BHEL Internship
BHEL Internship
BHEL Internship
BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY
In
ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION ENGINEERING
Submitted
by
Pothala Usha
21A91A0497
2024-2025
DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION
ENGINEERING
CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that the internship report entitled “VLSI DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION” is being
submitted by Pothala Usha (21A91A0497) in partial fulfillment of the requirements for award of the
B.Tech., degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering for the academic year 2024-2025.
I hereby declare that the internship report entitled “VLSI DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION” is a
genuine report. This work has been submitted to the ADITYA UNIVERSITY, Surampalem, in partial
fulfillment of the B.Tech., degree. I further declare that this report has not been submitted in full or part of
the award of any degree of this or any other educational institutions.
by
Pothala Usha
(21A91A0497)
Internship Completion Certificate
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
First, I would like to thank the Director of SkillDzire for giving me the opportunity to do an
internship within the organization. I also would like all the people that worked along with me in SkillDzire
with their patience and openness they created an enjoyable working environment.
It is with immense pleasure that we would like to express our indebted gratitude to our internship
coordinator Mr.M S R Sekhar, M.Tech, who has guided us a lot and encouraged us in every step of the
intern project work, her valuable moral support and guidance throughout the Intern project helped us to a
greater extent.
I am grateful to Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, Associate Professor and HOD for inspiring us all the way and for
arranging all the facilities and resources needed for my intern project work.
I wish to thank our Dr. M.V. Rajesh, Associate Dean and Dr. Dola Sanjay, Dean School of Engineering
for their encouragement and support during the course of my intern project work.
I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Dr. G. Suresh, Registrar, Dr. S. Rama Sree, Pro Vice-
Chancellor, Dr. M.B. Srinivas, Vice-Chancellor, Dr. M. Sreenivasa Reddy, Deputy Pro Chancellor
and Management, Aditya University for unconditional support for providing me the best infrastructural
facilities and state of the art laboratories during my intern project work.
Not to forget, Faculty, Lab Technicians, Non-Teaching Staff and our Friends who have directly or helped
and supported us in completing my intern project work in time.
Abstract
Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) is a process technology that enables the integration of thousands
to millions of transistors onto a single silicon chip, paving the way for compact, high-performance, and low-
power electronic systems. VLSI technology is fundamental in designing and fabricating integrated circuits
(ICs) used in a wide range of applications, including computing, communications, and consumer electronics.
The evolution of VLSI has enabled dramatic advancements in processing power and efficiency, allowing for
the development of complex chips that power modern processors, memory, and specialized hardware like
GPUs and SoCs.
The design of VLSI circuits requires expertise in multiple domains such as semiconductor physics,
digital and analog circuit design, and CAD (computer-aided design) tools for layout and simulation.
Moreover, design challenges such as power dissipation, noise control, and miniaturization must be addressed
to meet industry standards. This abstract explores the principles, techniques, and challenges of VLSI,
illustrating its transformative impact on modern technology and the ongoing research focused on further
increasing transistor density and enhancing the efficiency of integrated circuits.
Learning Objectives/Internship Objectives
Some internships are used to allow individuals toperform scientific research while
others are specifically designed to allow people to gain first-hand experience
working.
Utilizing internships is a great way to build your resume and develop skills that can
be emphasized in your resume for future jobs. When you are applying for a Training
Internship, make sure to highlight any special skills or talents that can make you
stand apart from the rest of the applicants so that you have an improved chance of
landing the position.
WEEKLY OVERVIEW OF INTERNSHIP ACTIVITIES
design flow
05/6/24 Wednesday Basic Digital Logic Design - Logic gates, combinational
circuits
06/6/24 Thursday Sequential Logic Design - Flip-flops, counters, registers
11/6/24 Tuesday CMOS Logic Gates - Inverter, NAND, NOR, complex gates
2nd WEEK
12/6/24 Wednesday CMOS Design Rules - Layout design rules, DRC basics
14/6/24 Friday Layout Design Techniques - Stick diagrams, layout for basic
circuits
DATE DAY NAME OF THE TOPIC/MODULE COMPLETED
7. Executive Summary 12
LIST OF FIGURES
Applications of VLSI
VLSI technology enables a wide array of applications, from digital and analog circuits
to mixed- signal designs that integrate both digital and analog functions on a single chip. Some
prominent applications include:
Memory Chips: SRAM, DRAM, and Flash memory leverage VLSI to provide storage
solutions with high density and fast access speeds.
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2. Digital Logic Design Fundamentals
Digital logic design is a foundational area in electronics and VLSI that focuses on creating circuits
to perform logical operations. It forms the basis of digital systems, including computers, communication
devices, and embedded systems. Digital logic relies on binary values—0s and 1s—to represent and
manipulate information, allowing for complex decision-making and computation within a circuit.
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transfer within a digital system. Together, flip-flops, counters, and registers form the backbone of data
handling in sequential circuits, enabling complex operations in digital systems.
Digital logic design is fundamental to modern electronics, forming the basis of devices from simple
calculators to advanced microprocessors. By combining combinational and sequential logic, along with an
understanding of flip-flops, counters, registers, and Boolean algebra, designers can create efficient, high-
performance circuits. Mastery of these principles is essential for developing optimized and reliable digital
systems, crucial in fields like computing, telecommunications, and embedded systems.
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3. CMOS Technology
In CMOS technology, both NMOS and PMOS transistors are used together in a complementary
fashion. This pairing minimizes power consumption, as only one of the transistors is conducting at any given
time, effectively reducing static power dissipation. This feature is essential for designing power-efficient
circuits, especially in portable and battery-operated devices. Additionally, CMOS transistors are highly
scalable, allowing designers to increase functionality on a chip by reducing the size of transistors, making
CMOS ideal for advanced applications like microprocessors, memory, and digital signal processing.
The characteristics of a CMOS inverter are defined by its voltage transfer characteristics (VTC),
which plot the output voltage as a function of the input voltage. Key performance metrics include noise
margins, which measure the inverter’s tolerance to noise in the input signal, and switching thresholds,
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which define the voltage at which the output changes from high to low (or vice versa).
Another important characteristic is the propagation delay, which indicates the time it takes
for a change in the input to affect the output, influencing the speed of the circuit.
The CMOS inverter also exhibits low power dissipation, as current flows only during
switching (when the output changes state), making it highly efficient compared to other logic
families. This efficiency, combined with its sharp switching characteristics and robust noise
immunity, makes the CMOS inverter an essential component in digital circuit design, forming
the basis for more complex CMOS logic gates and integrated circuits.
The main advantage of CMOS over bipolar technology is its significantly lower power
dissipation. In contrast to bipolar circuits, a Complementary MOS circuit has nearly little static
power dissipation. Power is only dissipated if the circuit switches. This enables the integration
of more Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor gates on an IC than in NMOS or bipolar
technology, resulting in much-improved performance.
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4. Circuit Design and Simulation
Circuit simulation is a process in which a model of an electronic circuit is created and analyzed using
various software algorithms, which predict and verify the behavior and performance of the circuit. Since
fabrication of electronic circuits, especially integrated circuits (ICs), is expensive and time-consuming, it is
faster and more cost-effective to verify the behavior and performance of the circuit using a circuit simulator
before fabrication.
Circuit simulation with SPICE is essential for verifying the design and ensuring the functionality of
integrated circuits (ICs) in terms of voltage, current, and power behavior. By simulating the circuit under
various conditions, designers can predict its performance, detect faults, and optimize designs for factors like
power consumption, speed, and stability. SPICE models can be used for both small-signal analysis (for linear
circuits) and large-signal analysis (for non-linear circuits), offering a comprehensive platform for testing
circuit designs at various levels of abstraction.
Power analysis focuses on evaluating the power consumption of the circuit. There are two primary
types of power dissipation in CMOS circuits: dynamic power (due to switching activity) and static power
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(due to leakage current when the circuit is idle). Dynamic power is mainly influenced by the switching
frequency, load capacitance, and supply voltage, while static power becomes more significant as transistor
sizes shrink in advanced nodes. Accurate power analysis helps engineers balance performance and power
efficiency in their designs, which is especially important in battery-operated devices and high-performance
processors. Tools like SPICE can also simulate these factors and provide insights into the power consumption
of the circuit under various operational conditions.
Layout techniques focus on optimizing the chip’s performance by minimizing wire lengths,
reducing parasitic capacitances, and ensuring proper signal routing. Key techniques include layout for area
optimization, which aims to minimize the physical space used by the circuit, and layout for signal integrity,
which addresses issues like cross-talk, resistance, and power distribution. For high-speed circuits, the layout
must minimize the delay caused by long interconnections and reduce the effects of parasitic inductance and
capacitance. Tools like Layout Versus Schematic (LVS) verification and Design Rule Checking (DRC)
are used to ensure that the layout matches the intended schematic design and adheres to the foundry’s design
rules, ensuring the circuit's functionality, reliability, and manufacturability.
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5. Verilog and FPGA Implementation
Verilog is a hardware description language (HDL) used for designing and modeling digital systems,
particularly integrated circuits (ICs). It allows designers to describe the structure and behavior of digital
circuits at different levels of abstraction, ranging from high-level behavioral descriptions to low-level
structural descriptions. Verilog is widely used for creating digital systems like processors, memory units,
and other complex circuits.
5.1 Basics of Verilog HDL
Verilog HDL (Hardware Description Language) is a standardized language used to model, design,
and simulate digital systems. It was originally developed in the 1980s and is widely used in the design of
digital circuits, especially for ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) and FPGA (Field-
Programmable Gate Array) designs. Verilog allows hardware designers to describe the behavior and
structure of digital systems at various levels of abstraction, from high-level behavioral descriptions to low-
level gate-level descriptions.
Verilog's syntax and constructs are similar to the C programming language, making it relatively easy
for software developers to transition to hardware design. Verilog is used to describe combinational circuits
(such as logic gates) and sequential circuits (such as flip-flops, registers, and counters). In Verilog, designs
are described in modules, which are the basic building blocks of Verilog code.
Modules: The basic unit of design in Verilog, used to define the functionality of a component or circuit.
Each module can have inputs, outputs, and internal signals.
Data Types: Verilog uses various data types such as wire, reg, and integer to represent signals and
variables in the design.
Statements: Verilog includes procedural statements (always, initial) to describe the behavior of
circuits, and continuous assignments (assign) for combinational logic.
Operators: Verilog supports a variety of logical, arithmetic, and relational operators to model circuit
behavior (e.g., and, or, not, +, -, etc.).
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5.2 Combinational and Sequential Circuit Design
Combinational Circuits
Combinational circuits are logic circuits where the output is a function of the current inputs only, and
the outputs do not depend on past inputs or states. These circuits do not have memory elements (like flip-
flops), and their behavior is solely determined by the present input values.
In Verilog, combinational logic is typically modeled using assign statements or inside always
blocks that trigger on changes to the inputs. Some common examples of combinational circuits are logic
gates (AND, OR, XOR), multiplexers, encoders, decoders, and adders.
assign Y = A & B;
endmodule
Sequential Circuits
In contrast to combinational circuits, sequential circuits have memory elements, meaning their
outputs depend not only on the current inputs but also on previous states or past inputs. This behavior is
controlled by clock signals, and the circuits use elements like flip-flops, latches, and registers.
In Verilog, sequential circuits are typically described using always blocks that are sensitive to clock
edges (posedge or negedge). These blocks are used to model flip-flops, counters, and state machines.
begin
if (reset)
Q = 0;
else
Q = D;
end
endmodule
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6. Project Implementation and Testing
The project implementation phase focuses on translating the design specifications into an actual
working model, whether it is for an FPGA, ASIC, or a custom-built digital circuit. During this phase, the
project’s core objectives, including design, simulation, and hardware integration, are defined, and strategies
for testing and verification are established. The primary goal is to ensure that the system meets all the
functional requirements and specifications defined in the initial design phase.
System Design and Development: Creating a detailed design of the system based on the specifications.
This includes selecting the appropriate digital components, circuits, and systems (e.g., combinational,
sequential circuits) and modeling them in Verilog or VHDL.
Hardware Implementation: Mapping the design onto a target hardware platform (e.g., FPGA, ASIC)
using synthesis tools and implementing it using available resources like logic gates, registers, and flip-
flops.
Testing and Debugging: Ensuring the design functions as intended by testing its various features under
different conditions. This step involves checking for issues such as functional bugs, timing errors, and
power consumption inefficiencies.
Optimization: Identifying areas where the design can be improved for better performance, lower power
consumption, or reduced resource usage. Optimization techniques may include changing the clocking
strategy, re-structuring the design for better timing, or reducing logic gate usage.
Circuit design and layout are crucial steps in the project implementation process, as they directly
affect the performance and efficiency of the final system.
Circuit Design:
The design phase involves creating the functional blocks of the digital system, such as logic gates,
multiplexers, counters, and flip-flops, and connecting them to form the overall system. Each block is
modeled in Verilog or VHDL, followed by functional simulation to check correctness. The design can
include combinational circuits, sequential circuits, or a mixture of both, depending on the project
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requirements. The design should focus on ensuring correct operation under various input conditions and at
different clock frequencies.
Layout Design:
After the circuit design is completed and verified, the next step is the physical layout. This step
involves designing the actual placement of the digital components on the hardware (FPGA or ASIC) and
interconnecting them. Layout design is done using specialized Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools
like Xilinx ISE, Altera Quartus, or Cadence, which help in placing the logic elements on the chip and routing
the interconnections between them.
Placement: Assigning physical locations to logic blocks (e.g., LUTs, flip-flops) based on the design
constraints such as timing, power, and area.
Routing: Creating the interconnections between logic blocks while minimizing delay and power
consumption.
Floorplanning: Organizing the layout to optimize the overall size and reduce wire length for better
performance.
The layout design must ensure that the circuit can be physically implemented on the chosen platform
while satisfying the required performance parameters.
Testing, verification, and optimization are critical to ensuring that the designed system performs
as expected in real-world conditions. These phases typically involve simulation, hardware testing, and
performance refinement.
Testing ensures the system works as intended, first through simulation and then on actual hardware.
Functional and timing tests are performed to detect errors and verify that the design meets its specifications.
Verification includes functional checks, timing analysis, and power verification to ensure all requirements
are met. Once verified, optimization aims to improve the design’s performance, reduce power consumption,
and minimize resource usage. Techniques like timing and resource optimization are employed to refine the
system and make it more efficient.
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7.EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
During the internship, I engaged in various stages of VLSI design, including circuit design, logic
simulation, and verification, which enhanced my understanding of integrated circuit (IC) development from
conceptualization to testing.
Throughout the internship, I gained hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and
technologies, which were instrumental in reinforcing my problem-solving and analytical skills. This
experience allowed me to tackle complex design challenges, troubleshoot effectively, and gain insights into
best practices within the VLSI industry. By the end of the program, I had significantly expanded my technical
skill set in VLSI, deepening my expertise in electronics and paving the way for further growth in this
specialized domain.
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8.ABOUT THE COMPANY
SkillDzire, India’s largest real-time learning platform, was founded on May 8th, 2019, by Mr.
Srikanth and Mr. Sreedhar. With a mission to equip graduates with in-demand skills and provide job
opportunities, SkillDzire stands out by offering a wide range of industry-oriented programs at accessible
rates. Initially launching with Electrical Engineering, the platform soon expanded to cover all core
engineering branches and now boasts over 25 courses across both engineering and non-engineering fields.
Through partnerships with experienced industry professionals, SkillDzire provides high-quality training,
valued certifications, and assured placement slots, helping thousands of candidates meet industry standards
and secure employment.
SkillDzire has gained notable traction in the EdTech space, particularly in response to the growing
demand for skill development since the pandemic. The platform has engaged over a million live minutes and
holds daily sessions for thousands of candidates, with 94% placement slots achieved. Srikanth emphasizes
that SkillDzire’s success is grounded in trust and transparency, driven by a team of top-notch experts
committed to delivering relevant, technology-focused training. With India’s EdTech market expanding
rapidly, SkillDzire continues to innovate, launching new courses that align with industry needs and support
graduates in navigating the job market.
Mission
SkillDzire’s mission is to bridge the skills gap for graduates by providing industry-oriented,
affordable training that aligns with the latest technology demands, thereby increasing job opportunities and
contributing to India’s skilled workforce.
Vision:
To be a premier Organization fostering the growth of Micro, Small and Medium
Enterprises (MSMEs) Sector.
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9.OPPORTUNITIES:
During my six-month internship in VLSI at SkillDzire, I had the opportunity to take on a variety of
roles and responsibilities that allowed me to apply my knowledge in a real-world setting. As an intern, I
performed the following tasks:
Team Coordination: I regularly collaborated with team members and team leads to track ongoing
activities, including meetings, project updates, and upcoming tasks. This coordination helped
streamline our workflow and ensured alignment on project goals.
Application Development: I gained hands-on experience in VLSI application development using
specialized design tools and methodologies. To deepen my understanding, I explored GitHub
repositories and other resources, which provided valuable insights into VLSI design techniques
and best practices.
Requirement Gathering and Project Involvement: My role involved gathering project
requirements to ensure that our designs met specified criteria. SkillDzire also encouraged interns
to participate in various projects, allowing me to explore different aspects of VLSI design,
including logic simulation and verification.
Task Assignments and Testing: I was given various tasks to develop and test different
components of VLSI applications. SkillDzire conducted assessments to validate our skills, and
upon completion, I received certification, marking the successful end of my internship.
This experience allowed me to develop a comprehensive skill set in VLSI design, strengthened by
practical applications and collaboration with industry experts.
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10.TRAINING:
During my six-month VLSI internship at SkillDzire, I received comprehensive training in VLSI design and
development, gaining exposure to various tools and technologies essential for the field. SkillDzire provided
hands-on experience with the following technologies:
Hardware Description Language (HDL): VLSI design heavily relies on HDLs like Verilog and
VHDL. These languages are essential for describing the structure and behavior of digital systems. I
learned how to set up projects, create modules, and use syntax to develop circuits that could be
synthesized and simulated.
Project Setup: I was introduced to setting up a VLSI project using industry-standard design tools,
which included creating libraries and organizing design files.
Coding and Simulation: I developed modules using Verilog and VHDL and performed simulation
tasks to verify the functionality of the designs.
Synthesis and Optimization: I gained knowledge on synthesizing HDL code to map logical designs
into physical hardware structures, optimizing circuits for performance and resource usage.
Testing and Debugging: SkillDzire provided training on debugging design issues using simulation
waveforms, which allowed me to troubleshoot and refine designs efficiently.
Verification Techniques: I practiced verification methodologies to ensure the design met the
specifications before implementation.
This structured training and exposure to core VLSI tools enhanced my proficiency in digital circuit design,
preparing me for industry standards and best practices in VLSI engineering.
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11.CHALLENGES FACED:
Installing and configuring the complex VLSI design software was initially
difficult, causing some delays in getting started.
Despite these challenges, I successfully completed the internship, gaining valuable experience and
skills that have equipped me for new opportunities in the VLSI field.
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12.Conclusion
In summary, VLSI technology combines digital logic design, CMOS technology, and circuit design
to create optimized electronic systems. Digital logic principles like combinational and sequential circuits
form the foundation of complex integrated circuits, while CMOS technology enables low-power, high-
performance designs. Implementing VLSI projects involves circuit design, simulation, verification, and
layout optimization, using tools like SPICE and Verilog. FPGA platforms support rapid prototyping, and
iterative testing and verification ensure that designs are reliable, efficient, and ready for production.
VLSI technology integrates essential concepts of digital and analog circuit design to produce
compact, high-performance electronic systems. CMOS technology's low power and high scalability make it
fundamental in modern electronics, enabling efficient logic gate implementations and advanced integrated
circuits. The VLSI design process spans circuit simulation, layout, and rigorous testing to ensure reliability
and performance under real-world conditions. Tools like SPICE, Verilog, and FPGA platforms facilitate
rapid prototyping and validation, while ongoing optimization enhances functionality and meets stringent
industry standards for power and speed.
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13.References
Bhaskar, S. (2004). Verilog HDL: A Guide to Digital Design and Synthesis. Prentice Hall.
A detailed guide to Verilog HDL, offering insight into both combinational and sequential
circuit design, and the implementation of digital systems.
An early but fundamental book in the field of VLSI, introducing concepts of digital logic
design, CMOS technology, and VLSI system design.
Neil H.E. Weste, David Harris (2005). CMOS VLSI Design: A Circuits and Systems Perspective.
Addison-Wesley.
A widely referenced textbook that provides an in-depth treatment of CMOS technology and
VLSI circuit design, along with performance analysis and design considerations.
This book covers modern approaches to digital logic design, focusing on topics such as
Verilog HDL, combinational and sequential circuit design, and practical implementation.
Lindsey, A. S. (2002). Digital Electronics: A Practical Approach with VHDL (3rd ed.). Pearson
Education.
This text offers a hands-on approach to digital electronics and VHDL, focusing on the design
and implementation of digital circuits and systems.
Snyder, B. (2009). SPICE for Power Electronics and Electric Power. Springer Science & Business
Media.
A resource for understanding SPICE simulation tools, specifically for power electronics and
circuit simulations related to VLSI and analog design.
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