3: Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI)

We learn how dramatic improvements in manufacture and miniaturization of transistors through very large scale integration (VLSI) created the high density chips we still use today.

Slides

• 03-VLSI.pptx
• 03-VLSI.pdf

Videos

• Solid State: From Transistors to Wafers - Part 4 (9:18)
• Solid State: VLSI Design Layout - Part 5 (10:46)

Demonstrations

• VLSI Not Gate Layout (8:30)
• VLSI NAND Gate Layout | Computer Architecture for Everybody (7:45)

Discussions

• VLSI Design (Login Required)
  

Assessments

• Quiz: Very Large Scale Integration (Login Required)
  
• Mistic: Building a Not Gate with VLSI Layout (Login Required)
  
• Mistic: Building a Nand Gate with VLSI Layout (Login Required)
  
• Mistic: Building a Nor Gate with VLSI Layout (Login Required)
  

References

• IEEE Spectrum: The Silicon Dioxide Solution

• The Transistor: a 1953 documentary, anticipating its coming impact on technology
• AT&T Archives: Microworld
• YouTube: I Built A Dice Without Writing a Single Line of Code

Bonus

• IEEE Computing Conversations: Eben Upton on the Raspberry Pi
• Face to Face Office Hours Ann Arbor, MI 8-Oct-2025 At Tijos
• Dr. Chuck Face-to-Face Office Hours - Amsterdam (2012-11-12)