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227-0116-00L 5 Credits
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VLSI I: from Architectures to Very Large Scale Integration Circuits and FPGAs

VLSI I: von Architektur zu hochintegrierter Schaltung und FPGA

VVZ CR 4.53

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:10:12

Abstract

Know how Very-Large-Scale Integration and VLSI architecture relate to each other.Become fluent in front-end design from a block diagram to gate-level netlists. How to model digital ICs with VHDL., write testbenches, and synthesize gate-level netlists for ASICs and FPGAs.

Objective

Know how Very-Large-Scale Integration and VLSI architecture relate to each other. Become fluent in front-end design from conceiving a block diagram to synthesizing a gate-level netlist. Gain practical experience with VHDL, with simulation, and with automatic synthesis of digital integrated circuits.

Content

This course is concerned with system-level issues of VLSI design and FPGA implementations: Terminology, overview on design methodologies and fabrication depths, levels of abstraction for circuit modelling, VLSI design flow, dedicated VLSI architectures, how to obtain an architecture for a given processing algorithm, architectural transformations for meeting throughput, area, and power requirements. Hardware Description Languages (HDL) and the underlying concepts, VHDL (IEEE std. 1076) for simulation and synthesis, the IEEE-1164 logic system, Register Transfer Level (RTL) synthesis. Timing models, Anceau diagrams, functional verification of digital circuits, reusable testbenches, building blocks of digital VLSI circuits, case studies of actual circuits, comparison with microprocessors and DSPs. During the exercises, students learn how to model digital ICs with VHDL. They write testbenches for simulation purposes and synthesize gate-level netlists for ASICs and FPGAs.

Resources

Lecture Notes

yes, in English.

General Information

Language
German
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
written 180 minutes
Aids
1 Blatt A4 beidseitig von Hand beschriftet, keine Vervielfältigungen.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise VLSI I: von Architektur zu hochintegrierter Schaltung und FPGA
Vorlesung beginnt am Di der 1. Semesterwoche. Danach Vorlesung am Fr, Uebung am Di.
  • Tue 13:15-16:00 (ETZ E 8)
  • Fri 10:15-12:00 (ETZ E 6)
5 h weekly

Offered In