System Design Automation of VLSI

Course Overview

This advanced graduate course provides an in-depth study of modern VLSI computer-aided design (CAD) methodologies. Students explore the full physical design flow — from logic synthesis and placement to routing and sign-off — using industry-standard EDA tools. Emphasis is placed on algorithmic foundations and performance optimization techniques relevant to current and next-generation VLSI technologies.

Topics Covered

• Logic Synthesis and Technology Mapping
• Floorplanning and Placement Algorithms
• Global and Detailed Routing
• Static Timing Analysis
• Physical Verification (DRC/LVS)
• Power and Clock Network Design
• Design for Manufacturing (DFM)
• Industry EDA Tool Flows
• 3D-IC and Monolithic 3D Design
• ML-Assisted Design Automation

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, students will be able to: (1) understand and apply physical design algorithms used in modern EDA tools; (2) evaluate trade-offs in VLSI design flows for power, performance, and area; (3) use industry-standard CAD tools to implement and verify VLSI designs; and (4) explore emerging research directions in design automation.