Last Updated on August 10, 2023 by Vishnu Nambiar
Hi readers! Here, we will deal with an M.Sc. program related to VLSI Design. In this post, we will have an in-depth analysis of the M.Sc. in VLSI Design course.
This course is also known by other names such as – M.Sc. in VLSI Design and Technology, M.Sc. in VLSI Technology, and M.Sc. in VLSI Design and Tools. Though the course names are different from each other, they share the same course content (almost).
M.Sc. in VLSI Design is a postgraduate-level course. Technically, it is a Master of Science course. It is an ideal PG course for B.E./B.Tech. graduates as well as B.Sc. graduates. If you are looking for an overview of this course, here it is –
- Name of the course: M.Sc. in VLSI Design.
- Type of course: Master of Science.
- Field: VLSI Design and Technology.
- Eligibility: Completed relevant B.E./B.Tech OR B.Sc. program.
- Duration: 2 years.
This M.Sc. program is 2 years long. Each academic year is divided into two semesters. The entire program thus consists of four semesters.
If you want to build a rewarding career in the promising VLSI design sector, you may pursue this course. This course is especially very beneficial for graduates who have completed relevant B.Sc. programs.
Before heading to the meat of the matter, let me show you some relevant PG courses related to VLSI Design.
What’s this domain all about? What’s the scope associated with this domain? What it it like to work in this domain? What are the job profiles associated with this domain like?
You will find answers to these questions in the next section.
M.Sc. VLSI Design: An Introduction
VLSI stands for Very Large Scale Integration. It is the process of creating an Integrated Circuit (IC) by combining transistors or other devices into a single chip. ICs are used in different types of electronic devices. Your mobile phone consists of ICs. An IC is a circuit in which all or some of the circuit elements are inseparably associated and electrically interconnected so that it is considered to be indivisible for the purposes of construction and commerce.
Thanks to advancements in the field of semiconductors, ICs were developed. Before the introduction of VLSI, the capacity of an IC was very limited. It could only perform a few tasks, for which it was primarily designed.
Before VLSI came along, IC size used to be much larger than what it is now! Thanks to VLSI, designers can now add millions of transistors and other components on a very small piece of chip.
An IC consists of various components such as –
- CPU.
- ROM.
- RAM.
VLSI helps designers add these components on a chip in such a way that no compromise has to be made on fronts such as size, cost of production, and performance.
M.Sc. in VLSI Design is a PG-level course. Technically, this is a Master’s Degree program. Candidates who have completed relevant Bachelor’s Degree courses (B.E., B.Tech., B.Sc., etc) are eligible to pursue this course. B.Sc., B.E., or B.Tech. Graduates have multiple options available in front of them.
They may search for a job after graduation. Another option is – to pursue a PG-level course. While they do have access to numerous PG-level courses (Master’s Degree, PG Diploma, PG Certificate, etc), M.Sc. is a very good and popular choice.
Come, let us take a closer look at the course details.
Syllabus
Here are some of the important subjects present in the curriculum –
- Digital Design.
- Programming.
- System Architecture.
- Verilog HDL.
- VHDL.
- System Verilog.
Admission Process
Reputed institutes rely on a merit-based admission process. Such institutes make use of relevant entrance tests to select deserving candidates. Some institutes are also known to conduct their own qualifying test in order to select deserving candidates. Some other institutes are also known to conduct direct as well as donation-based admission processes.
Career Prospects
M.Sc. VLSI Design graduates have diverse job opportunities available in front of them. They have access to Government jobs, Private sector jobs, and Self-Employment opportunities.
Some of the prime recruiters are – IT Firms, Electronics Firms, Electrical Firms, Computer Technology Firms etc. In these firms, VLSI professionals may don roles such as – Designer, Programmer, Tester, Project Manager, etc.
Salary
Starting salary of a VLSI Designer depends upon a number of factors. Some of the prominent factors are –
- Institute from which the candidate completed the course.
- His/her specialization.
- The domain he/she has chosen.
- Job location.
- Status of the employer.
On average, starting salary could be anywhere between 50-80K INR per month. In the case of a Government job, the salary will be as per the pay scale and grade.
I am Vishnu Nambiar a career and educational blogger from India. I am also a full time educational consultant having more than 12 years of experience in the educational sector.
I share articles related to courses, colleges, careers, exam tips and more here.