VLSI Black-Box Explorer – Dark Edition BB VLSI Explorer Lab Drivers Testing Architecture & Abstraction Mastering the Black Box In a world of billion-transistor chips, total visibility is a liability. Learn how black-boxing protects IP, accelerates synthesis, and manages SoC complexity. 01. Concept Lab Visualizing the abstraction boundary. White Box Black Box A S B […]
What is a black-box module and why do we need them? Read More »
Design Process: -ASICs are designed from scratch to meet a specific set of requirements, while SoCs are built around an existing processor architecture (X86, ARM, RISC V), and incorporate a combination of pre-designed and custom built components. Configurability: – ASICs can not be reprogrammed, while SOCs can be reprogrammed to add a new functionality or
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While CPUs (Central Processing Units) are the most commonly used processors in computers and servers, there are alternative processor architectures and competitors in the market. Here are some notable alternatives: CPU Series:- 1. GPUs (Graphics Processing Units): Graphics cards, or GPUs, are primarily designed for rendering graphics and accelerating video processing. However, their parallel computing capabilities have
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Power-on Reset (POR):This reset is activated when power is first applied to the SoC. It ensures that the initial state of the entire system is well-defined and reliable by resetting all the components to a known state. Hard Reset:Also known as a hardware reset or system reset, this type of reset is typically triggered by
What are the different types of resets are there in a typical SoC: Read More »
The tape-out process in VLSI (Very Large-Scale Integration) involves several stages that are crucial for the successful transfer of the design to a semiconductor foundry for manufacturing. Here are the different stages typically involved in the tape-out process: Design Closure: Before initiating the tape-out process, the design must go through a design closure phase. This
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Applying the following ensures the timing closure of any design:–> Timing Constraints–> CDC Constraints–> STA Analysis–> CDC Techniques Timing closure is an essential part of a design(ASIC/SoC) in-order to meet the expected functional behavior of design in both simulation and in real hardware (silicon). Below are the functional issues that require attention by design engineers
On-Chip Interfaces: On-chip interfaces are used for communication and data transfer between various IP (Intellectual Property) cores, subsystems, and memories integrated on the same chip. These interfaces are typically implemented using buses, networks-on-chip (NoCs), or point-to-point connections. Some common on-chip interfaces include: Bus Interfaces: Buses like AMBA (Advanced Microcontroller Bus Architecture) or AXI (Advanced eXtensible
Difference between On chip-Interfaces and Off chip-Interfaces in SOC: Read More »
1. Top-Level Design:– Identify the main functional blocks or components of the SoC, such as processors, memory, I/O interfaces, accelerators, etc.– Define the interconnections between these blocks using buses, channels, or communication protocols. 2. Module-Level Design:– For each functional block, create an RTL module that describes its behavior and interactions.– Use HDLs (Hardware Description Languages)
Typical RTL design structure in an SoC: Read More »
Getting into the VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration) industry requires a combination of education, skills, networking, and persistence. Here are some steps you can follow to enter the VLSI industry: 1. Learn the Basics: Start with a degree in electrical engineering, electronics, or computer science. 2. Specialize: Take courses in VLSI design to gain specific
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VLSI engineers can hold various positions within the semiconductor industry, each with specific roles and responsibilities. Some common positions include: 1. VLSI Design Engineer: Responsible for designing and implementing digital or analog circuits using hardware description languages (HDLs) like Verilog or VHDL. 2. Physical Design Engineer: Focuses on the physical implementation of the chip, including
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