What This Document Is
This is the first project assignment for ELENG 141, Introduction to Digital Integrated Circuits, at the University of California, Berkeley. It’s a hands-on exercise designed to apply theoretical concepts learned in the course to a practical circuit design problem. The project focuses on optimizing a specific inverter-based circuit topology for performance and energy efficiency, and then verifying those results through simulation. It’s a foundational assignment, building skills essential for more complex digital IC design tasks.
Why This Document Matters
This project is crucial for students enrolled in ELENG 141 who want to solidify their understanding of digital circuit design principles. It’s particularly beneficial when you’re ready to move beyond theoretical analysis and begin applying your knowledge to real-world scenarios. Successfully completing this assignment will demonstrate your ability to analyze propagation delay, optimize circuit parameters, and validate designs using industry-standard tools. It’s a key step in developing the skills needed for a career in integrated circuit design.
Topics Covered
* Propagation Delay Analysis
* Gate Sizing and Optimization
* Supply Voltage Optimization
* Energy Consumption in Digital Circuits
* Circuit Verification using HSPICE
* Technology Parameter Extraction & Application
* Relationship between Delay and Power Supply Voltage
* FO4 Inverter Delay Modeling
What This Document Provides
* Detailed project specifications and requirements.
* A defined circuit topology for optimization.
* Technology parameters for accurate delay analysis.
* A phased approach to the project, including circuit optimization and HSPICE verification.
* A framework for reporting and summarizing your design methodology and results.
* Clear guidelines for evaluating performance metrics like delay and energy consumption.
* A scoring rubric to understand how the project will be assessed.
