Title :
A microprocessor design project in an introductory VLSI course
Author :
Brown, Richard B. ; Lomax, Ronald J. ; Carichner, Gordon ; Drake, Alan J.
Author_Institution :
Dept. of Electr. Eng. & Comput. Sci., Michigan Univ., Ann Arbor, MI, USA
fDate :
8/1/2000 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
An introductory very large scale integration (VLSI) design course has been taught at the University of Michigan (USA) since 1980. In 1990, it was redesigned around a simple 8-bit microprocessor project in the format described in this paper; in 1996, the project was updated to a 16 bit reduced instruction set computer (RISC) processor. The authors describe the course philosophy, content, and the baseline architecture from which class projects begin. The key features of the course are: close coordination of lectures and project activity; prompt and regular feedback on design work; and a schedule which spreads the workload over the full term. In this course, students learn VLSI fundamentals and good design methodology that will be important throughout their careers
Keywords :
VLSI; computer science education; educational courses; electronic engineering education; microprocessor chips; reduced instruction set computing; student experiments; RISC processor; USA; VLSI fundamentals; class projects; course philosophy; design methodology; introductory VLSI course; microprocessor design project; reduced instruction set computing; students; university; very large scale integration; Circuit simulation; Computer aided instruction; Design automation; Design methodology; Feedback; Integrated circuit layout; Integrated circuit synthesis; Microprocessors; Reduced instruction set computing; Very large scale integration;
Journal_Title :
Education, IEEE Transactions on
