Vlsi Engineer Interview Questions and Answers

Explaining latch and flip-flop differences and advantages of clock in VLSI engineering.

• Latches are level-sensitive while flip-flops are edge-sensitive

• Latches are faster but consume more power than flip-flops

• Flip-flops are more reliable and less prone to glitches than latches

• Clocks are used to synchronize the operation of digital circuits

• Advantages of clock include reducing power consumption, improving timing accuracy, and simplifying circuit design

Hardware architecture in microcontroller refers to the design and organization of the physical components.

• Hardware architecture determines the capabilities and limitations of a microcontroller.

• It includes the CPU, memory, input/output interfaces, and other peripherals.

• Different microcontrollers may have different architectures depending on their intended use.

• For example, a microcontroller used in a smart home device may have a different architecture than one used in a medical...read more

Fabrication process in VLSI involves multiple steps to create integrated circuits on silicon wafers.

• Photolithography: transferring circuit patterns onto silicon wafers

• Etching: removing unwanted material using chemicals

• Deposition: adding new material onto the wafer

• Ion implantation: introducing dopants to alter conductivity

• Annealing: heating the wafer to activate dopants and repair damage

• Testing and packaging: final steps to ensure functionality and protect the IC

Latch up is a condition in integrated circuits where a parasitic thyristor is inadvertently triggered, causing a high current flow and potential damage to the circuit.

• Latch up occurs when a parasitic thyristor in the IC is triggered, causing a short circuit between power and ground.

• It can lead to a high current flow, potentially damaging the circuit.

• Latch up can be triggered by high voltage spikes, electromagnetic interference, or radiation.

• Preventive measures include layout ...read more