manufacturing hub Today, Singapore is home
Singapore has one of the most diverse to over

20
semiconductor industries in Asia Pacific.
Industry
Some of the world’s biggest pure-play
foundries have manufacturing facilities
breakdown
here, as do many other top outsourced of our
semiconductor assembly and
semiconductor assembly and test graduates test operations.
companies. Beyond semiconductors,
Singapore is also a key node in the
global supply chain for products
ranging from storage and memory In 2015, Singapore’s Electronics
products, to microelectromechanical industry achieved an output of
systems (MEMS). These manufacturers over

$64.8 billion
are supported by a rich ecosystem of
Semiconductor 60%
leading materials and equipment and
Computing and IT 14%
electronics manufacturing services
Academic 9%
players. Looking ahead, the Electronics
Electronics 8% This accounts for 31.6% of
Industry Transformation Map (ITM)
Research 5% Singapore’s total manufacturing
aims to grow the sector by transforming
Integrated Circuit Products 2% output.
companies through productivity,
Others 2%
automation, and upgrading the
manufacturing product mix.
Source: Singapore Economic Development Board The Singapore industry trains
over

13,000
Our Graduates engineers and technicians
regularly to ensure a steady
Our graduates in Integrated Circuit Design are employed all over the stream of talent to the industry
world, with a majority in Singapore, China and Europe.

The most commonly accepted positions are Analog IC Design Engineer,

Electronics Engineer, Development Engineer, Realibility Engineer, There is a

2% - 5%
Product Development Engineer.

Others may also choose to continue their academic journey with a

doctoral candidate position (PhD). annual growth in productivity
over the past decade registered
by the electronics sector.
 Programme Fees

Processing Fee
SGD79 per application

Tuition Fee
SGD42,800+

Admission Criteria Tuition fees are to be paid in 3 instalments.

+

+
The tuition fee includes teaching fees,
• Bachelor Degree in Electrical or Electronics Engineering or a closely laboratory expenses and cost of mandatory
related discipline events. The tuition fee does not include
airfare, accommodation, living expenses, and
• Bachelor Degree certificate or enrolment letter* miscellaneous fees (registration, IT facilities,
(if you have not completed your Bachelor Degree) matriculation, examination, amenities, copy
• Academic transcripts or mark sheets* right, sports, insurance and medical).

• 2 Recommendation Letters from your professors or employers +

The tuition fee stated is accurate as of
• Statement of Purpose indicating the reason(s) you are interested in this 1 January 2020. All fees are subject to revision
due to currency fluctuations, at the discretion
programme of TUM Asia. All fees quoted are inclusive
• Curriculum Vitae / Résumé of 7% Singapore’s Government Goods &
Services Tax. Please refer to our website for
• TOEFL test score (≥100 for Internet-based test, DI code: 7368) or
fee updates.
IELTS test score (≥6.5 overall) taken no more than two years ago from
date of submission *
Documents which are not in English must
be translated by a certified translator. All
• Akademische Prüfstelle (APS) certificate for applicants who hold a applicants are also required to submit an
degree from China, Vietnam, or Mongolia additional of
- 2 notarised copies of official or provisional
Bachelor’s Degree certificate
- 2 notarised copies of official academic
transcript, and
- 2 passport-sized photographs when you
have accepted the offer of admissions and
The full application process and documents are being matriculated into our programme.
required for submission is available at
www.tum-asia.edu.sg/application-process

Applications open 1 October every year.

German Institute of Science & Technology -

TUM Asia Pte Ltd
CPE Registration No.: 200105229R
CPE Registered Period: 13/06/2017 to 12/06/2023

Technical University of Munich (TUM) Asia All information is accurate at the time of printing
510 Dover Road, #05-01 SIT@SP Building, Singapore 139660 and is subject to change without prior notice.
Tel: +65 6777 7407 Published in January 2020.
Fax: +65 6777 7236
Email: [email protected] www.tum-asia.edu.sg