Post-Graduate Diploma (PgDip) in Microelectronic Design
The Postgraduate Diploma in Microelectronic Design is a full-time programme running for 9 months or a part-time programme running over 18 months from the date of first registration for the programme.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Microelectronic Design shares two of the three components of the MEngSc in Microelectronic Design programme, namely the Coursework and a Preliminary Research Project, but not the Minor Research Project. Students take course modules to the value of 50 credits and carry out a Preliminary Research Project to the value of 10 credits. A course module (5 credits) contains 24 lecture hours and 12 laboratory hours. Examples of topics covered include HDL Synthesis, VLSI Architectures, Advanced Data Converters, Frequency Synthesizers, Process and Device Modelling, VLSI Layout, ASIC Design, RF IC Design and Nanotechnology.
Programme Requirements:
Full-time students take seven modules from Group One (to the value of 35 credits), three additional modules from Groups One and Two (to the value of 15 credits) and a Research Report (UE6019 - 10 credits). The choice of modules is subject to the approval of the Director of the MEngSc (Microelectronic Design). Part-time programme of students must be approved in advance by the Director of the MEngSc (Microelectronic Design).
Group One
UE6001 HDL Synthesis (5 credits)
UE6005 Nanoelectronics (5 credits)
UE6006 Advanced Analog IC Design
(5 credits)
UE6007 Nanotechnology (5 credits)
UE6008 Microsystems Technology
& Applications (5 credits)
UE6009 Data Converter IC Design (5
credits)
UE6010 System Level Design (5
credits)
UE6011 Frequency Synthesizer Design
(5 credits)
UE6012 ASIC Design (5 credits)
UE6014 Design for Test (5 credits)
UE6022 Packaging and Reliability
(5 credits)
EE6020 Optical Detectors (5
credits)
Group Two
CS4031Computer Architecture (5
credits)
CS6311 Mobile Networks Protocols
(5 credits)
CS6312 Mobile Devices Systems (5
credits)
CS6322 Optimization (5 credits)
CS6325 Network Security (5
credits)
EE4004 Telecommunications (5
credits)
EE4007 Optical Electronics (5
credits)
EE4008 Digital Signal Processing
(5 credits)
EE4011 RF IC Design (5 credits)
EE4012 Medical Electronic Systems
(5 credits)
ST5003 Introduction to Statistics
and Design of Experiments (5 credits)
UE4001 Digital IC Design (5
credits)
UE4002 Analogue IC Design (5
credits)
UE4008 Processing of Integrated
Circuits (5 credits)
In addition, the student will be assessed in the following module amounting to 10 credits: UE6019 Research Report (10 credits. Module descriptions are contained in the Book of Modules.
Examinations: Full details and regulations governing Examinations for each programme will be contained in the Marks and Standards Book and for each module in the Book of Modules.
Students obtaining an average mark of at least 60% in the Postgraduate Diploma in Microelectronic Design, including at least 60% in the Research Report (UE6019) may opt to transfer to Part II of the MEngSc (Microelectronic Design), and will complete the Research Project (UE6020 - 30 credits) over the summer months.
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:
1. Demonstrate understanding of device physics, fabrication process and testing needed by integrated circuit designers.
2. Derive and apply integrated circuit design solutions from knowledge of sciences, technology and mathematics.
3. Apply integrated circuit design expertise in analog, digital, mixed-signal and embedded systems.
4. Display a mature computer literacy and use a full range of EDA tools associated with microelectronic circuit design.
5. Prepare and present seminars to a professional standard.
6. Write reports to a professional standard.
