IEEE's First Blended Learning VLSI Program Now Available

IEEE announced the availability of the IEEE Blended Learning Program in Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) for both corporate and academic organizations at the International Conference on VLSI Design, 2015 being held from Jan 3-7 in Bangalore, India. The IEEE Blended Learning Program in VLSI is a unique skills-development program that aims to increase the availability of skilled engineers in the rapidly growing Electronic System Design & Manufacturing (ESDM) sector in India.

IEEE Blended Learning Program (BLP) includes an e-Learning component to teach concepts in a highly engaging and interactive manner, an instructor-led lab component, an adaptive assessment at the end of each course, and content & performance analytics.  IEEE has partnered with RV-VLSI Design Center, an autonomous finishing school of the R.V. group of institutions that offers industry-centric advanced programs in VLSI. The key goals of the program are to complement the core curriculum in a university, build a foundation of VLSI concepts and practical skills, and help new and experienced employees at an organization become more productive in their specific areas of focus.

At the time of the launch of this program, two courses are available: RTL Verification using Verilog (advanced, domain-specific course) and Logic Design for VLSI Engineers (foundational course).  Courses covering timing analysis and RTL design are scheduled to be released in early 2015 and more courses covering topics in FPGA design, analog flow, custom layout, advanced verification techniques, and others will be made available throughout 2015.

The e-learning component of the course teaches concepts in an easy to understand manner,  includes practice in a simulation environment, and short quizzes to check understanding of concepts. The lab component, approximately 60-70% of the course duration, is offered in a workshop style manner with flexible timing and customization options. At the end of the course, learners take  an adaptive assessment designed to test their understanding of the course material. An IEEE certificate of completion is offered to each learner who completes the program successfully.

“The IEEE Blended Learning Program is very innovative and the topics covered were exceptional. The lab sessions were excellent and the instructors were engaging and provided accurate understanding of the concepts,’’ said Mr. Chetan, Assistant Professor, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, CMRIT, Bangalore who participated in a faculty workshop organized by IEEE recently. ‘’I believe the program is definitely bridging the gap between academia and industry. I recommend IEEE Blended Learning Program to anyone who is interested in learning new concepts in the Semiconductor industry.”

The program is currently available in the Bangalore & neighbouring regions to undergraduate and graduate students in colleges and universities, faculty members, corporations, and recent graduates aspiring  to a career in the semiconductor industry.  IEEE is also planning to expand the program to other regions in India in the near future.  

Students currently pursuing undergraduate or post-graduate studies or recent graduates currently seeking employment in the ESDM sector can enroll into available courses by paying directly through the Blended Learning Platform. Various payment options including credit card (Visa or Mastercard), online net banking, and Challan payment using Cash, Demand Drafts, and NEFT through Corporation Bank and other major national and regional banks are available.