ECE 520 Digital ASIC Design

Modern digital design practices based on Hardware Description Languages (Verilog, VHDL) and CAD tools, particularly logic synthesis. Emphasis on design practice and the underlying algorithms. Introduction to deep submicron design issues, particularly interconnect and low power and to ASIC applications, and decision making. 3 credit hours.

 
   
   
Prerequisite
  

The basics of digital logic design, including combinational logic design, hand techniques for logic minimization, latches and flip-flops. Familiarity with digital system building blocks, including registers, adders, muxes, etc. Familiarity with the programming language C is desirable; or consent of instructor.

 
Course Objectives  
  • Teach students how modern digital systems are designed based around the use of hardware description languages, logic synthesis and mapping onto standard cell and field programmable logic.
  • Teach students about non-logic-design issues in ASIC design, including timing, power, and verification.
  • Teach students how to approach block level optimization in ASIC design.
  • Demonstrate understanding of design in a major project.
  • Discuss future trends in digital system design.
Course Requirements  

Homework: 20% of final grade.

Examinations: Midterm exam 20%, Final exam 35%

Software Requirements: N/A

Projects: 25% of final grade.

 
Textbook  

Smith and Franzon, Verilog Styles for Synthesis, Prentice Hall, ISBN: 0201618605

 
Computer and Internet Requirements  

NCSU has recommended minimum specifications for computers used for classes. Depending on your computer needs, we recommend your computer meet or exceed the following minimum specifications below.

PCs must have an Intel-compatible 800 MHz processor, 256 MB RAM, 8 GB hard drive with 1 GB free space available, 256 Color Display, CD-ROM drive, 800x600 (min.) video adapter, sound card, and speakers. The operating system should be Windows 2000 or XP. Real One Player Basic (available free online) and high speed Internet connection such as cable, DSL, T1 or LAN will be required for EOL courses.

MAC users must have a G3 processor with firewire and USB factory built-in, 256 MB RAM, 10 GB with 1GB free space available, 256 Color Display, CD-ROM drive, 800x600 (min) video adapter, sound card, and speakers. The operating system must be MacOS 10.3 (minimum) along with the above RealOne and Internet specifications above .

For more detailed information on computer specifications and recommendations, please refer to our website at: http://engineeringonline.ncsu.edu/currentstudents/computeraccess.htm

 

Instructor  

Dr. Paul D. Franzon, Professor
Director, Electronics Research Lab
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
443 MRC (Larry K. Monteith Engineering Research Center)
Campus Box 7911
NC State University
Raleigh, NC 27695-7911

Phone: 919-515-7351
Fax: 919-515-2285
E-mail: paulf@ncsu.edu
Homepage: http://www.ece.ncsu.edu/erl/faculty/paulf.html