IC design course based on the Synopsys DesignWare ARC 600 processor core and 32/28nm Educational Design Kit

Abstract

Due to the rapid development times, device complexity, etc. of the semiconductor industry it is challenging for universities to teach modern Integrated Circuit (IC) design. In particular, universities lack access to the necessary semiconductor technology data required to implement educational projects, as this information is normally proprietary. Additionally, access to state-of-the-art designs is also usually not available in the university environment. This paper presents an IC design course developed with the DesignWare ® ARC ® 600 Academic [1] processor core and the Synopsys 32/28nm Educational Design Kit (EDK) [2] available to universities through the Synopsys University Program. The course provides students with theoretical knowledge and practical experience in designing real ICs.