MICROELECTRONICS

The course aims to provide advanced knowledge on analog and mixed-signal electronic circuits in CMOS technology and mixed Bipolar / CMOS in low-frequency applications. Furthermore, during the course there will be numerical, computer and experimental exercises aimed at consolidating the topics and techniques dealt with during the lectures.

Knowledge and understanding. The student will know the main circuit configurations and the techniques for designing and optimizing the performance parameters of Comparators, Operational and Transconductance Amplifiers, Discrete (continuous-time), and Integrated (continuous-time and sampled-data) Filters and Data Converters. He will have a better knowledge of an environment of simulation and experimental characterization.

Applying knowledge and understanding. The student will be able to understand, analyze and simulate the performance parameters of the studied circuit configurations and basic and advanced analog and mixed-signal blocks present in modern integrated systems. They will also be able to choose the most appropriate circuit configuration for solving design problems. Finally, thanks to the laboratory activities, the student will improve his or her skills in teamwork and problem-solving.

Making judgments. Theoretical training is accompanied by examples, applications, exercises, both practical and theoretical, which accustom the student to make decisions and to be able to judge and predict the effect of his/her choices.

Communication skills. Upon completion of the course, the student is expected to acquire the ability to convey to his / her interlocutors, in a clear and complete way, the knowledge acquired

Learning skills. Upon completion of the course, the student is expected to be able to rework the knowledge to extend it to situations not explicitly dealt with, also being able to learn independently.

Knowledge of elements of analog and digital electronics (diode circuits, single transistor stages, differential pair, operational amplifiers, logic gates), feedback theory, linear circuit theory, signal theory (analog and digital).

The exam consists of an oral test preceded by the presentation of a course project.

The course project is typically carried out in a group (of 2-4 students). The work focuses on the design, simulation of integrated circuit blocks at the transistor level or experimental implementation of discrete circuits.

The oral exam typically consists of 3 questions. One question is about the work, one about filters, and one about data converters. The overall grade of the exam takes into account the draft and the answer to the 3 questions, in terms of completeness, accuracy, and language properties. The average duration of the exam is 30 min.

To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, interested students may request a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures based on educational objectives and specific needs. Students can also contact the CInAP (Centro per l’integrazione Attiva e Partecipata - Servizi per le Disabilità e/o i DSA) referring teacher within their department.