MSc Electronic Product Development
MSc Advanced Microelectronics

These part time MSc courses are taught entirely by distance learning over the internet (e-learning) so they can studied from anywhere. Both courses involve studying eight taught modules and completing a substantial project which is written up and submitted as a bound dissertation. The taught modules are typically completed in two years and a third year is devoted to the MSc Project. The home page for these courses is: www.ami.ac.uk|

 

MSc Electronic Product Development

The programme covers the technologies, materials and processes associated with the design and manufacture of products incorporating electronics. Options can be selected from a wide range of technical and business or management modules.

The waveforms show an eye diagram that allows the timing relationship between the clock and data signals for a leading edge triggered D-type flip flop.

The waveforms have been obtained by superimposing over 100 signals for each waveform when both the clock and data signals are subject to "jitter".

The worst case data setup and hold times are shown to be about 100ps and 50ps respectively.

Data must be valid for 549.65ps, for it to be entered into the flip flop reliably.

The waveforms were obtained using Signal Explorer in the Cadence PCB CAD software suite of tools.

The programme covers the technologies, materials and processes associated with the design and manufacture of products incorporating electronics. Options can be selected from a wide range of technical and business or management modules.

More Details: overview of MSc EPD|

 

MSc Advanced Microelectronics

The focus of the programme is the design of application specific integrated circuits but the complete range of technologies is included, from programmable devices through to full custom. Options can be selected from a wide range of technical and business or management modules.

Complex digital integrated circuits are designed using a high level language, such as Verilog or VHDL.

The figure shows an example of a fragment of VHDL code that defines a simple binary coded decimal counter and the simulated waveforms of the device.

The whole chip design process is automated, from the high level description of the chip in VHDL, through prelayout simulations to layout, routing and post layout analysis.

The BCD counter has been designed using the Cadence chip design software suite.
The aim of the MSc Advanced Microelectronics is to equip participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to design, implement and manage projects incorporating microelectronic technology. The MSc Electronic Product Development is a broader programmes taking a higher level perspective which encompasses the development of electronic products incorporating microelectronic technology.

More Details: overview of MSc AM|

 

Industry Standard CAD Software

The university makes available an extensive range of industry standard CAD software including:

• Altera programmable logic design
• Cadence comprehensive integrated circuit design system
• Cadence PCB Design- including high speed digital signal integrity
• Comsol multiphysics- including Electromagnetics and MEMS
• Flomerics- thermal design of electronic assemblies and components
• Matlab- mathematical modeling
• Microchip- microprocessor development systems
• Spice- electronic circuit simulation
• Modelsim- virtual electronic laboratory
• Software programming languages- VHDL, Verilog and C++

Other packages not included in the above list will be made available if appropriate.

 

Home Page, Brochure, Background

The following information pages are linked to the AMI site:

• Home page: link
• Download brochure (PDF format): link
• Course delivery: link
• Historical background: link
• Questions and answers: link
• Comments from our students: link

Modules, Timetable and Next Start Date

• Subject areas and levels (showing module structure): link
• Next opportunity to start: link
• Module availability chart (timetable of modules): link
• Modules - the first three units of each module are accessible to everyone: link

MSc Project

• Examples of project in taught modules: link
• Requirements and organisation of the MSc Project: link
• Examples of MSc projects: link

Fees and How to Apply

• Fees and other costs: link
• Funding opportunities: link
• Application details (including entry requirements): link
• Online application form: link

Wider Study Options

|Leading UK universities have collaborated to establish a "pool" of modules to cover all areas of electronics systems integration and allow students to "mix and match" modules from different institutions and still obtain a qualification.

 

CEESI Bursaries

CEESI also provides a limited number of bursaries to eligible applicants. Ten modules from Bolton have been accepted into this scheme, and these are identified in column 2 of the module availability chart.| For details of the CEESI scheme, see Bursary form|