What This Document Is
This is the Phase One assignment for the Fall 2006 term project in ELENG 141, Introduction to Digital Integrated Circuits, at the University of California, Berkeley. It outlines the initial design challenge for a core component in many digital systems: a register file. This assignment focuses on the foundational building block – the individual register cell – and sets the stage for subsequent phases involving decoder design and full array assembly. It’s a practical, hands-on project geared towards applying theoretical knowledge to a real-world circuit design problem.
Why This Document Matters
This assignment is crucial for students enrolled in advanced digital logic design courses. It’s particularly beneficial for those aiming to specialize in VLSI design, computer architecture, or embedded systems. Successfully completing this phase will provide a strong foundation for understanding memory array architecture and the trade-offs involved in optimizing for speed, size, and power consumption. Students will gain valuable experience with industry-standard design flows and tools. This is a key step in developing the skills needed to design complex digital systems.
Topics Covered
* Register file architecture and function
* Single-ended register cell design
* CMOS circuit fundamentals
* Static and dynamic behavior of memory cells
* Read and write margins analysis
* Layout considerations for minimizing cell size
* Performance optimization techniques
* Precharging and bitline management
* Technology constraints in CMOS design
What This Document Provides
* Detailed project goals and constraints for Phase One
* Specifications for the target CMOS technology (0.25um process)
* Performance targets related to cell size, read current, and voltage stability
* A description of the required deliverables, including schematic and stick diagram prelabs
* Due dates for Phase One and subsequent project phases
* Information regarding the final project poster presentation
* Guidance on power supply and logic swing considerations.
