Introducing Multi-Phase Design Into a Junior-level course:
A case study of COE360 (Principles of VLSI Design)
By Dr. Muhammad Elrabaa
Computer Engineering Dept.
KFUPM
In this presentation, the experiences gained in teaching engineering design in a juniorlevel course (Principles of VLSI Design) are presented. It demonstrates how
important design concepts were infused into this course. The concepts covered are;
Design specifications, Phased-Design, Design Hierarchy, Design abstraction, Bestknown methods (BKMs), Design Verification, Use of CAD tools, tool integration and
design documentation. All the above concepts are taught to students in a hands-on
manner through a single course project that carries 20% of the total grade. This course
implementation can serve as a model for any engineering course since it stress
fundamental engineering design concepts.