SIGNAL

Signal is a function that conveys information from one place to another

through any medium (air, solid or water)
Example: Imagine you throw stone into the pond then disturbance that you
created is carried to the edge of the pond through waves.
There are two types of signals.
 Analog signal: In our environment most of the signals are analog in
nature. Example: music, Fan, transmission of power etc.
There are some disadvantages with analog signal.
1. Interference of noise
2. It takes some time to operate not spontaneous.
 Digital signal: It is a discrete signal (either 0 or 1) which removes
disturbances from the signal and time taken to operate is very less.
Based on the type of the signal there are two types kinds of circuits digital and
analog circuits in nature. Every IC consists of both digital and analog circuits in
it.

VLSI FLOW
Digital flow Analog flow
Classification of VLSI
 Based on design process
1. Semicustom: In here we are using predefined ready to use logic
blocks along specification mentioned in it. So, in order to build IC we
assemble this blocks and test it.
This is mostly preferred in IC design because of time to market, it can
be used only if block or design are already available to meet
specifications.

2. Full custom: In full custom we are building design from scratch hence
it is time consuming process. It is preferred when design is unknown.

 Based on methodology
1. Top-down approach: First the modelling of the design is done. Then,
we divide tasks into various modules after this a specified team is
assigned to them. Here flaws in one module does not affect another
as each team works separately. Finally, we integrate all modules and
test it before tape out.
2. Bottom-up approach: In this approach we start building the design
from the baseline and it is preferred only when the design is well
known to us. Otherwise, a mere mistake in first step going to affect
subsequent levels and to rectify it, we need to go back where we
started hence it is a time-consuming method.
Which command we use in vi editor to add word at first, middle or at the end
of the line?
Visual mode and visual block
What is the difference between FPGA and ASIC?
FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array): It consists of programmable logic blocks which can
be programmed and reprogrammed and gets tested after integration to accomplish specific
task. This is suitable for small applications.
Example: Washing machine, Microwave oven, Air conditioner etc.
ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit): To develop IC we need lot of FPGA to perform
various tasks this in turn increases cost to build it. Hence, companies construct IC designs on
their own to reduce cost in manufacturing. Integrated circuits are used to perform advanced
multi-level tasks based on the instructions given to them.
Example: Mobile phones, Laptops etc.