Enhancing microelectronics education using online semiconductor technology CAD laboratory

Currently, semiconductor devices, VLSI circuit design and fabrication are specialized fields in electrical engineering curricula. Teaching microelectronics technology is dependent on the availability of resources and is mainly being taught at universities where a fabrication facility is available. As such, microelectronics engineering education is in transition. New thoughts are being given to topics such as what constitutes microelectronics process design fundamentals, how to shrink the gap between industrial and academic perspectives on process design and how to help students gain more experience and knowledge. This paper proposes and discusses an efficient teaching methodology for micro- and nano-electronics education. A Technology CAD (TCAD) course integrated with an online simulation laboratory at undergraduate/graduate level. The aims of the course are the development of theoretical and practical skills in semiconductor manufacturing using virtual wafer fabrication. It is expected that the students shall have increased affinity towards semiconductor fabrication, improved academic skills, abilities and knowledge. The impact of the proposed teaching methodology on the learning process will be presented.