Incorporating computer aided device and process simulation tools in undergraduate courses

Semiconductor device design and fabrication are specialized fields in electrical engineering for which computer aided design (CAD) tools are becoming available. Normally, the design process is lengthy and costly, with many iterations required to achieve a successful product. CAD tools can reduce the time requirement and improve the overall yield. Its use has revolutionized the electronics industry and should be used to improve engineering education. Students would be exposed to design procedures and would be able to reinforce their understanding of electronic devices by participating in the device design process. This could be done by incorporating these topics into lectures, homework, lab assignments, and in semester long design projects which would give the student the opportunity to learn practical details of semiconductor device design and fabrication and in combination with background theory, achieve the balance of education, application and experience