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Kunal Ghosh

OR, say, you are a student, who already went through my previous courses on clock tree synthesis, physical design flow and crosstalk,

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OR, say, you are a student, who already went through my previous courses on clock tree synthesis, physical design flow and crosstalk,

But, sit back, and give it a thought "Have you done it all?" "Did you know, where does the delay of a cell actually comes from?" "We have learnt about delay models, but are the models accurate?" "How do you verify, if what you are doing in static timing analysis, is correct?" and many more.

These are some of curious questions we wonder about, but hardly find any answers. Even if we found the answers, as a passionate learner, we are still more curious to do some practical things on our own.

And, here's the answer to all of them. SPICE (Simulation Program for Integrated Circuit Emphasis). This course has answers to almost all questions that you might have as a serious timing analyst

So let's get started and keep those questions coming in the forum, and I will answer all of them.

See you in class .

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Understand, in brief, physics of mosfet
  • Run spice simulations on your own and test your own circuits
  • Get better understanding of timing analysis
  • Learn vlsi from scratch to advanced (this includes my other courses as well)

Syllabus

Introduction to circuit design and SPICE simulations
Why do we need circuit design and SPICE simulations?
Introduction to basic element in circuit design - NMOS
Read more
Strong inversion and threshold voltage
Threshold voltage with positive substrate potential
NMOS Resistive region and saturation region of operation
Resistive region of operation with small drain-source voltage
Drift current theory
Drain current model for linear region of operation
SPICE conclusion to resistive operation
Pinch-off region condition
Drain current model for saturation region of operation
Introduction to SPICE
Basic SPICE setup
Circuit description in SPICE syntax
Define technology parameters
Standard technology file
First SPICE Simulation
SPICE deck for 1.2u Technology node
SPICE simulation for lower nodes and velocity saturation effect
SPICE simulation for lower nodes (250nm)
SPICE deck for 250nm Technology node
Drain current vs gate voltage for long and short channel device
Id-Vgs SPICE deck for 1.2u technology node
Id-Vgs SPICE deck for 250nm technology node
Velocity variation at lower and higher electric fields
Velocity saturation drain current model
CMOS voltage transfer characteristics
MOSFET as a switch
Introduction to standard MOS voltage current parameters
PMOS NMOS drain current v/s drain voltage
Step1 - Convert PMOS gate-source-voltage to Vin
Step2 & Step3 - Convert PMOS and NMOS drain-source-voltage to vout
Step4 - Merge PMOS - NMOS load curves and plot VTC
Conclusion and next steps
Quiz
Threshold voltage

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Provides a comprehensive study of SPICE simulations
Helps learners strengthen their understanding of Timing Analysis
Course taught by Kunal Ghosh, who is known for their work in SPICE
Beginners will likely need to take other courses first that can lay the foundation for the material

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Reviews summary

Theory-heavy circuit design course

According to students, this course provides plenty of theoretical background on circuit design, but it lacks practical application through SPICE simulations.
Course provides a solid theoretical foundation in circuit design.
"more of theroy than spice simulation"
Course lacks hands-on experience through SPICE simulations.
"more of theroy than spice simulation"

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in VSD - Circuit Design & SPICE Simulations - Part 1 with these activities:
Study 'CMOS VLSI Design' by Neil H. E. Weste and David Harris
Gain a comprehensive understanding of VLSI design principles and practices.
Show steps
  • Read and study selected chapters or sections of the book.
  • Annotate key concepts, definitions, and examples.
  • Summarize the main ideas and principles in your own words.
Review VLSI PCells
Get a refresher on the fundamentals of VLSI physical design cells.
Show steps
  • Revisit the concept of standard cells and their role in VLSI design.
  • Review the different types of PCells, such as standard cells, memory cells, and I/O cells.
  • Understand the layout and functionality of each type of PCell, including their terminals, ports, and routing rules.
Learn SPICE Simulation Basics
Enhance your understanding of SPICE simulation techniques.
Browse courses on SPICE
Show steps
  • Find online tutorials or documentation on SPICE simulation.
  • Install SPICE software and set up a basic simulation environment.
  • Run simple simulations to familiarize yourself with the SPICE syntax and commands.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Analyze Static Timing Analysis
Deepen your comprehension of static timing analysis concepts.
Browse courses on Static Timing Analysis
Show steps
  • Review the principles of static timing analysis and its importance in VLSI design.
  • Practice analyzing timing paths and identifying critical paths.
  • Use industry-standard tools or online resources to perform static timing analysis on sample circuits.
Model a MOSFET in SPICE
Apply your knowledge to develop a SPICE model for a MOSFET.
Browse courses on MOSFET
Show steps
  • Study the electrical characteristics and physical structure of a MOSFET.
  • Choose an appropriate SPICE model for the MOSFET, such as the BSIM or EKV model.
  • Create a SPICE deck to define the model parameters and simulate the MOSFET's behavior.
Design and Simulate a CMOS Logic Circuit
Apply your skills to design, simulate, and analyze a functional CMOS logic circuit.
Show steps
  • Choose a simple CMOS logic circuit to design, such as a NAND gate or a flip-flop.
  • Create a schematic of the circuit using a circuit design tool.
  • Simulate the circuit using SPICE to verify its functionality and analyze its performance.
Attend an Advanced VLSI Design Workshop
Expand your knowledge and network with experts in advanced VLSI design.
Browse courses on VLSI Design
Show steps
  • Research and identify workshops or conferences specializing in advanced VLSI design.
  • Attend the workshop and actively participate in lectures, discussions, and hands-on sessions.
  • Network with industry professionals and researchers to gain insights and expand your professional network.

Career center

Learners who complete VSD - Circuit Design & SPICE Simulations - Part 1 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
MOSFET Engineer
MOSFET Engineers design and develop metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs). MOSFETs are essential components in a wide range of electronic devices, including computers, cell phones, and medical equipment. To be successful in this role, one should have a strong understanding of MOSFET physics and SPICE simulations. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to these topics and covers essential concepts such as threshold voltage, pinch-off region condition, and velocity saturation drain current model, which are fundamental to MOSFET design.
Electrical Engineer
Electrical Engineers design and develop electrical systems and components. The work can involve both hardware and software design. To be successful in this role, one should have a strong understanding of circuit design and SPICE simulations. This course provides a foundation in these areas and covers key topics such as MOSFET physics, SPICE setup, circuit description, and standard MOS voltage current parameters, which are essential for success as an Electrical Engineer.
Design Engineer
Design Engineers design and develop electronic products. The work can involve both hardware and software design. To be successful in this role, one should have a strong understanding of circuit design and SPICE simulations. This course provides a foundation in these areas and covers key topics such as MOSFET physics, SPICE syntax, and standard technology files, which are essential for success as a Design Engineer.
RF Design Engineer
RF Design Engineers design and develop radio frequency (RF) circuits and systems. The work can involve both analog and digital circuits. To be successful in this role, one should have a strong understanding of circuit design and SPICE simulations. This course provides a foundation in these areas and covers key topics such as NMOS, PMOS, CMOS voltage transfer characteristics, and velocity saturation drain current model, which are essential for success as a RF Design Engineer.
Process Engineer
Process Engineers develop and optimize the manufacturing processes used to produce integrated circuits (ICs). The work involves designing and implementing new processes, as well as troubleshooting existing processes. To be successful in this role, one should have a strong understanding of circuit design and SPICE simulations. This course provides a foundation in these areas and covers key topics such as MOSFET physics, SPICE setup, circuit description, and standard technology files, which are essential for success as a Process Engineer.
Circuit Designer
Circuit Designers design and analyze circuits for electronic devices and systems. The work can involve both analog and digital circuits. To be successful in this role, one should have a strong understanding of circuit theory and SPICE simulation. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to these topics and covers essential concepts such as NMOS, PMOS, CMOS voltage transfer characteristics, and velocity saturation drain current model, which are fundamental to circuit design.
Hardware Engineer
Hardware Engineers design and develop electronic hardware. The work can involve both analog and digital circuits. To be successful in this role, one should have a strong understanding of circuit design and SPICE simulations. This course provides a foundation in these areas and covers key topics such as NMOS, PMOS, CMOS voltage transfer characteristics, and velocity saturation drain current model, which are essential for success as a Hardware Engineer.
VLSI Design Engineer
VLSI Design Engineers design and develop very-large-scale integration (VLSI) circuits. VLSI circuits are used in a wide range of electronic devices, including computers, cell phones, and medical equipment. To be successful in this role, one should have a strong understanding of circuit design and SPICE simulations. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to these topics and covers essential concepts such as MOSFET physics, SPICE syntax, and standard technology files, which are fundamental to VLSI design.
Digital Design Engineer
Digital Design Engineers design and implement digital circuits and systems. The work can involve both hardware and software design. To be successful in this role, one should have a strong understanding of circuit design and SPICE simulations. This course provides a foundation in these areas and covers key topics such as NMOS, PMOS, CMOS voltage transfer characteristics, and velocity saturation drain current model, which are essential for success as a Digital Design Engineer.
Semiconductor Design Engineer
Semiconductor Design Engineers design and develop semiconductor devices. The work can involve both analog and digital circuits. To be successful in this role, one should have a strong understanding of circuit design and SPICE simulations. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to these topics and covers essential concepts such as MOSFET physics, SPICE syntax, and standard technology files, which are fundamental to semiconductor design.
IC Design Engineer
IC Design Engineers design and develop integrated circuits (ICs). The work can involve both analog and digital circuits. To be successful in this role, one should have a strong understanding of circuit design and SPICE simulations. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to these topics and covers essential concepts such as MOSFET physics, SPICE syntax, and standard technology files, which are fundamental to IC design.
Physical Design Engineer
Physical Design Engineers design and implement the physical layout of integrated circuits (ICs). The work involves placing and routing the various components of an IC on a silicon wafer. To be successful in this role, one should have a strong understanding of circuit design and SPICE simulations. This course provides a foundation in these areas and covers key topics such as MOSFET physics, SPICE setup, circuit description, and standard technology files, which are essential for success as a Physical Design Engineer.
Analog Design Engineer
Analog Design Engineers design and test analog and mixed-signal electronic circuits. These circuits are found in a variety of electronic devices, including computers, cell phones, and medical equipment. To be successful in this role, one should have a strong understanding of circuit design and SPICE simulations. This course provides a solid foundation in these areas and covers key topics such as MOSFET physics, SPICE setup, circuit description, and standard MOS voltage current parameters, which are essential for success as an Analog Design Engineer.
Test Engineer
Test Engineers test and evaluate electronic products and systems. The work can involve both hardware and software testing. To be successful in this role, one should have a strong understanding of circuit design and SPICE simulations. This course provides a foundation in these areas and covers key topics such as MOSFET physics, SPICE setup, circuit description, and standard MOS voltage current parameters, which are essential for success as a Test Engineer.
Yield Engineer
Yield Engineers develop and implement processes to improve the yield of semiconductor manufacturing. The work involves identifying and eliminating defects in the manufacturing process. To be successful in this role, one should have a strong understanding of circuit design and SPICE simulations. This course provides a foundation in these areas and covers key topics such as MOSFET physics, SPICE setup, circuit description, and standard technology files, which are essential for success as a Yield Engineer.

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in VSD - Circuit Design & SPICE Simulations - Part 1.
Comprehensive introduction to CMOS VLSI design. It covers the basics of CMOS technology, as well as more advanced topics such as circuit design and system design.
Provides a comprehensive overview of digital integrated circuit design. It covers the basics of digital circuit design, as well as more advanced topics such as computer-aided design and testing.
Provides a comprehensive overview of analog integrated circuit design. It covers the basics of analog circuit design, as well as more advanced topics such as feedback and stability.
Provides a comprehensive overview of high-speed digital system design. It covers the basics of high-speed digital design, as well as more advanced topics such as signal integrity and power distribution.
Provides a comprehensive overview of RF CMOS power amplifiers. It covers the basics of RF CMOS technology, as well as more advanced topics such as circuit design and system design.
Provides a practical guide to analog layout. It covers the basics of analog layout, as well as more advanced topics such as routing and packaging.

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