ObjectivesThe course objective is to provide students with a knowledge of analogue circuit design together with hands-on experience of a standard CMOS IC design flow. Graduates will be equipped for a career in industry and/or research in this highly active field. Course Structure and Assessment
Entry requirementsEntry Requirements Candidates must hold a UK first class or 2:1 honours degree, or its equivalent if outside UK, typically in electrical and/or electronic engineering. In addition, students for whom English is not their first language must provide evidence that they meet the English requirements, typically by presenting an IELTS or TOEFL with sufficient scores; details are given on the course website, or page 16 of this Prospectus.
Academic titleMSc Electronics: Analogue System Design
Course descriptionProgramme
The Diploma and MSc are designed to provide graduates with a broad training in analogue design, particularly using integrated circuits. The taught part of the course gives a solid theoretical foundation, plus practical laboratory experience, using analogue systems designed for teaching purposes. It also covers simulation and CAD, as well as advanced topics at the cutting-edge of research. The project will involve some leading-edge analogue chip or system design.
Repeated surveys show that there is a worldwide shortage of analogue engineers, and this degree programme aims to help fill this gap. Analogue engineers tend to be generalists and are required in virtually all fields of electrical and electronic engineering. While they provide the obvious interface between the real world and today's digital systems, they are also often required to deal with analogue problems such as EMI and EMC difficulties, high-speed digital systems and RF communications.
This course involves using an integrated circuit (IC), specially designed for teaching purposes, on an advanced mixed-signal PCB. This lab work gives real hands-on experience of construction, debug and measurement, and it is as close to working with on-chip components as is possible, without incurring the expense and delays associated with designing and fabricating a custom IC.
The hardware is then simulated using the Cadence suite of CAD software, the main industry standard, and the measured and simulated results are compared. Identifying the reasons for any differences is a key part of the course.
This method of hands-on teaching using industrially-sponsored and custom-made equipment has been widely praised and is unique to this MSc programme. Students also use Cadence to design their own IC right through to tape-out level.
The course will appeal to graduates who wish to pursue a career in analogue circuit and system design, or who wish to work supporting digital, communications or systems engineers. It is also suitable as preparation for research work in an academic or industrial environment.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course students will be able to carry out basic analogue design, both on and off chip. They will have gained significant practical experience in the lab, and will be familiar with the latest (Cadence) IC design software. They will have been exposed to the concept of 'design flow' and will be capable of co-operating with others in the fields of IC processing and test.
How You Will Be Taught
The MSc is a full time, 12-month modular programme starting in September. In the first two semesters, students study compulsory taught courses which include formal lectures, laboratory demonstrations and practical exercises.
Introduction
The University of Edinburgh is one of the largest and most distinguished teaching and research institutions in the world. The University is located in Scotland's historic and beautiful capital city which offers a wide range of cultural events and recreational facilities, together with easy access to Scotland's unspoilt wilderness.
The course will be offered by the Institute for Integrated Micro and Nano Systems which is part of the School of Engineering and Electronics at the University of Edinburgh. The Institute for Integrated Micro and Nano Systems research activities cover integrated circuit and system-on-chip design through to neural computation, microfabrication and micro-electro mechanical systems (MEMS). This ranges from industrially-focused process development to more blue sky related research involving novel structures on silicon.
The MSc in Analogue Design is intended to equip graduates and working professionals with expertise in these techniques. A particular feature of this course will be the focus on a practical implementation of CMOS IC design. Students will carry through the full design flow, including a chip fabrication run on a current IC process, after which the completed chip will be tested.
The School of Engineering and Electronics has a long track record in innovative IC design, with many examples of these technologies used in spin-out companies e.g. Wolfson Microelectronics, ST Microelectronics, Microemissive Displays [etc], and we continue to have a close working relationship with these companies offering project places and employing our graduates.
A further benefit of the course is the close relationship with the Scottish Microelectronics Center, a purpose built facility at the University's Science and Engineering campus, which consists of approximately 300m2 of class 10 cleanrooms and 1000m2 of office and laboratory space. The course is engineering-based but offers a multidisciplinary approach to developing technologies in this key area. The SMC is also an incubator and hosts a number of start-up companies providing a rich environment for both research and commercial technology developments.
The MSc will be provided as a full-time course taught over one year starting in mid-September (Exact semester dates can be found in the Postgraduate Prospectus or from the main University website). The course will be taught in modules to provide essential background material as well as advanced specialist topics in the field, and will include an extended research project selected by the student.
The programme will have a modular structure with the award of credits for successful completion of each module and the project. A total of 180 credits (120 from taught modules plus 60 from the project) are required at a satisfactory level of achievement in all modules for the award of the Master's degree. The modules offered* will comprise :
Semester 1
* Analogue IC Design (10 credits)
* Analogue VLSI A (20 credits)
* Microelectronic Device Principles (10 credits)
* Discrete-Time Signal Analysis (10 credits)
* Signal Processing with MATLAB (10 credits)
* Introduction to Radio Frequency Engineering and Microwave Circuits (10 credits)
While studying these modules students will also undertake preparatory work for their project. However, the majority of the project work is carried out in the summer semester, after completion of the taught modules.
*Note that while the above modules are expected to be offered, staff changes or other unpredictable events may cause changes.