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Integrated Circuits: Implementation
Electronics, and in particular Microelectronics, is one of the fastest-growing fields in engineering, continually requiring an increasing number of qualified professionals as the need for specialized knowledge in the design and manufacture of integrated circuits, commonly known as "chips" or "microchips," continues to grow. This training unit is specifically designed to provide students with the skills necessary to tackle the complexities of implementing this type of hardware, preparing them for the challenges and opportunities of the semiconductor industry.
The implementation of integrated circuits, in the design phase immediately prior to their manufacture, represents one of the most complex processes in the development of this technology. It requires theoretical and practical knowledge of electronics, but above all, significant hands-on experience—something that students can only acquire through exposure and substantial training. This ensures they reach a level of autonomy that enables them to develop projects in these technological areas.
This training unit focuses primarily on the implementation of integrated hardware. The typical development phases of a chip project are covered, starting from the synthesis of individual circuit/subcircuit blocks, which must be integrated into a single silicon substrate. The design of these blocks requires their implementation within specific temporal and area constraints, along with the careful planning of constituent blocks, interconnections, physical checks, and optimizations that are often necessary. The unit thus covers the critical design components that precede the submission of a chip for production, culminating in the complete definition of the masks to be used in manufacturing.
Objectives
By the end of this training unit, students will:
- Understand the integration of electronic circuits – Develop a thorough understanding of how individually synthesized circuit blocks are integrated into a cohesive design on a single silicon substrate, preparing for full system implementation.
- Apply advanced design and integration techniques – Gain hands-on experience in integrating pre-synthesized circuit blocks while managing area, timing, and power constraints to ensure efficient and functional design of complex microchips.
- Master physical layout implementation – Learn to implement the physical layout of integrated circuits, with a focus on interconnecting circuit blocks, managing spatial arrangements, and ensuring alignment with area and temporal specifications.
- Optimize and verify circuit integration – Apply optimization techniques and verification processes to ensure that the design meets all physical, temporal, and functional requirements before submission for manufacturing.
Fields of Specialization
The present training unit covers a broad range of specializations within microelectronics and integrated circuit design. Each one prepares students for distinct roles in the semiconductor industry, whether they are working on designing circuits, optimizing layouts, verifying functionality, or understanding the fabrication process itself.
Professional Abilities
Attendance at this training unit will improve:
- Technical proficiency in microelectronics – Students will gain advanced technical expertise in the design, integration, and implementation of integrated circuits, becoming proficient in using industry-standard tools for circuit synthesis, layout design, and verification.
- Problem-solving and critical thinking – The complexity of chip design requires sharp problem-solving skills. Students will learn to analyze and resolve challenges related to timing, area, power constraints, and functional verification, enhancing their ability to navigate design obstacles effectively.
- Attention to detail in design verification – Verification is crucial to ensuring a successful chip design. Students will develop a keen attention to detail, learning how to meticulously check design blocks, optimize layouts, and ensure compliance with stringent design rules before fabrication.
- Project management and collaboration – Integrated circuit design is often a collaborative effort. Through group projects and lab exercises, students will enhance their project management skills, learning how to coordinate tasks, meet deadlines, and work efficiently within multidisciplinary teams.
Employment Prospects
Students graduating from this training unit have a wide range of career opportunities in microelectronics and semiconductors, namely as integrated circuit engineers, dedicating themselves to the design and development of chips, or as physical layout engineers, specialized in the implementation and optimization of circuits. Other potential career paths include verification and testing engineering, ensuring the functionality and quality of manufactured products. They may also pursue careers in systems-on-chip ("SoC") design, where they integrate multiple components onto a single chip, or in project management, coordinating development teams. There are also professional opportunities as consultants in microelectronics or scientific research in the area of semiconductors who, respectively, offer support to companies in the sector or explore technological innovations.
Information
Tuition fees:
Note: If enrolled in more than one study cycle/course at the University of Porto, the student will only pay one school insurance per academic year).
Payment method and deadline: The fee must be paid in full at the time of registration/registration.
Note: Withdrawal from attendance up to 2 working days before the start of the non-degree course or continuous training unit implies the payment of 50% of the tuition fee; After this date, the full amount is due.
Access conditions and classification criteria
- ¤37.5 for students at the U. Porto, enrolled in a 1st or 2nd cycle of studies;
- ¤75.00 for students from outside the U. Porto, enrolled in a 1st or 2nd cycle of studies;
- ¤150.00 for graduates and candidates who have attended a 1st or 2nd cycle of studies and professionals.
Note: If enrolled in more than one study cycle/course at the University of Porto, the student will only pay one school insurance per academic year).
Payment method and deadline: The fee must be paid in full at the time of registration/registration.
Note: Withdrawal from attendance up to 2 working days before the start of the non-degree course or continuous training unit implies the payment of 50% of the tuition fee; After this date, the full amount is due.
Access conditions and classification criteria
1. Recipients
Candidates registered or who have completed a 1st or 2nd cycle of studies, or graduated, in the field of Engineering, especially Electrical and Computer Engineering, but extendable to students in Mechanical, Biomedical, Aerospace, Physics and also IT. Other recipients can be considered, namely professionals (graduates or with a higher degree), in which both physics and mathematics are present in their basic training.
2. Access and application conditions
Candidates must cumulatively possess:
The selection of candidates and their classification will be based on academic qualifications and respective curricular analysis. The criteria to be adopted will be training:
Notes: Students who wish to obtain a certificate for this training will have to request it on their student page and pay the corresponding fee.Candidates registered or who have completed a 1st or 2nd cycle of studies, or graduated, in the field of Engineering, especially Electrical and Computer Engineering, but extendable to students in Mechanical, Biomedical, Aerospace, Physics and also IT. Other recipients can be considered, namely professionals (graduates or with a higher degree), in which both physics and mathematics are present in their basic training.
2. Access and application conditions
Candidates must cumulatively possess:
- Attendance or completion of a 1st or 2nd cycle of studies, in the area of Engineering, in particular Electrical and Computer Engineering, but extendable to students in Mechanical, Biomedical, Aerospace, Physics and also IT Engineering;
- Minimum knowledge of fundamental physics and mathematics, or fundamental electronics, proven by your academic and/or professional trajectory.
The selection of candidates and their classification will be based on academic qualifications and respective curricular analysis. The criteria to be adopted will be training:
- This criterion will be evaluated based on the current average/final grade of Undergraduate or MSc (N), where 20 points represent N=1.0. The additional training (FC) that candidates have will also be counted, based on the classifications obtained and the affinity of the training. The training criterion will be computed according to the final classification (CF): CF = N*0.8 + FC*0.2.
Comments
- This training unit is offered in close collaboration with the company Synopsys, involving experienced professionals in the field and using software tools widely used in the industry.
- The training unit is taught in Portuguese, however all materials used (e.g. slides) are in English.
Contacts
- For information related to the application and registration process, contact FEUP Academic Services (acesso.ingresso@fe.up.pt).
- For issues related to the contents of the training unit, contact Prof. Cândido Duarte (candidoduarte@fe.up.pt).
General information
| Teacher Responsible: | Cândido Duarte |
| Acronym: | CII |
| Type of course/cycle of study: | Continuing Training Unit |
| Start: | 2024/2025 |
| Duration: | 40,5 Hour |
Study Plan
Certificates
- Integrated Circuits: Implementation (1,5 ECTS credits)
Predominant Scientific Areas
- Electronics and Automation
- All classifications
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Last updated on: 2013-11-19 I Page generated on: 2025-06-15 at 06:58:50 | Acceptable Use Policy | Data Protection Policy | Complaint Portal
Last updated on: 2013-11-19 I Page generated on: 2025-06-15 at 06:58:50 | Acceptable Use Policy | Data Protection Policy | Complaint Portal