Overview

This course will focus on techniques and algorithms for the Computer Aided Design of Digital Integrated Circuits and Systems. This semester, the goal of the course is to provide a strong foundation in the representation and manipulation of the physical (layout) aspects of integrated electronic systems using computer-aided design and analysis techniques, with emphasis on Deep Sub-Micron (DSM) challenges of the next few years. The course will cover all material related to the physical design of integrated circuits required for the Ph.D. preliminary examination. In addition, this semester we will be emphasizing the new areas of Wed-based EDA and design visualization. The course will focus on techniques for the analysis and automatic layout of integrated circuits (see approximate timetable)

All lectures will be held in 203 Mc Laughlin Hall, Tu.Th. 2-3:30pm, and will be available for review on videotape. All lectures will be posted on the Web for review or printing.

Professor Newton will hold office hours in Room 566 Cory Hall, 3:30-4:40, Tuesdays and Thursdays, until further notice. He can be reached via email at rnewton@ic.eecs.berkeley.edu

A reader containing relevant papers and references is available for purchase at Copy Central Northside, 2483 Hearst Ave.
 

Homework 2 is now available with a due date of November 19. Direct questions to Michael Shilman.
New dot files are now available.

Project proposals are due October 31.  Some project ideas have been suggested and are available here.
 

The course is project-based and will include two programming-oriented homework assignments. Both homework assignments will involve the use of the Java programming language (e.g. See Homework 1 and Homework 2 from Fall 1996) and the first homework is intended as a simple introduction to Java. Try the Homework 2 solution by James Young and Suzan Szollar. No previous experience is required, however knowledge of C or C++ is very helpful. The use of our Web-based layout data model will be described in detail (e.g. see references for Fall 1996).

Most of the grade will be based on a final project that can be completed in teams of one or two people and can be selected from a wide range of CAD-related topics, with permission of the instructor. A project proposal for the class will be due by the 5^th week of classes. EE244 projects are often associated with a student's general research interest or direction and may lead to research projects following the course. Some Projects from Last Fall are still up.

Homework 1     (20%)
Homework 2     (20%)
Project              (60%) Lectures | Homeworks | Project | General Information