Projects

The following due dates are tentative and may shift slightly. As a general rule of thumb, the projects will typically be due one week after we finish the material in the lectures. 

Project Description Due Date Data Files
1
 Curve Fitting and p-n Junctions
 1/24
 pn Junction
2
 Subthreshold MOSFET Properties
 2/12
3
 Amplifiers
 2/28
4
 Differential Pairs and OTAs
 3/13
5
 Gm-C Circuits and Filters
 3/20
6
 Neuron Modeling
 4/10
7
 Physical Layout Design
 4/17
8
 Neuromorphic Building Blocks
 4/24
9
 Neuromorphic Systems (Optional) 5/1

Final Project

A final project will be assigned part way through the semester. Specific details can be found on the Final Project page. 

Project Guidelines

Working with a Partner.
Unless otherwise specified, you may (and should) work with a partner on each project. Please turn in a single project report for your team. You are not, however, permitted to discuss the project with other groups.

Use of MATLAB
A large portion of the projects include data and simulation analysis in which MATLAB will prove highly useful. While you may use other software packages for the analysis, it is highly recommended that you use MATLAB. You do not need to turn in MATLAB code unless specifically asked to do so.

MATLAB is available in 756 and 813 ESB, as well as many (if not most) computer laboratories throughout the campus. Alternatively, you may purchase a student version of MATLAB from The MathWorks for $99 here.

Project Reports
The culmination of each project is the report. Unless otherwise specified, the project report must be no longer than four pages (any additional material will NOT be graded). The project report must include all figures, data, analysis of data, answers to specific questions contained in the project description, and any other material you feel should be included. You do not need to include an abstract or references (unless you are citing something). However, you should include a brief introduction to the project and a conclusions section at the end summarizing what you have learned. In the middle, please use section headings to delineate specific portions of the project. Please clearly and concisely answer all questions and all requirements. Whenever possible, please put the relevant information inside the figure, itself.

It is highly encouraged that you use a double-column format for your project reports. This has several advantages, including You are encouraged to use the IEEE style files as a template for your reports. Style files for Word and LaTeX can be found at IEEE's webpage for style files. If you have never used LaTeX before, and you are curious about it, please ask questions. This is a great time to learn!

Turning Projects In
Projects are to be submitted at the beginning of class on the day in which they are due. Please turn in a paper copy of your project report.

In addition to the paper copy of the project report, you must e-mail an electronic version of your report (in Word, PS, PDF, or similar form) to the instructor (e-mail address is provided on the syllabus). Certain projects require the submission of electronic copies of supplementary materials, such as SPICE decks or layout; follow specific directions given on the project assignment. These electronic copies must also be received by the beginning of class. In short, everything that is to be turned in must be received by the beginning of class. 

Design Reviews
Along with all projects will be a "design review" in which (at least) one group will present their project to the class.  The presenting group should inform the class of
Design reviews are a time in which the entire class may learn from the collective expertise of the class.  This is also a time for constructive feedback from all who are involved.  As a result, all students are expected to be actively involved in each design review -- either by presenting or by asking questions / offering comments. 

Each presentation should be approximately 10 minutes in duration.  You will be cut off at exactly 15 minutes.  The design review presentation will be in addition to the regular report.  Any slides or electronic materials that will be used in the presentation must be e-mailed to the instructor a minimum of one hour before the class time.