Microelectronics
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide students with the basic notions of microelectronics with emphasis on aspects useful for applications in the field of experimental physics.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, the student will be able to:
· Understand the nature of the lithographic processes used for the industrial production of semiconductor integrated circuits
· Understand the required design steps for the design of elementary integrated circuit blocks in C-MOS technology. These include the production of a circuit diagram and its simulation, the design of the corresponding layout, the extraction of parasitics and the post-layout simulation and validation.
· Understand the functioning of automatic design tools (synthesis and place and route) starting from hardware model description languages.
· Recognize circuit blocks of interest for applications in experimental physics, understand their functioning and the related technological limitations.
· Apply the notions of electronic noise theory to analyze the described circuit topologies.
· Understand the concept of technological corners and apply basic-level methods for mitigating the effects of process non-idealities on system performance.
· Understand the nature of the lithographic processes used for the industrial production of semiconductor integrated circuits
· Understand the required design steps for the design of elementary integrated circuit blocks in C-MOS technology. These include the production of a circuit diagram and its simulation, the design of the corresponding layout, the extraction of parasitics and the post-layout simulation and validation.
· Understand the functioning of automatic design tools (synthesis and place and route) starting from hardware model description languages.
· Recognize circuit blocks of interest for applications in experimental physics, understand their functioning and the related technological limitations.
· Apply the notions of electronic noise theory to analyze the described circuit topologies.
· Understand the concept of technological corners and apply basic-level methods for mitigating the effects of process non-idealities on system performance.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Status of technological development in microelectronics.
Acquiring skills in the use of software for microelectronic design and integrated circuit simulation.
Overview of the physics of MOS transistors. Design of a test-bench for simulating current-voltage curves of MOS transistors.
Overview of CMOS technology, analysis of chip structure and design practices.
Design methodologies: digital flow and full-custom design.
Study, design, and simulation of current mirrors, single-stage amplifiers with single-ended and differential input. Design of an operational amplifier and verification of its stability through simulations.
Full-custom digital design, synthesis and place-and-route, sign-off.
Study of the operating principles, design, and simulation of a bandgap reference circuit.
Theoretical study, design, and simulation of a phase-locked loop circuit.
Acquiring skills in the use of software for microelectronic design and integrated circuit simulation.
Overview of the physics of MOS transistors. Design of a test-bench for simulating current-voltage curves of MOS transistors.
Overview of CMOS technology, analysis of chip structure and design practices.
Design methodologies: digital flow and full-custom design.
Study, design, and simulation of current mirrors, single-stage amplifiers with single-ended and differential input. Design of an operational amplifier and verification of its stability through simulations.
Full-custom digital design, synthesis and place-and-route, sign-off.
Study of the operating principles, design, and simulation of a bandgap reference circuit.
Theoretical study, design, and simulation of a phase-locked loop circuit.
Prerequisites for admission
Basic knowledge of electronic circuits with active components.
Teaching methods
Lecture and hands-on exercises with CAD tools.
Teaching Resources
Slides provided by the professors.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Oral exam.
ING-INF/01 - ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING - University credits: 6
Lessons: 42 hours
Professors:
Capra Stefano, Stabile Alberto
Professor(s)