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King's College London

Introduction to Very Large-Scale Integration Design

King's College London via edX

Overview

Integrated circuits (ICs) are at the heart of every electronic device we use today, from smartphones to spacecraft. But how are these tiny, powerful systems created?

Introduction to VLSI provides a comprehensive beginner-friendly look into the world of Very Large-Scale Integration (VLSI). You’ll follow the entire chip design journey, starting with silicon purification and wafer creation, through to digital logic, chip packaging, and modern industry tools.

Explore the historical evolution of computing hardware, from vacuum tubes to transistors and Moore’s Law. Learn how modern chips are developed using Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools, and discover how technologies like ASICs, FPGAs, CMOS, and MOSFETs power our digital lives.

Through engaging videos and clearly explained technical concepts, you’ll gain confidence with essential terminology such as ASICs, FPGAs, HDL, RTL, CMOS, MOSFETs, and GDSII files, and understand their real-world applications.

The course breaks down complex topics into intuitive, engaging explanations with real-world context. Whether you’re a student, engineer, or tech enthusiast, this course opens the gateway to chip design and the future of electronics.

Syllabus

Unit 1: Introduction to VLSI Design

Overview of the VLSI field, silicon purification, IC fabrication basics, and chip packaging.

Unit 2: Digital Logic Fundamentals

Introduction to binary systems, logic gates, combinational and sequential logic design.

Unit 3: Basic Building Blocks in VLSI

Detailed look into components like multiplexers, decoders, flip-flops, and memory units.

Unit 4: Semiconductor Devices in VLSI

Operation and characteristics of MOSFETs and CMOS technology in chip design.

Unit 5: VLSI Design Methodology

EDA workflow, HDL languages (Verilog, VHDL), RTL synthesis, placement, and routing.

Unit 6: VLSI Tools and Industry Trends

EDA tools, GDSII file generation, design verification, and modern trends in VLSI.

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