Semicustom microprocessor: an undergraduate study

Abstract The paper describes the experiences of running and assessing a semicustom design assignment for final year honours degree students. It describes the CAD equipment required and gives an overview of the prerequisite knowledge required of the students involved. It also describes the method of running such an assignment, the timescales involved and the means of assessment. A design example is included to show the level of complexity of the design. The lessons learned are that such an assignment is feasible and valuable and that the experiences given to the students highlight that the difficulties of semicustom design are not limited to the technical aspects but include such commercial considerations as project management.