To solve the semiconductor crisis, AICTE launches courses on integrated circuit fabrication and VLSI design technology

AICTE has asked engineering schools to introduce courses on integrated circuit fabrication and very large scale integration (VLSI) design and technology. The objective is to have a quality workforce in this vital segment which would boost the production of semiconductors. However, institutions would need to meet the conditions set out in the Approval Process Handbook (APH), 2022-23 to start new courses.

These courses will contribute to the expansion of the semiconductor industry by teaching advanced technology for the production of quality microprocessors by reducing the space occupied by an electronic gadget by integrating hundreds of transistors into a single microchip. Students pursuing these courses would get employment in IC design companies, the artificial intelligence (AI) technology field, and smartphone companies.

Speaking to Education Times, MP Poonia, Vice President of AICTE, said: “The courses have been approved to produce a skilled workforce in the field of semiconductors and electronics manufacturing. screens, which will contribute to making the country autonomous in these two areas. Currently, India depends on the import of semiconductors and electronic equipment from countries like Taiwan and China. This is an emerging field and technically sound resources are required.

Both courses are in line with the requirements of Industry 4.0. and the VLSI Design and Technology would be taught to electronics and communication engineering students.

“Students would receive an additional 18-20 credits related to VLSI design and technology. A course on IC fabrication is also being developed for polytechnic students which will be three years in duration and the secondary objective is to align academic institutions with industry,” adds Poonia.

Topics such as design, manufacturing, and knowledge related to semiconductor requirements will be taught in both courses. These days there is a huge need for semiconductor chips in automobiles and the two courses would consist of electives and open electives.

As part of the coursework, students will also be required to complete a six-month internship at IC manufacturing units, which will provide students with exposure to the industry, Poonia adds.

Abhay Bansal, Co-Director of Amity School of Engineering & Technology, Noida (UP) says, “We will soon be launching the BTech program in Electronic Engineering (VLSI Design and Technology) as per the guideline of AICTE. The course curriculum has been designed in consultation with leading academics and industry experts. Additionally, we will refer to the AICTE curriculum model once it becomes available and integrate it for better learning and academic delivery to students.

After continuing the course, in VLSI design and technology, students could be employed as design engineer, test and verification engineer, front-end designer – ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit Design) / FPGA (Field, Programmable Gate Arrays) and DFT Engineer (Design For Test).