The ASIC Design and Characterization Lab focuses its research on designing and developing ICs for analog, mixed-signal, and RF applications. We attempt to solve analog/RF problems in various applications and aim to develop solutions that advance the frontiers of IC design technology. This lab is also actively engaged in the mission to indigenize IC designs in India, in collaboration with different centers of research under the Department of Space, India. In addition to work on IC design, we also focus on MMICs and board-level RF designs for specific applications. This lab contributes to the Small Spacecraft and Payloads Centre (SSPACE) of IIST by developing electronic modules and boards for different payloads and nanosatellites.

Major facilities of this lab include:

Design Facilities

High-performance computers and software like Cadence, Mentor Graphics, Synopsys, and ADS for the design and verification of analog, mixed-signal, and RF ICs.

Millimeter-wave IC Testing Equipment

• Probe station (with MEMS group) upgraded to RF probe station with probing equipment up to 40 GHz
• Vector Signal Generator up to 44 GHz with modulation bandwidths up to 120 MHz
• Vector Network Analyzer (with RF & Microwave group) up to 40 GHz
• Vector Signal Analyzer with noise head (with RF & Microwave group) up to 40 GHz
• Analog Signal Generator (with RF & Microwave group) up to 40 GHz

Analog & Mixed-Signal Testing Equipment

• NI Modular testing equipment (10-slot chassis)
• DC power supplies
• Multi-function test setup - Moku:Lab by Liquid Instruments
• Digital Storage Oscilloscope up to 6 GHz (20 Gsa/s, 10-bit ADC)