- UCAS course code
- G400
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course unit details:
Implementing System-on-Chip Designs
Unit code | COMP32211 |
---|---|
Credit rating | 10 |
Unit level | Level 3 |
Teaching period(s) | Semester 1 |
Available as a free choice unit? | Yes |
Overview
Pre/co-requisites
Unit title | Unit code | Requirement type | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Processor Microarchitecture | COMP22111 | Pre-Requisite | Compulsory |
Aims
The module aims to give an overview of the processes involved in taking a concept onto a product chip. It also illustrates some of the choices available to an implementer. Finally, the practicals are intended to give some experience of the flow, the frustration and the satisfaction of making a working device.
Learning outcomes
-
exhibit improved ability in digital design skills using CAD tools, focused on Verilog HDL
-
design, implement and verify an RTL FSM
-
plan and carry out digital hardware verification to a credible standard
-
interpret technical specifications of digital hardware interfaces and conform to the same
-
exhibit a vocabulary of terminology enabling the discussion of the ASIC design flow, as used industrially, with professional engineers
Syllabus
The practical part of the course involves migrating the design of a moderately complex FSM into Verilog, integrating it with other parts of a system-on-chip, verifying that it operates correctly and demonstrating it working. The intention is to use a graphics drawing example design so that the final result can easily be seen on its own display.
The lectures are planned approximately as follows:
Introduction
The scale of the problem and what VLSI 'looks like', inside.
Verilog
Some revision plus some features you may not have met before.
Functional Simulation
Test harness construction and making things 'realistic'.
Debugging
What to look for and how to find it.
Tool flows
The sort of tools used to get source code into silicon and how to get the best from them.
Timing Simulation
Simulating big designs and getting sufficiently accurate results in days, not months.
Timing
Clocking, clock distribution and the perils of crossing between clock domains.
Technology
What every VLSI engineer needs to know about CMOS
Layout
Overcoming the crippling effects of reality on a nice, clean design.
Testing
Proving the device will work and then checking if it does when the silicon arrives.
Future
Silicon fabrication is still evolving rapidly. A look at some things which are going to make life (even) harder.
Teaching and learning methods
Lectures
11
Laboratories
2 hours/week (1 hour timetabled, 1 hour independent work)
Employability skills
- Analytical skills
- Innovation/creativity
- Problem solving
- Other
Assessment methods
Method | Weight |
---|---|
Written exam | 50% |
Practical skills assessment | 50% |
Feedback methods
Annotated listings and diagrams will be returned to students.
Feedback as to whether a constructed (video) system operates correctly should be apparent from simulations during the work's progression and will definitely visible in the final realisation.
Recommended reading
COMP32212 reading list can be found on the Department of Computer Science website for current students.
Study hours
Scheduled activity hours | |
---|---|
Assessment written exam | 2 |
Lectures | 12 |
Practical classes & workshops | 12 |
Independent study hours | |
---|---|
Independent study | 74 |
Teaching staff
Staff member | Role |
---|---|
James Garside | Unit coordinator |
Additional notes
Course unit materials
Links to course unit teaching materials can be found on the School of Computer Science website for current students.