This curricular unit aims at empowering students with the capability of analyzing and designing integrated circuits (IC) in CMOS technologies, considering concrete specifications and constrains due to intrinsic technology limitations. For that, students should comprehend the physics of the devices so that they can understand well the transistor’s operation principles and functional models, in order to use them well in circuits design and simulation. The understanding of parametric variations associated to fabrication process deviations and to the sensitivity to external quantities, allows the understanding for the need of functional performance optimization and the adoption of good layout practices for their implementation on monolithic substrates. Afterwards, the learned topics are applied on the design of typical functional cells need in mixed-signal integrated circuits and systems.

1 - Review on semiconductor physics and MOS transistors;
2 - advanced models of MOS transistors;
3 - technology, fabrication processes and effects of process characteristics variability;
4 - implementation of active and passive devices on monolithic silicon substrates and the respective models;
5 - optimized layout design of mixed-signal CMOS circuits;
6 - circuit simulations, corners and Monte Carlo analysis - evaluation of PVT (process, power-supply voltage, and temperature) sensitivities.
7- CMOS amplifiers.
8- Power management circuits.
9- Gm-C filters.
10- Switched-capacitors circuits.
11- A/D and D/A converters.
12- Design of CMOS digital cells.
13- Digitally-assisted analog design.

In the methodology to be followed one seeks to achieve a balance among tutorial presentation, circumstantial analysis of design and functional particularities, and design with CAD tools.

- Tutorial classes: delivery of the contents, analysis of illustration examples, and resolution of problems. The students’ participation is incentivized with the preparation and presentation in the classes of short synthesis work, monographies, and project results.

- Homework: (1) resolution of problems for deepening of the lectured contents and (2) preparation of work to be carried out in the laboratory.

- Laboratory classes: make use of microelectronics CAD tools in order to apply the learned concepts in the design of mixed-signal circuits. The students should write a technical report on their project and defend it in the classroom.