Teaching microelectronic-based integrated systems design and test

In this paper, an innovative way of offering a course on microelectronic-based integrated systems is presented. The novelty of the approach lies in a balanced combination of IC technology fundamentals, technology impact on system behavior, and system testing. The trade-off between technical and cost-effective solutions is highlighted. Student evaluation is mainly carried out through design projects, in which teamwork, concurrent engineering and adequate documentation is stressed. The course is being lectured at IST as a regular course of the 5-year degree on Electrical and Computer Engineering.