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Welcome to "Chip Design for High School" Journey!

“Chip Design for High School” is back, opening the door to a hands-on, fun, and exciting journey into the world of technology! Designed for students from 6th grade to early college — no matter their background — this free program introduces the magic of chip design, the technology powering our favorite gadgets. Parents can feel confident knowing their child will gain real-world skills, ignite their creativity, and learn from top experts in a supportive and safe environment. Join us and see how young innovators can change the future!

Important Dates

Sign up for a chance to become an “electronic world architect”!
Get ready to explore, learn, and create in this unique program!

18 Nov - 9 Dec 2024

Registration Open!

Join us as we kick off the journey together! Meet mentors, discover what’s ahead, and feel part of something special!

10 Dec 2024

Inauguration Call

Just a quick check to ensure you’re prepared for this adventure. We want everyone to feel confident and ready!

10 - 24 Dec 2024

Screening Process

Get hands-on with fun activities and experiments that bring learning to life! Start creating and see how real tech works!

25 Dec - 21 Jan 2025

Hands-on Labs

Step into the world of real chip design! Use automated open-source tools to create layouts, understanding how electronics come to life!

22 Jan - 5 Feb 2025

Physical Design Flow

We’ll celebrate as we announce the top 50 participants, each receiving a special gift! A moment to shine and be recognized!

12 Feb 2025

Top 50 Announcement

Ohm’s Law: Back to Basics

Remember learning about Ohm’s Law? Think of it as the “traffic rule” for electricity, guiding how power flows smoothly through our devices. We’ll dive back into this essential rule to strengthen our understanding of how much “electric traffic” each device needs to work just right. Get ready for a fun, hands-on way to see the magic behind the electronics we use every day!

Chip Design: Your New Adventure!

Get ready for the most thrilling part – Chip Design! Imagine yourself as the architect of an electronic city, designing the roads (circuits) and traffic lights (gates) that guide the flow of electricity. Each chip you create is a mini-world where everything works smoothly and efficiently, just like a well-planned city.

In this adventure, you’ll step into a universe of creativity and discovery, where each design brings new gadgets to life! So, roll up your sleeves and let’s explore the exciting world of chip design together!

Sessions

Part 1
Screening - Basic Physics and Electrical Concepts

Week 1

Introduction to Basic Physics and Electricity.

Lec-1: Introduction to Basic Physics and Electricity – Part 1

  • Introduction to fundamental physics concepts relevant to electricity.
  • Basic electrical terms and units, electric charge, field, and potential.

Lec-2: Introduction to Basic Physics and Electricity – Part 2

  • Continuation of electricity principles with an emphasis on electric forces and energy.

Week 2

Electrical Relationships and Practical Skills

Lec-3: Basic Current, Voltage Relationship, Ohm’s Law

  • Exploring the relationship between current, voltage, and resistance.
  • Applications of Ohm’s Law in various circuits.

Lab-1: Lab Platform Familiarization and Breadboard Connections

  • Hands-on lab introducing the lab environment and equipment.
  • Building and understanding simple circuits using a breadboard.

End of Part 1 Assessment

  • Written test to assess understanding of basic concepts covered in Weeks 1 and 2.
  • Practical exam to evaluate hands-on skills with lab equipment and breadboard connections.

Part 2
Fundamentals of Logic Gates in Chip Design

Week 3

Switching Logic and Automation Basics

Lec-4: Basics of Automation and Switching Logics

  • Understanding the principles of automation in electrical systems.
  • Introduction to switching logic basics.

Week 4

Logic Gates and Practical Application

Lec-5: Logic Realization Using Switches

  • Theoretical aspects of using switches for implementing logic functions.

Lab-2: Logic Realization Using Switches

  • Hands-on practice with different types of logic gates.
  • Combining logic gates to create basic digital functions.

Week 5

Advanced Application of Logic Gates and Debugging

Lab-3: Complex Logic Gate Implementation

  • Designing and building more complex logic functions using gates.

Lab-4: Logic Analyzers and Circuit Debugging

  • Using logic analyzers to diagnose and fix issues in digital circuits.

Week 6

Capstone Project in Chip Design

Lab Project: Combination Logic Function Design and Testing

  • Design a logic function for chip design using learned concepts.
  • Final project development, testing, and troubleshooting.

Week 7

Inception of EDA Tools and SoC Design Basics

Lec-1: How to Talk to Computers

  • Basics of machine languages, scripting, and computer interpretation.

Lec-2: SoC Design and EDA Tools

  • Introduction to SoC design principles and EDA tools.

Lab-1: EDA Tool Setup

  • Installation and setup for SoC design using EDA tools.

Lec-3: Starting SoC Reference Design

  • Setting up the SoC project environment.

Lab-2: Initiating a Basic SoC Project

  • Hands-on initiation of a basic SoC project.

Lec-4: Floor planning Essentials

  • Key factors and examples of effective floor planning in chip design.

Week 8

Floorplanning and Library Cells

Lec-5: Library Binding and Placement

  • Basics of library binding and cell placement

Lab-3: Library Binding Practice

  • Hands-on cell placement using EDA tools.

Lec-6: Cell Design & Characterization

  • Overview of cell design and characterization flows.

Lab-4: Standard Cell Design

  • Designing and characterizing a standard cell

Lec-7: CMOS Inverter Simulation

  • Introduction to CMOS inverter design and SPICE simulation.

Lab-5: CMOS Inverter Lab

  • Hands-on SPICE simulation of CMOS inverters.

Lec-8: Timing Characterization Basics

  • Key timing parameters and analysis techniques in chip design.

Week 9

Semiconductor Devices and Circuit Design

Lec-1: Semiconductor Diodes

  • Introduction to the properties and behavior of semiconductor diodes.
  • Applications of diodes in electronic circuits.

Lec-2: Diodes, Rectifiers, and Regulators

  • Understanding rectifiers and their role in AC to DC conversion.
  • Overview of voltage regulators and their importance in circuit stability.

Lec-3: MOSFETs and CMOS Technology

  • Fundamentals of MOSFET operation and characteristics.
  • Introduction to CMOS technology and its applications in modern electronics.

Lec-4: CMOS Inverter Design and Characteristics

  • Detailed explanation of CMOS inverters, focusing on their design principles.
  • Exploring the input-output characteristics and power efficiency.

Lec-5: Combinational and Sequential Circuits

  • Understanding the difference between combinational and sequential circuits.
  • Real-world applications of these circuits in digital systems.

Easy-to-Understand Adventures

Imagine building a city where everything works perfectly! Our chip is that city, and Ohm’s Law is like the traffic rules, making sure electricity cars move safely and smoothly. As young designers, you’ll plan this city, mapping out roads (circuits) and ensuring all parts work together seamlessly. With each step, you’ll learn how to bring amazing ideas to life, exploring the secrets behind technology in a way that’s fun, creative, and exciting! This journey is designed to inspire confidence and curiosity—perfect for every budding innovator.

Become a Chip City Planner!

By the end of this journey, you’ll become a true chip city planner, designing the pathways and directing the flow of electricity to ensure our everyday gadgets – like phones, computers, and more – work seamlessly and efficiently. You’ll uncover the secrets behind the technology that powers our world, gaining practical skills and a deeper understanding of electronics. This adventure will equip you with the creativity and confidence to shape the future, sparking ideas and innovations that could change the way we live and connect!

Testimonial

Student from Standard 10th
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"The Chip Design for High School Program surpassed my expectations, offering an engaging and beneficial learning experience. The course content and teaching methods, combined with interesting lab sessions, made the program highly impactful. However, pacing the session uploads to three per week would improve the overall experience."
Student from Standard 9th
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"The course surpassed my expectations by providing a highly beneficial and practical learning experience. The lab activities were particularly engaging, offering a hands-on approach to chip design that went beyond theory. The segment on types of energies was also very relevant and helpful as it aligned with topics covered in school. While the lab sessions were initially challenging, they became easier over time with practice. Further clarity in the initial explanations of the labs could improve the experience."
Student from Standard 11th
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"The course met my expectations, delivering what was promised. I appreciated the clear explanation of concepts, which made learning much easier. The lab programs were especially enjoyable, helping me better understand topics like Boolean logic and other school subjects through practical examples. Incorporating a more activity-based approach could make the course even more interactive and engaging."
Student from Standard 12th
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"The course met my expectations by delivering what was promised. The explanations were clear and started at a beginner level, gradually building a strong foundation. I appreciated that physical materials weren't required, making it self-paced and manageable alongside long school hours. However, more interaction with the instructor, such as dedicated doubt-solving sessions on weekends, would enhance the experience. As a robotics enthusiast, this course helped me understand the basics more clearly than self-learning on platforms like Tinkercad."

Are you excited to begin this amazing adventure?

Sign up now to start your journey into the fascinating world of chip design!

Join us, and together, let’s build extraordinary electronic cities and shape the future of technology!

Registration closes on 9th Dec 2024

Days
Hours
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Poster

Organiser and Partners

Registration for Ethical RISC-V IoT Workshop

Welcome to Ethical RISC-V IoT Workshop

The “Ethical RISC-V IoT Workshop” at IIIT Bangalore, organized in collaboration with VSD, is a structured, educational competition aimed at exploring real-world challenges in IoT and embedded systems. Participants progress through three stages: building an application, injecting and managing faults, and enhancing application security. The event spans from May 9 to June 15, 2024, culminating in a showcase of top innovations and an award ceremony. This hands-on hackathon emphasizes learning, testing, and securing applications in a collaborative and competitive environment.

Rules :
  1. Only for Indian Student whose college is registered under VTU
  2. Only team of 2 members can Register
  3. Use only VSDSquadron Mini resources for product development
Awards :
  1. Prize money for final 10 Team
  2. 3 Winner team’s Product will be evaluated for Incubation
  3. 7 consolation prizes
  4. Completion Certificate to final round qualifier
  5. Chance to build a Proud Secured RISC-V Platform for India

Date for Registration : 9th May - 22nd May, 2024
Hackathon Inauguration : 23rd May 2024

VSDSquadron (Educational Board)

VSDSquadron, a cutting-edge development board based on the RISC-V architecture that is fully open-source. This board presents an exceptional opportunity for individuals to learn about RISC-V and VLSI chip design utilizing only open-source tools, starting from the RTL and extending all the way to the GDSII. The possibilities for learning and advancement with this technology are limitless.

Furthermore, the RISC-V chips on these boards should be open for VLSI chip design learning, allowing you to explore PNR, standard cells, and layout design. And guess what? vsdsquadron is the perfect solution for all your needs! With its comprehensive documentation and scalable labs, thousands of students can learn and grow together.

VSD HDP (Hardware Design Program) Duration-10 Week

With VSD Hardware Design Program (VSD-HDP),  you have the opportunity to push the boundaries of what exist in open source and establish the new benchmark for tomorrow.

It will leverage your degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering to work with

  • Programmable logic
  • Analog/ digital IP
  • RISC-V
  • Architecture & microprocessors
  • ASICs and SoCs on high-density digital or RF circuit cards
  • Gain hands-on knowledge during design validation and system integration.

Sounds exciting to just get started with expert mentors, doesn’t it? But we are looking for the next generation of learners, inventors, rebels, risk takers, and pioneers.

“Spend your summer working in the future !!”

Outcomes of VSD Online Research IP Design Internship Program

  1. Job opportunities in Semiconductor Industry
  2. Research work can be submitted to VLSI International journals
  3. Participate in Semiconductor International Conference with Internship Research Work
  4. Paper Publications in IEEE Conference and SIG groups
  5. Tape out opportunity and IP Royalty
  6. Interact with world class Semiconductor designer and researchers
  7. Academic professions where more research projects are encouraged.
  8. All the above research and publication work will help colleges and institutes to improve accreditation levels.

Know More Information

VSD – Intelligent Assessment Technology (VSD-IAT)

VSD – Intelligent Assessment Technology (VSD-IAT) is expertly built training platform and is suited for designer requirements. Semiconductor companies understand the value of training automation and Engineer performance enhancement, and do not need to be convinced of the impact of a virtual platform for learning. VSD trainings are quick, relevant, and easy to access from any device at any time zone.

VSD Intern Webinars

VSD Interns made it happen !!

VSD is working towards creating innovative talent pool who are ready to develop design and products for the new tech world. VSD believes in “Learning by doing principle” , and always prepare the student to apply the knowledge learned in the workshops, webinars and courses. We always push our students to work on new designs, test it and work continuously till it becomes the best performing design. Any student who enrolls to VSD community starts working with small design and grows with us and develops a tapeout level design with complete honesty and dedication towards the Work !!

Check out VSD Interns Achievement!

VSDOpen Online Conference

Welcome to the World’s only online conference in Semiconductor Industry VSDOpen Conference. With enormous support and global presence of audience from different segments of industrial lobby and academia made a highly successful event. Evolution is change in the genetic makeup of a population over time, online conference is one kind evaluation everyone adapt soon. 

  • VSDOpen 2022 is an online conference to share open-source research with the community and promote  hardware design mostly done by the student community.
  • VSDOpen 2022 is based on the theme “How to lower the cost to learn, build, and tapeout chips ?”  , which will provide a platform to community to build stronger designs and strengthen the future of Chip design.
  • VSDOpen is envisioned to create a community based revolution in semiconductor hardware technology.
  • The open source attitude is required to bring out the talent and innovation from the community who are in remote part of world and have least access to the technologies.  And now Google support will help to bring the vision to execution by VSD team

VSD Online Course by Kunal Ghosh

VSD offers online course in complete spectrum of vlsi backend flow from RTL design, synthesis and Verification, SoC planning and design, Sign-off analysis, IP Design, CAD/EDA automation and basic UNIX/IT, Introduction to latest technology – RISC-V, Machine intelligence in EDA/CAD, VLSI Interview FAQ’s.

Current Reach – As of 2021, VSD and its partners have released 41 online VLSI courses and was successfully able to teach  ~35900 Unique students around 151 countries in 47 different languages, through its unique info-graphical and technology mediated learning methods.

Enquiry Form