Exploring the use of Cadence IC in Education

Abstract

Microelectronics technologies and structures iselectronics subfield, related to the study of integrated circuitdesign and fabrication. To familiarize with this widely applicablearea, engineering students should gain practical experience, inaddition to the theoretical knowledge attained on differentmicroelectronics courses. Cadence IC is a world standard tool inthis area, applicable not only in industry, but also in academicinstitutions. The academic environment of Republic of Macedoniahas the ability to use this package through cooperation withforeign partners. Assuming that the access to the provided designkits is limited, the freely available NCSU CDK library from theNorth Carolina State University is integrated within the CadenceIC environment, and later used for educational purposes. Thebasic contribution of this paper is the systematization of themethodology for NCSU CDK library application by the studentsat FEEIT - Skopje, at both third cycle, and other levels of studies.Our general opinion is that the Cadence IC tool suite providesnovel opportunities to academia and students in many educationaland research activities.