Tapeout-Oriented Strategies for Teaching Analog/Mixed-Signal IC Design and Implementation in Electrical Engineering Education

Marin, Jorge;Herman, Krzysztof;Arévalos, Daniel;Andraud, Martin;Rojas, Christian A.
(2025) 2025 38th SBC/SBMicro/IEEE Symposium on Integrated Circuits and Systems Design (SBCCI) — Location: Manaus, Brazil (25.August.2025)

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Tapeout-Oriented_Strategies_for_Teaching_Analog_Mixed-Signal_IC_Design_and_Implementation_in_Electrical_Engineering_Education.pdf
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Authors
  • Marin, JorgeUSM
    Author
  • Herman, KrzysztofIHP
    Author
  • Arévalos, DanielUSM
    Author
  • Andraud, MartinUCLouvain
    Author
  • Rojas, Christian A.USM
    Author
Abstract
Analog and mixed-signal (AMS) integrated circuit (IC) design is essential for modern SoC development in applications such as AI, IoT, and robotics. However, AMS design remains largely manual, requiring engineers to navigate multiple abstraction levels and complex iterations. Traditional engineering education rarely equips students with the skills needed for this challenge. In this paper, we propose a set of tapeout-focused strategies for AMS education based on open-source tools and full-chip design flows. Drawing on over three years of experience at AC3E-USM in Chile, we outline an educational approach combining programmatic design, collaborative version control, and real fabrication timelines. We highlight student participation in global initiatives like the SSCS Chipathon and IHP multi-project runs, supported by resources such as the SKY130 and IHP open-source PDKs, Docker-based flows, and GitHub-based team coordination. Two case studies demonstrate how this approach enables meaningful hands-on learning and fosters a foundation for regional academic–industry collaboration in the global semiconductor ecosystem.
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Marin, J., Herman, K., Arévalos, D., Andraud, M., & Rojas, C. A. (2025). Tapeout-Oriented Strategies for Teaching Analog/Mixed-Signal IC Design and Implementation in Electrical Engineering Education. Proceedings of SBC/SBMicro/IEEE Symposium on Integrated Circuits and Systems Design (SBCCI). Published. 2025 38th SBC/SBMicro/IEEE Symposium on Integrated Circuits and Systems Design (SBCCI), Manaus, Brazil. https://doi.org/10.1109/sbcci66862.2025.11218651