34876 - Digital Systems Electronics M

Learning outcomes

The course aims to introduce the methodologies for the design of large-scale digital integrated circuits in CMOS technology, covering both the circuit architectures implementing the main logic and arithmetic functions and computer-aided design (CAD) techniques across different levels of abstraction. A significant portion of the course is devoted to guided laboratory sessions, enabling students to address and solve design and characterization problems for digital modules of increasing complexity using industry-standard electronic design automation (EDA) tools.

Course contents

The course covers the specification, design, and implementation of digital hardware architectures on chip. The theoretical content is complemented by a strong practical and laboratory component (over 50% of the course). The first module focuses on the design and characterization of a standard-cell library for an ASIC design flow and examines microarchitectures for accelerating arithmetic operations (addition and multiplication) using Cadence Virtuoso. The second module covers the main industrial ASIC design flows, from logic synthesis to physical implementation and Place & Route using industry-standard EDA tools.

Readings/Bibliography

All course materials (slides, links, and scientific papers) will be made available through the Virtuale platform and updated annually. The teaching materials for Module 2 will be provided in English.

Recommended references:

• J. M. Rabaey, A. Chandrakasan, B. Nikolic, Digital Integrated Circuits: A Design Perspective, 2nd Edition, Prentice Hall, 2003.
• G. De Micheli, Synthesis and Optimization of Digital Circuits, McGraw-Hill, 1994.

Teaching methods

he course consists of classroom lectures delivered in Italian and laboratory sessions.

The laboratory activities make use of professional Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools for digital system design, enabled through educational licenses provided by the EUROPRACTICE program.

The practical activities include:

• Circuit-level design of standard cells and basic digital building blocks (schematic capture, layout, and simulation) using Cadence Virtuoso.
• Hardware design in SystemVerilog HDL.
• Functional simulation using Siemens QuestaSim.
• Logic synthesis using Synopsys Design Compiler.
• Physical implementation (Place & Route) using Cadence Innovus.

Due to the nature of the laboratory activities and the teaching methods adopted, students are required to complete Modules 1 and 2 of the mandatory e-learning health and safety training for study and laboratory activities before attending the course.

https://site.unibo.it/tutela-promozione-salute-sicurezza/it/corsi-di-formazione/formazione-obbligatoria-su-sicurezza-e-salute-per-svolgimento-di-tirocinio-tesi-laboratorio-

Assessment methods

Assessment consists of two separate oral examinations, one for each module.

Students may take the Module 1 examination, which covers the prerequisite material for Module 2, during the winter examination session.

For each module, the assessment includes:

• the submission and presentation of a written report describing the assigned laboratory exercises; and
• an oral examination covering the entire module syllabus, including both the theoretical topics and the laboratory activities.

Students with specific learning disabilities (SLD) or temporary or permanent disabilities are encouraged to contact the University's dedicated support office as early as possible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it ). The office will propose any appropriate accommodations, which must be submitted to the instructor for approval at least 15 days before the examination. Approval will be granted taking into account both the student's needs and the learning objectives of the course.

Teaching tools

The course has a strong practical focus, with extensive laboratory sessions dedicated to the use of professional EDA tools for digital system design.

All course materials are made available through the Virtuale platform and are updated throughout the course. The material includes lecture slides, exercises, and simplified user guides for the EDA tools employed during the laboratory sessions.

The laboratory activities are an integral part of the course and provide students with continuous opportunities to interact with and receive feedback from the instructors.

Office hours

See the website of Davide Rossi

See the website of Eleonora Franchi Scarselli