The module will introduce the students to the advanced principles and characteristics of analogue IC technology, familiarise them with a range of well-established analogue integrated circuits, and help them to develop basic skills and techniques in the design and analysis of analogue IC circuits.  

LO1. Understand the hierarchical structure, techniques and procedures in analogue IC design.  

LO2. Communicate accurately the specific requirements and unique characteristics of analogue IC design.  

LO3. Advanced knowledge of CMOS device models and analytical skills for analogue IC analysis. 

LO4. Design analogue circuits suitable for implementation using the IC technology.  

LO5. Systematically comprehend the IC fabrication processes and techniques used in analogue ICs. 

The module will be delivered through on-campus face-to-face classes (lectures, tutorials, and revisions), with a wide range of online support including learning materials (lecture notes, supplements and problems) and pre-class videos and lecture recordings. The pre-class videos introduce the reasons and motivations, and outline key aspects of topics, which are followed by face-to-face lectures to explain the principles, characteristics and techniques and to allow sufficient opportunities for interaction and feedback. 

In addition to developing your problem solving, critical thinking, reflection and communication skills for the related Graduate Attributes the module will support you in developing skills in: 

• Apply IC design principles to critically assess the suitability of circuits for IC implementation.   

• Configure CMOS device models to realise specific functionalities.  

• Develop analytical skills for basic IC circuit analysis (e.g., current mirrors and basic amplifiers).  

• Enhance the ability for designing complex IC circuits (e.g., op-amps).  

• Develop communication skills for effective conveying the IC design to fabrication.  

1) The module will be assessed by a single summative assessment of a two-hour formal examination during the Spring Semester Examination Period, contributing to 100% (LO 1-5).  
  
The examination paper consists of 4 questions covering all LOs as much as possible. The students are required to answer all 4 questions.  

In order to pass the module and gain 10 credits, the minimum pass mark of 40% must be obtained from the formal examination. 

2) The students will be supported in achieving their LOs by formative assessments embedded in the lectures. The course is designed to be highly interactive. Immediate feedbacks will be provided through discussions in Q&A format. In addition, from week 3, tutorials are incorporated in lectures, some of which involve encouraging the students to make initial attempts to solve the problems, where the formative assessments will be conducted and feedback provided.  

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

There is a potential for re-assessment in this module which may result in a 100% written assessment during the August Resit period (LO 1-5). 

Opportunities for re-assessment is only permitted provided you have not failed more credit than in the resit rule adopted by your programme.  If the amount of credit you have failed is more than permitted by the relevant resit rule, you may be permitted to repeat study if you are within the threshold set for the Repeat rule adopted by your programme. You will be notified of your eligibility to resit/repeat any modules after the Examining Board in the Summer period. 

All resit assessments will be held in the Resit Examination period, prior to the start of the following academic session. 

• IC Fabrication Technology  

• CMOS Device Models  

• Active Resistors  

• Current Mirrors  

• Basic Amplifier  

• Noise Analysis and Modelling  

• Operational Amplifiers