Course detail

Modelling and Simulation in Microelectronics

FEKT-BPC-MSIAcad. year: 2025/2026

The course focuses on the computer modeling and analysis of electronic circuits and microelectronic structures. In the course, the student is introduced to the general principles, possibilities and limitations of various types of analysis. They will become familiar with the used models of individual components in detail. As part of the exercise, students will gain hands-on experience with integrated circuit design tools from Cadence. 

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

4

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

doc. Ing. Vilém Kledrowetz, Ph.D.

Department

Department of Microelectronics (UMEL)

Entry knowledge

The student enrolling in this course would be able to:
- explain what is the linear and nonlinear electric circuit
- explain the terms initial conditions, transient phenomenon, steady state
- explain the way of measuring DC characteristics of nonlinear elements
- explain the way of measuring frequency responses of circuits
- describe the basic properties of BJT's and MOSFET's
- describe basic linear and nonlinear characteristics of operational amplifiers
- draw schematics of basic amplifiers employing operational amplifiers and to explain their operation 

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

a maximum of 40 points activities during semester,
a maximum of 60 points for the final written exam.

Computer exercises are mandatory. A properly excused absence from a computer lab may be made up by arrangement with the instructor. 

Aims

The course aims to build on basic knowledge in analog circuit design, semiconductor elements, and microelectronic structures and provide students with a basic orientation in computer analysis and modeling of electronic and microelectronic elements and circuits. 

A graduate of the course is able to:
- operate a tool for computer analysis and simulation of electronic circuits,
- choose a suitable type of computer simulation and set its parameters depending on the desired output,
- perform computer simulation of electronic circuits, 
- analyze and remove any errors preventing a correct computer simulation,
- obtain, analyze and verify simulation results, 
- create models of electronic analog elements. 

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

KLEDROWETZ, Vilém. Modelování a počítačová simulace. Brno, 2024. Učební text. UMEL, FEKT, VUT Brno. (CS)

Recommended reading

Not applicable.

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme BPC-NCP Bachelor's 2 year of study, summer semester, compulsory

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

26 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

doc. Ing. Vilém Kledrowetz, Ph.D.

Syllabus

Introduction to computer modeling and simulation of electronic circuits and microelectronics structures
Cadence design tool: Virtuoso, basic tools ADE Explorer, ADE Assembler
Transients analysis
AC analysis, Noise analysis
Corner and Monte-Carlo analysis
Introduction to Verilog-AMS
Modeling of passive components (R, L, C) and basic semiconductors (diodes)
Modeling of  bipolar transistors: Ebers-Moll, Gummel-Poon, VBIC
Modeling of  unipolar transistors (LEVEL1-3, BSIM1-3)

 

Exercise in computer lab

26 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

doc. Ing. Vilém Kledrowetz, Ph.D.

Syllabus

Introduction to Cadence design tools, library setup, and technology options
Drawing schematics, setting simulation profiles in ADE Assembler and ADE Explorer
Behavioral modeling, stimuli settings T
ransient analysis, convergence problems A
C analysis, PAC analysis
Monte-Carlo and Corner analysis
Introduction to Verilog-AMS
Characterization of operational amplifier, creating of simulation profiles, results processing, collecting and exporting
Bipolar and unipolar transistors model