Integrated Circuits and Systems

Be at the forefront of hardware innovation with integrated circuits and systems research, where our work spans from fundamental theory to the practical application of cutting-edge chip development.

Over the last 50 years, the integrated circuit industry has experienced exponential growth, embedding these compact wonders into nearly every aspect of our daily lives, powering computers, microprocessors, cellular phones, sensors and displays. This transformative impact on modern society, enabling unprecedented miniaturization, computing power and connectivity, continues to drive innovation at a rapid pace.

Our work spans a wide range of topics within integrated circuits and systems.

This comprehensive approach extends across the diverse realms of digital, analog and mixed-signal integrated circuits.

Students actively contribute to advancements that transcend traditional disciplines, making a tangible impact on the broader world. Whether drawn to the intricate details of circuit modeling or inspired by the challenges of designing technology, research in integrated circuits and systems provides a vital bridge between theory and practice, driving innovation in the ever-evolving landscape of electronics.

Find faculty members who specialize in Integrated Circuits and Systems.

Possible Careers

  • Analog integrated circuits
  • Design engineer
  • Physical design engineer
  • System-on-chip engineer
  • Failure analysis engineer
  • Characterization engineer
  • Custom layout engineer

Areas of Specialization

Integrated circuits, or microchips, are miniaturized electronic circuits fabricated on a single piece of semiconductor material. The field of integrated circuits and systems in electrical and computer engineering focuses on the design, analysis, and application of these complex devices. It encompasses both analog and digital design, covering everything from the fundamental physics of transistors to the architecture of microprocessors. This field is foundational to nearly all modern technology, including computers, smartphones, and communication systems. The design process involves intricate trade-offs between performance, power consumption, and cost. It's a highly interdisciplinary area that draws on physics, mathematics, and computer science to create the essential building blocks of the digital age.

Current research in Integrated Circuits and Systems

This research centers on maximizing performance and efficiency. Core efforts involve designing high-speed or low-power circuits, specializing in static or dynamic access memory and built-in testing. Pushing miniaturization, researchers investigate nanodevices for reliable nanoelectronic circuits and systems. Data processing focus areas include signal and image processing, leveraging parallel computing in FPGA/ASIC systems for applications like biomedical imaging. Critical analog work addresses audio frequency CMOS ICs (mixers, power amplifiers) and high-performance analog-to-digital converters or digital-to-analog converters, alongside specialized sensor circuitry for biomedical and active pixel sensors.