Challenge oriented methodology for analog integrated circuit layout design training

This paper presents the course of Electronic Design offered by Tecnun (University of Navarra) in the Electronic Communication Engineering degree. The aim of this course is to bring the student closer to the professional integrated circuit layout world and it is oriented towards a final design challenge in which the students compete between them to obtain the maximum grade. Five modules with theory and lab work and the final project or challenge compose the course. Each module is focused on a certain component fabrication and solves a specific layout issue in the theory section. On the other hand, the practical work gains complexity progressively so the students can face the final challenge with guarantees. Once the challenge is completed, each student must present the design flow and the obtained results to the rest of the class and to a special panel of professional designers. During these presentations, the designs are evaluated from an industrial point of view. The implementation of this methodology has demonstrated that challenge orientated training improves the students interest in the course, their technical communication skills and prepares them for professional analog design scenarios.