Master IO design for HDMI, USB 3.0, LVDS, and optical interfaces in high-frequency systems.
Formerly: IO Design Fundamentals
This course is an introduction to IO interfacing from one platform to another at both chip and board levels. With today’s chips running over 1GHz, inter-chip communicating is often a limiting factor of the system. Examples of high-speed IO are HDMI, USB 3.0, and 100Base-T.There is no single solution and over the years numerous approaches have been taken, including lowering logic voltages, using differential signals and optical interfaces. The course reviews the various approaches that have been taken in the last two decades, and covers the advantages and disadvantages of TTL, CMOS, low-voltage CMOS, LVDS and optical, from the perspective of speed, power, cost, and complexity.
The course emphasizes fundamental concepts such as transmission line analysis, slew rate, termination, etc. It introduces the basic IO logic, timing analysis and package model, and covers bit error rate, bi-directional IO and decision feedback filters. It does not cover complete circuit designs of the latest IO schemes or board design. Because most solutions are silicon-based, ESD (electro static discharge) concepts and techniques will also be discussed. A circuit simulation tool will be offered to students for exercises but its instruction is not part of the course.
A basic course in circuit design and understanding of basic electromagnetic physics.
Students may still enroll if they missed the 1st class session. However, they need to communicate with the instructor via Canvas and catch up on all missed work prior to the 2nd class meeting.
9/26/2025: Course time updated. Review "Full Schedule" for details.
This class meets simultaneously in a classroom and remotely via Zoom. Students are expected to attend and participate in the course, either in-person or remotely, during the days and times that are specified on the course schedule. Students attending remotely are also strongly encouraged to have their cameras on to get the most out of the remote learning experience. Students attending the class in-person are expected to bring a laptop to each class meeting.
No meeting November 27, 2025. To see all meeting dates, click "Full Schedule" below.
Electronic Course Materials: You will be granted access in Canvas to your course site and course materials approximately 24 hours prior to the published start date of the course.
