MSU-IIT Microlab conducts 3rd in Series:
Full-Custom IC Design Layout Training for Faculty from Different Universities in Mindanao

Article by Darwen C. Corgue

Published in a news from the The Manila Times is the urgency for Filipino engineers to set up companies that would encourage innovation in Integrated Circuit (IC) design—an essential part of the Philippine semiconductor and electronics industry—so that the country can establish a competitive digital niche in Asia. This has been answered by the Philippine government’s evident support through the establishment of the Philippine Institute of Integrated Circuits (PIIC) as part of the plan of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

For the past few years, the PIIC has committed in promoting and improving the Microelectronics education in the country. But due to limited resources and man power, PIIC supports universities with established Microelectronics track to conduct trainings to different tertiary schools and universities across the country. Such endeavour helps to realize the vision to make the Philippines an IC Design Hub. 

In line with this, the Microelectronics Laboratory of Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) conducted a series of trainings to support the said advocacy. With the partnership of PIIC and support from the Electronics Engineers of the Philippines (IECEP) - Iligan Bay Chapter, the training is now on its 2nd phase (Operational Amplifier IC Design). These continuous efforts were participated by different universities across Mindanao to learn and experience IC Design. 

The 5-day training was conducted at the Microelectronics Laboratory of the College of Engineering, MSU-IIT last January 18-22, 2016. It was joined and attended by the faculty members from Mindanao University of Science and Technology and Xavier University – Cagayan de Oro City, La Salle University – Ozamis City, Jose Rizal Memorial State University – Dapitan City, Ateneo de Davao University and University of Mindanao – Davao City, and Notre Dame University – Cotabato.

The 1st phase of the training provided the faculty trainees with the basic understanding of MOS transistor characteristics and operations. The second phase of the training tackles on Analog IC design specifically on Operational Amplifiers.

For every discussion of theories and concepts for analysis and design of operational amplifiers in every lecture, a laboratory exercise follows to supplement and emphasize the important points through actual design and simulation using the Synopsys IC Design tool. To test the understanding of concepts a quiz then follows during the lectures and lab exercises. To conclude the course, the trainees have to design their own Miller OTA (differential input stage, common-source output stage) and meet the design specifications by applying the fundamental design concepts they have learned on the previous discussions.

On the onset of the course the trainees were bracing the IC Design tool while others, specially the new participants, are familiarizing the tool. The eagerness of each participant to finish the activity and the enthusiasm they gave during lectures inspires the persons behind the training to continue its visions. The training was a success but it’s just one of the few steps we have to take to achieve the vision on making Philippines one of the major innovators in Asia in field of Integrated Circuit (IC) Design.

Relevant Links:

Full Narrative Report

Approved Special Order

Mindanao engineering universities’ faculties attend IIT MicroLab’s Op-Amp design training (msuiit.edu.ph)