What are Isolation Cells in VLSI?
Isolation cells in the VLSI course are extra cells introduced by synthesis tools to isolate buses/wires crossing from a circuit’s power-gated domain to its always-on domain. The isolation list is a list of all the buses or wires that require isolation cells. We provide the clamping value of the nets in the isolation list as […]
What is Crosstalk in VLSI and its Impact on 7nm Technology?
As we dig deep into lower technology nodes in IC (integrated circuit) design, we always witness a downscale of design relative to earlier technology nodes. With each contraction in technology nodes, many things, such as the width of metal wires and transistor size, tend to be downscaled. As a result, RC (Resistive-capacitive) delays are significantly […]
What Is The Antenna Effect in VLSI?
The most sensitive component of a Metal Oxide Semiconductor (MOS) transistor is the gate oxide. During the construction of an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), special care must be taken to safeguard it from damage both throughout the fabrication process and during the functioning of the ASIC. Some unwanted impacts can arise throughout an actual […]
The Importance of VLSI Physical Verification In Chip Design
In the VLSI course, verification is a critical step in the chip design process that ensures the correctness and reliability of the physical layout of integrated circuits. The process involves checking the design against a set of rules and criteria, known as design rules, to ensure that the final product functions as intended. Physical verification […]
Physical Design Interview Questions for VLSI Engineers
The relentless demand for electronic devices in today’s world underscores the critical role of the VLSI industry in shaping modern technology. With its ability to create intricate integrated circuits, the VLSI course has paved the way for smaller, faster, and more efficient devices. For those aspiring to thrive in this dynamic field, a deep understanding […]
What Is Double Patterning In VLSI And Why Do We Need It?
A common technique used for multiple patterning is double patterning. The metal–oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) is fabricated using 193 nm wavelength light in a method known as optical lithography. At 40 nm half-pitch, 193nm wavelength single-exposure lithography achieved its physical limit. As we progress to lower technological nodes, i.e. channel lengths less than 30nm, […]
Best Practices for the Physical Design of IoT Solutions
The Internet of Things (IoT) is no longer a futuristic vision, it is rapidly transforming everyday lives through its interconnected network of devices. But bringing your innovative IoT project to life requires more than just brilliant software and connectivity. The physical design of IoT is the very foundation of your device. It forms the critical […]
What Is Routing In VLSI Physical Design?
Routing in the VLSI design course is making physical connections between signal pins using metal layers. Following Clock Tree Synthesis (CTS) and optimization, the routing step determines the exact pathways for interconnecting standard cells, macros, and I/O pins. The layout creates electrical connections using metals and vias that are determined by the logical connections in […]
What is Skew in VLSI?
Skew in VLSI is the difference in clock arrival time across the chip. Clock Skew in VLSI is the temporal difference between the arrival of the same edge of a clock signal at the Clock pin of the capture and launch flops. Â Signals take time to move from one location to another. Clock latency […]
PVT Corners in VLSI: Navigating Process, Voltage, and Temperature Variations
What are PVT corners in VLSI? The PVT in the VLSI design course stands for Process, Voltage, and Temperature. Integrated circuits are designed in such a way that they can function in a wide variety of temperatures and voltages, rather than a single temperature and voltage. These must function in a variety of contexts, including […]