We present the new e-Learning platform LIMA, a fully web-based training platform which deals with the three course topics âVirtual EMC Labâ, âAdvanced RF ...
LIMA: The New e-Learning Platform in Microelectronic Applications T. Ostermann, C. Lackner, R. Koessl, R. Hagelauer1, K. Beer2, L. Krahn, H.-T. Mammen, W. John3, 4 5 A. Sauer, P. Schwarz, G. Elst and M. Pistauer 1 RIIC – Institut für Integrierte Schaltungen, Johannes Kepler Universität Linz, 4040 Linz, Austria 2 s.team – semiconductor technology engineering and management, 81241 München, Germany 3 FhG IZM – Institut für Zuverlässigkeit und Mikrointegration, 80636 München, Germany 4 FhG IIS/EAS – Institut für Integrierte Schaltungen, 01069 Dresden, Germany 5 CISC Semiconductor Design+Consulting, A-9020 Klagenfurt, Austria Abstract We present the new e-Learning platform LIMA, a fully web-based training platform which deals with the three course topics “Virtual EMC Lab”, “Advanced RF Design Center” and “Mixed-signal Simulation Center, based on VHDL-AMS”. It is essential for state of the art design in information and communication technology to provide excellent teaching material in this areas of interest. The web-based training platform could be used for graduate students as well as designers in the industry to obtain and maintain high qualified knowledge.
1. Introduction For the design of innovative products in the microelectronic industry, especially in the area of the information and communication technology (ICT), the availability of the most recent design knowledge is mandatory. The intervals within existing knowledge has to be updated become shorter and shorter. To permanently increase and update the designer skills excellent defined and prepared training material is required. The three critical disciplines in state of the art design for telecommunication applications especially system on chip design are design for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), advanced RF circuit design and mixed-signal design. A typical application is shown in fig. 1. Due to the trend to higher frequencies, EMC and signal integrity problems will play a key role in RF design as well as in mixed signal design. The new e-Learning platform LIMA therefore provides knowledge in the three topics “Virtual EMC Lab”, “Advanced RF Design Center” and “ Mixed-signal Simulation Center, based on VHDLAMS”. But LIMA is not just another e-Learning platform, the “Learning Platform In Microelectronic Applications” (LIMA) is a parallel development of the platform and the contents of the three topics.
Figure 1: A typical application The use of the web-based training platform gives circuit designer, scientists and students depending on their level of knowledge the opportunity to learn, prove, and increase their design knowledge. The course material includes theoretical as well as practical design knowledge on different levels from basic to advanced. But the main focus of LIMA is the presentation of state of the art practical design experience including the feature to start EDA tools like a VHDL-AMS simulator or EMC software within the web-based training platform. LIMA is an EU founded project carried out by three educational centers and eight industrial partners from four different countries.
2. Software The web-based training platform used within LIMA, was specified and designed to satisfy the different demands from various user groups, applications and levels of extensions. The platform essentially consists of the following three modules: x Read-only Tutor (web-based version, CD or for workstation) x Read & Qualification Tutor (web-based) x Read & Qualification & Authoring Tool (webbased) The training platform includes interfaces to EDA tools, which were developed using Java and C like a WEBSIM simulator interface, which is based on the orion application server [1]. This interfaces allow the
Proceedings of the 2003 IEEE International Conference on Microelectronic Systems Education (MSE’03) 0-7695-1973-3/03 $17.00 © 2003 IEEE
communication between the user and the EDA software over the internet connection. So the user, the database of the training platform and the simulator could be located physically on different places. An example of the training platform is shown in fig. 2. Pdf, html and xml pages could be used to present the content within LIMA. A full text search as well as a glossary are provided to be used parallel in all three topics. For the training purpose single parts of the content of all three topics could be combined in a guided tour. This guided tours as well as exams and reports could be assigned to individual users using the “Read & Qualification Tool”. With the “Authoring Tool” the course instructors have the opportunity to include additional material to the existing content.
x Advanced RF Circuit Design x Chip Packaging x Chip Interconnection x CAD-Tools The Mixed-signal Simulation Center, based on VHDLAMS includes the topics: x Mixed-signal Design Flow x RF typical Extensions x Model Refinement and Model Generation x VHDL-AMS: A standardised Mixed-signal HDL An additional example of the web-based trainings platform is shown in fig. 3. Here a xml-file is used. The page includes a small interactive example.
Figure 2: Example of the LIMA training platform.
3. The course content The Virtual EMC Center includes the topics: x Introduction - EMC-Analysis of High Density Packaging x Transmission Line Parameters x High Speed Interconnect Structures x Signal Integrity Analysis x Simulation of Transmission Lines x Calculation of Transmission Line Parameters x Impedance Control x EMC Adequate Layout Synthesis x EMC Adequate System Design The Advanced RF Design Center (fig. 2) concentrates on the RF design up to 2 (5) GHz (applications like [2]) including the topics: x Introduction to RF Design (all levels) x Introduction to RF Circuit Design
Figure 3: LIMA interactive example.
4. Conclusion A first version of the LIMA platform is available online for test and evaluation purpose. The final version will be ready for use end of August 2003. The LIMA platform includes interactive design examples, which could be invoked within the platform.
5. References [1] http://www.orionserver.com/ [2] Thomann, Fenk , Hagelauer and Weigel; „Fully Integrated W-CDMA IF Receiver and IF Transmitter Including IF Synthesizer and On-Chip VCO for UMTS Mobiles.” IEEE JSSC Vol. 36, No. 9, Sept. 2001.
Proceedings of the 2003 IEEE International Conference on Microelectronic Systems Education (MSE’03) 0-7695-1973-3/03 $17.00 © 2003 IEEE
