KIE2004 ELECTRONIC CIRCUITS, SEM 1 2023/2024

ASSIGNMENT (25%), DUE ON 12TH JAN, FRIDAY WEEK 13

CLO2: Demonstrate the performance of amplifiers using modern EDA tools with good
understanding of its limitations
• PLO5(CLS3c), C3,P3, 20%
• Method of assessment: online assignment

CLO3: Analyse the use of amplifiers as an active device in the design of oscillators and
voltage regulators considering the impact on the environment and sustainability
• PLO7(CLS5), C4,5%
• Method of assessment: online group activities
Objectives: The objective of this assignment is to provide students with:

• Basic understanding of digital/analog electronics

• Basic understanding of IC layout
• Familiar with Linux OS, a common OS environment for IC design CAD tools

Grouping: This assignment is a group project, where each group consists of 3-4 students. Each group
is required to submit ONE report via UMSPECTRUM.

Instructions:

1. Students are to conduct the Custom Compiler (Synopsys) lab, starting from setting up design
library to schematic design and analysis to layout. The Synopsys software is obtained via
VMware, and the software license is to be pulled from CEDEC,USM under the MOHE grant.
2. For Exercise 2, develop the schematic of a two-input NOR schematic. Analyse the transient
analysis for different values of the ‘width’ of the PMOS transistor.
3. For Exercise 3_2, perform parametric analysis of the op-amp using Prime Wave. Analyse the
parametric analysis for different values of the resistance.
4. For Exercise 4 to 8, develop the layout and conduct the DRC and LVS for the NOR gate.

Report : Prepare a report which consists of-

a. Chapter 1: Introduction
➢ Objectives of the assignment (do NOT copy the objectives which I had stated in this
document). State what you have learned and gained from the assignment.
➢ Introduction – usage of CAD tools in IC designs. Elaborate on the benefits of IC EDA tools
and applications in the industry (give examples how IC foundries uses CAD tools).
➢ Problem Statement – what are current problems is IC designs if CAD tools not used and
what are the disadvantages of these tools.
➢ How can the use of the TCAD tool can create impact on the environment and sustainability?

b. Chapter 2: Literature Review

➢ Background review of EDA tools
➢ Different kinds of EDA tools for IC design (eg Synopys, Mentor Graphics, Cadence
etc). Include flow chart of the design flow using each of the tool.
➢ Elaborate each step in the design flow in IC design.
➢ Examples of analysis that can be carried out using EDA tools.
 c. Chapter 3: Methodology
➢ Explain what you did in each exercise
➢ Include flow chart of what you did

d. Chapter 4: Results and Analysis

➢ Paste all results you have attained
➢ Discuss your results (include technical arguments. Not just talk about the trends of
the plots)
➢ Dedicate one section to discuss on how to enhance the sustainability of the design.

e. Chapter 5: Recommendation and conclusion

➢ Conclusion
➢ Recommend on the use of the EDA tool. Is it beneficial? Why?

Rubric

Details 1 2 3 4 5 (EXCELLENT)
(POOR)
Usage of the Did not use Using a Used the Used the Used the
specified tool the EDA different CAD Custom Custom Custom
tool tool Compiler Compiler Compiler
Synopsys Synopsys, Synopsys,
tool, though completed as completed as
did not according to according to
complete the guide the guide
provided provided with
additional
analysis
Design Not Little Sufficient Elaborate Elaborate
Methodology described description description description description on
on the design on the design the design to
to be to be be analysed
analysed analysed, and potential
together with designs for
background improvements,
study. together with
background
study.
Results and Did not Provided only Provided Provided Provided all of
Discussion provide any <50% of results >50% of >50% of results in the
results in in the report results in the results in the report, along
the report report. report. Plots with additional
However, are clear with plots. Plots are
plots are captions and clear with
unclear and correlate well captions and
do not with correlate well
correlate with discussion. with
discussion.
 the
discussion.
Conclusion No Little Sufficient Well written Well written
conclusion conclusion, conclusion, conclusions, conclusions,
without any with with with mentions
mentions of mentions of mentions of of what was
what was what was what was achieved from
achieved from achieved achieved the exercise
the exercise from the from the together with
exercise exercise potential
future work
that can be
done using
EDA tool.
References No 1-2 references 3-4 5 references > 5 references
references references (excluding
webpages or
online
references)