Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/vlsi-cad-layout
The VLSI CAD Part II: Layout course offered on Coursera is an essential follow-up for anyone interested in the design and layout of very-large-scale integration (VLSI) chips. Building upon the fundamentals covered in Part I: Logic, this course delves deeply into the physical implementation aspects of chip design, including placement, routing, technology mapping, and timing analysis.
The course is well-structured and comprehensive. It begins with an orientation to familiarize students with the course environment and essential technical skills. The core modules focus on the step-by-step process of chip layout, covering critical topics such as ASIC placement, where algorithms for placing millions of gates are examined, and technology mapping, which translates logical designs into real-world gates using elegant recursive algorithms. The routing segment introduces maze routing techniques, enabling students to understand how to connect myriad components efficiently.
One of the highlights of this course is the detailed exploration of timing analysis — a crucial step to ensure that the chip operates at desired speeds. The course combines theory with practical algorithms, often emphasizing how computer science principles underpin VLSI CAD tools. Finally, the course concludes with a final exam that challenges students to synthesize their knowledge.
I highly recommend this course for electrical engineering students, chip designers, or anyone interested in the intricacies of modern semiconductor design. The curriculum’s rigorous approach, coupled with hands-on programming assignments and real-world case studies, makes it an invaluable resource to deepen your understanding of VLSI design. Whether you’re looking to enhance your academic knowledge or prepare for a career in chip design, this course offers a solid foundation and practical insights.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/vlsi-cad-layout