Course Overview

VLSI & Chip Design

Module 1: Digital Electronics Basics

This foundational module establishes the core principles of digital logic, which are essential for understanding chip design. We begin with a review of Number Systems (Binary, Octal, Hexadecimal) and Boolean Algebra. Learners will master the functionality and construction of fundamental Logic Gates (AND, OR, NOT, XOR, etc.) and explore the design of basic combinational circuits, such as Adders, Multiplexers (MUX), and Decoders. The module then introduces sequential logic elements, specifically Flip-Flops (SR, D, JK, T) and their use in building Registers and Counters, which form the memory and state machines necessary for complex digital systems.

Module 2: Hardware Description Language (HDL) Basics: Verilog / VHDL

This module introduces the primary languages used to describe digital circuits: Verilog and VHDL. The focus is on understanding the difference between behavioral, dataflow, and structural modeling styles. Learners will master the basic syntax and concepts common to both languages, including modules/entities, ports, and data types. Crucially, this module teaches the fundamental difference between sequential code execution in software languages and the concurrent execution inherent in hardware descriptions, emphasizing the use of always blocks (Verilog) or processes (VHDL) for describing synchronous and asynchronous logic.

Module 3: Register-Transfer Level (RTL) Design

This core module is dedicated to designing circuits at the Register-Transfer Level (RTL), which is the standard input for synthesis tools. RTL describes the flow of data between hardware registers and how combinational logic transforms that data. Key topics include designing Finite State Machines (FSMs) (e.g., Mealy and Moore machines) for control logic, and implementing efficient data paths. Emphasis is placed on writing synthesizable HDL code—meaning the code can be physically mapped to transistors and gates—by avoiding non-synthesizable constructs and adhering to best practices for clocking and reset signals.

Module 4: FPGA Introduction and Synthesis Flow

This module bridges the gap between HDL code and physical hardware by introducing Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). Learners will understand the architecture of an FPGA, including Look-Up Tables (LUTs), Flip-Flops, and Routing Resources. The module details the VLSI Synthesis Flow (or FPGA flow): RTL code → Synthesis → Technology Mapping → Place and Route → Bitstream Generation. This provides context on how the abstract HDL code is translated into a physical circuit configuration file, enabling rapid prototyping and testing of custom digital designs.

Module 5: Mini HDL Simulation Project

The final module is a hands-on, practical exercise focusing on verification, a critical phase in chip design. The Mini HDL Simulation Project requires learners to design a small but complete digital system (e.g., a simple processor component or a complex counter). The focus is on developing a thorough Testbench (a separate HDL module used for testing) to provide input stimuli and verify the functionality of the designed module. Learners will utilize industry-standard HDL Simulators to observe waveform outputs, confirm that the RTL logic performs correctly under various conditions, and debug any functional discrepancies.