Method
Flexible
Term
SPRING
Units
3.0 QUARTER UNITS
Cost
$820

Skills you will gain

  • High-Speed IO Fundamentals: Understand chip-to-chip and board-level interfacing techniques used in systems like HDMI, USB 3.0, and Ethernet.
  • Transmission Line Analysis: Apply key concepts such as impedance matching, slew rate control, and termination techniques for signal integrity.
  • Interface Technology Comparison: Evaluate trade-offs across TTL, CMOS, LV-CMOS, LVDS, and optical interfaces in terms of speed, power, cost, and complexity.
  • Timing & Bit Error Analysis: Analyze IO logic, timing models, bit error rates, and feedback filtering for reliable data transmission.
  • Next-Gen Interface Readiness: Explore scalable solutions suitable for high-speed designs at 3GHz and beyond, including ESD protection strategies.

Course Description

Formerly: IO Design Fundamentals

This course is an introduction to IO interfacing from one platform to another at both chip and board levels. With today’s chips running over 1GHz, inter-chip communicating is often a limiting factor of the system. Examples of high-speed IO are HDMI, USB 3.0, and 100Base-T.There is no single solution and over the years numerous approaches have been taken, including lowering logic voltages, using differential signals and optical interfaces. The course reviews the various approaches that have been taken in the last two decades, and covers the advantages and disadvantages of TTL, CMOS, low-voltage CMOS, LVDS and optical, from the perspective of speed, power, cost, and complexity.

The course emphasizes fundamental concepts such as transmission line analysis, slew rate, termination, etc. It introduces the basic IO logic, timing analysis and package model, and covers bit error rate, bi-directional IO and decision feedback filters. It does not cover complete circuit designs of the latest IO schemes or board design. Because most solutions are silicon-based, ESD (electro static discharge) concepts and techniques will also be discussed. A circuit simulation tool will be offered to students for exercises but its instruction is not part of the course.


Prerequisites / Skills Needed

A basic course in circuit design and understanding of basic electromagnetic physics.

Syllabus Library
Edison Fong
Edison Fong
Apr. 7 - Jun. 9, Tuesday, 6:30pm - 9:30pm
  • Flexible Attend in person or via Zoom at scheduled times.
VLSI.X405.(18)
Schedule
Date Start Time End Time Meeting Type Location
Tue, 04-07-2026 6:30pm 9:30pm Flexible SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 04-14-2026 6:30pm 9:30pm Flexible SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 04-21-2026 6:30pm 9:30pm Flexible SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 04-28-2026 6:30pm 9:30pm Flexible SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 05-05-2026 6:30pm 9:30pm Flexible SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 05-12-2026 6:30pm 9:30pm Flexible SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 05-19-2026 6:30pm 9:30pm Flexible SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 05-26-2026 6:30pm 9:30pm Flexible SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 06-02-2026 6:30pm 9:30pm Flexible SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
Tue, 06-09-2026 6:30pm 9:30pm Flexible SANTA CLARA / REMOTE
 

This class meets simultaneously in a classroom and remotely via Zoom. Students are expected to attend and participate in the course, either in-person or remotely, during the days and times that are specified on the course schedule. Students attending remotely are also strongly encouraged to have their cameras on to get the most out of the remote learning experience. Students attending the class in-person are expected to bring a laptop to each class meeting.

To see all meeting dates, click "Full Schedule" below.

You will be granted access in Canvas to your course site and course materials approximately 24 hours prior to the published start date of the course.

This course applies to these programs:

Demo