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EE6361: Advanced Topics in VLSI (Jan 2019)
Instructors
Classroom
Schedule
T-slot - Friday (2:00 - 4:50 PM)
Evaluation
Assignments: 10%
Mid Term: 30%
Project : 20%
End Semester Exam: 40%
Course Objective
(Why we teach this course?)
Introduce students to some relevant advanced topics of current interest in academia and industry
Give the students a feel for research topics
Make students aware of work happening in India
This course will cover three broad subjects:
SRAM design (Rahul Rao)
Embedded DRAM design (Janakiraman)
Emerging memories (PCM/ STT RAM) (Rahul + Janakiraman + Guest lecture)
Learning Objectives
(What the students should be able to do after the course)
Part 1- SRAM Design
Articulate memory hierarchy and the value proposition of SRAMs in the memory chain + utilization in current processors
Explain SRAM building blocks and peripheral operations and memory architecture (with physical arrangement)
Articulate commonly used SRAM cells (6T vs 8T), their advantages and disadvantages
Explain the operation of a non-conventional SRAM cells, and their limitations
Explain commonly used assist methods
Explain how variations impact memory cells
Part 2- eDRAM Design and Yield Analysis
Explain the working of a (e)DRAM and what Embedded means?
Explain the working of a feedback sense amplifier and modify existing designs to improve performance
Calculate the voltage levels of operation of various components for an eDRAM
Introduce stacked protect devices to reduce voltage stress of the WL driver