Understand VLSI design Flow and its Different Applications

The creation of sophisticated semiconductor and communication technologies marked the beginning of VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration) in the 1970s.

The microcontroller is a well-known VLSI technology. Before VLSI, the majority of ICs had restricted functionality. VLSI is an electronic circuit with a CPU, ROM, RAM, and other peripherals on a single board. VLSI enables the integration of all of these into a single chip. Let's look into the growth of VLSI's past before delving into the specifics.

Brief History of VLSI 

In the late 1970s, Douglas Fairbairn, Jack Balletto, Dan Floyd, and Gunnar Weslesen founded the VLSI Technology company. When Fairbairn interviewed the VTI founders in 1979 for a story in his semiconductor journal. They gave Fairbairn a job offer since they were so impressed. The business was formed shortly after as VLSI Technology, Inc.

Traditional VLSI Design Flow

In this section; we have discussed a conventional VLSI design flow.

Vital Steps in a VLSI design flow include

Step 1: System specification

System specs are the initial phase in the VLSI Design Flow process. The system is represented at a high level by the system specification. Performance, functionality, and interface are among the variables that must be considered in this process.

Step 2: Architectural design

The architecture is created by the design engineer using the system specifications.

Step 3: Logic design

In most cases, a timing diagram is the result of functional design. The description developed and tested during the logic design process is known as the RTL description. The register transfer level is referred to as RTL. It includes the register allocation, logic, and arithmetic operations that reflect the functional design. 

This step uses a hardware description language (HDL) like Verilog or VHDL to represent the system specification.

With the aid of EDA tools, simulation is utilised to test the functioning of the RTL description. Functional verification is carried out to ensure the standards complete the RTL design.

Step 4: Circuit design

The step-circuit design is created using logic architecture. Boolean statements are transformed into a circuit representation by taking into account the power and speed requirements of the original design. Circuit simulation is used to check each component's accuracy and timing.

Step 5: Physical design

Being a very complex stage, physical design is broken down into smaller steps like floor layout, placement, clock tree synthesis, routing, etc. Timing analysis checks are produced at every step throughout the physical design.

Moreover, physical components are placed inside each block, and analogue blocks or external IP cores are integrated.

In this stage, the layout's output is a GDSII file delivered to the foundry for chip fabrication. Rules for foundry design are followed when creating the layout.

Step 6: Physical verification

In this step, we carry out physical verification tests, including Layout Vs Schematic (LVS) and Design Rule check (DRC).

In DRC inspections, among other rules, the through, minimum width, and spacing between metals rules are physically examined. The layout and schematics are compared to evaluate whether or not their functional linkages are the same.

Step 7: Fabrication

The design is manufactured after the physical verification process. The final stage of the design process for integrated circuits before they are sent for production is called tape out. The graphic for the photo mask of the circuit is mainly provided to the foundry at the tape-out. This whole process is termed as fabrication. 

Step 8: Packaging and testing

This process of scribing and cleaving is executed to separate and pack the chips. Chips that fail in the final electrical testing is considered scrap.

Every chip is tested before packaging to ensure it adheres to all design requirements and performs as intended.

VLSI And Embedded Systems – Present Job Prospects

With recent improvements in micro-processing technology and internet and computer technology advancements, the demand for expertise in embedded systems and VLSI has increased significantly over the past ten years. VLSI and embedded systems engineers are in high demand in the power electronics industry.

Graduates in computer science or electronics who have taken extra certificates or PG programmes in embedded systems or VLSI have higher probability of getting placed. However, one needs to be highly skilled with a solid grasp of the foundations and a practical approach to find employment in these fields. 

Skill-Lync is a reputable platform that provides courses for engineers. We provide equip students with the most in-demand skills and help them to become job-ready. Candidates who have completed VLSI Design Courses can find employment in the following fields:

 

• VLSI

 

• Semiconductor
• Circuit layout
• Machine learning
• Equipment engineering
• UI/UX
• Automation of electronic design 
• Hardware layout
• Electronic systems
• Networking

 

• Embedded Systems

 

• RTOS
• Data signal processing
• Super fast computers
• Electronics systems architecture
• Linux
• Robotics 
• Data analysis
• Operating system personalization
• Network architecture and design of processors

In summary, courses in embedded systems and VLSI are both good in terms of job prospects and professional development. In order to advance your careers in the field of computer hardware and software systems, interested applicants can enrol in a variety of embedded systems courses or VLSI courses.

Responsibilities of a VLSI Engineer

Integral circuit creation and implementation are the purview of VLSI design engineers. These circuits, which are utilised in a range of electronic devices like computers, cell phones, and MP3 players, are created by them in collaboration with other engineers. The following are common responsibilities for VLSI design engineers:

• Using computer-aided design (CAD) tools to produce integrated circuit designs
• Evaluating integral circuit prototypes for performance standards
• Modifying circuit designs in response to test results
• Controlling of apprentice engineers or technicians
• Following the most recent developments in integrated circuit technology
• Creating reports that describe the performance and development of integrated circuits
• Giving results to clients or upper management

Some Common VLSI Applications

Everywhere you look, VLSI circuits are deployed, such as in personal computers, graphic cards, digital cameras, camcorders, cell phones, embedded processors, anti-lock brake systems in cars, personal entertainment systems, medical electronic systems, etc.

With numerous applications and opportunities this profession can offer you a promising career in VLSI.