IC Layout Basics: A Practical Guide

by Christopher Saint and Judy Saint

MASTER IC LAYOUT WITHOUT AN ENGINEERING BACKGROUND

Tto new chip applications such as cell phones, personal digital assistants, and consumer electronics, electronic semiconductor usage has exploded, creating an unprecedented demand for technicians skilled in CMOS and bipolar design and layout. In IC LAYOUT BASICS, you get the same top-notch material utilized in IBM's successful training courses. This essential primerbrings you up to speed...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0071386254
• ISBN13: 9780071386258
• Release Date: November 2001
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Companies
• Length: 350 Pages
• Weight: 1.48 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.1" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Title says it all

Great coverage of basic layout concepts. This book explains things in clear, easy to digest terms. The authors also put a sprinkling of humour here and there. Very well written.

A must for non-EE degree layout designers

I've been a layout designer for about 15 years, and really wish I had these books when I first began. Not only would it have saved me time in not hunting down the answers from numerous books, and people, but I would've have had a much more solid grasp more quickly, and would've been a better layout designer.Though these books are introductory, if you are not a circuit engineer, and are new, don't expect to understand everything contained therein. This is not a "dummies" book -- the writer does expect some exposure to the ideas/terminology contained in the book though he covers them in good detail. Basic knowledge in electronics will be greatly helpful. This is one of the best books I've seen out there for someone who is not an EE, or technical genius but wants to understand layout design on a deeper level. This book, will give you the many "whys", and will deepen your value as a designer. This book and it's companion "IC Mask Design", along with Dan Clein'sbook are investments that you only wish you made sooner. If you've been designing for some time and do not have a EE degree, I still believe you will glean some additional insights/depth from this book as well.

As informative as it is enthralling.

This book truly is a "Bedtime Engineering Book". While it is technical, the information is fascinating and presented extremely clearly and colorfully in a manner that is neither over my head nor insulting (all the while, keeping a sense of humor). As an engineer, I can vouch for the fact that this book is not watered-down as some "basic" books are. It starts with well-explained basics so that the equations and technical details it gives later become intuitive. A quality technical text that reads well. Overall, an excellent book!

IC Layout Basics

The clearest explanations I've seen in a long time - on any subject. Not only is this book straightforward, as if talking to you one-on-one, but it is an interesting read as well. Plenty of illustrations. Plenty of personality and humour from the authors. Plenty of down-to-earth asides and advice. This book has a lot for both the beginner and the experienced layout engineer. In fact, even circuit designers could do with a read through as well. It's full of concrete details on devices, processes and concepts. Not much mathematics, thank goodness, and the authors do take their time and help you when it does creep in. I found a website for the book, which said they have another one coming out in 'Spring 2002' that talks about techniques. I thought this book had some good techniques in it, so I can't wait to see what this other book will have. If it's like this one, I'm buying it.

A book I have been waiting for years

I bought this book to see what "competition" thinks about IC Layout subject. Here are my personal comments on IC Layout Basics book:1. The book represents a very simple but detailed explanation of all the basic structures required by an IC Layout Designer to understand if s/he wants to know "why" and "how" devices are built and used in the industry. From the basic transistor and up to inductors all the details are very clear explained. I will recommend this book to any IC Layout Designer who wants to now more than just pushing polygons to achieve a circuit representation in mask layers.2. The book advertise herself as a book to be put near the bed and used as an easy reading. Sorry to disappoint you but once I started reading I could not sleep. From page to page, from concept to concept I've got more and more captivated by the style and vocabulary of the text. I finished the book in one week but my sleeping had to suffer. It is written in a very easy to read vocabulary, with some light jokes and with a fine touch to make you more curious from chapter to chapter. After more than 15 years in this profession I really enjoyed reading your book. Writing a book of my own, I know the size of the effort required and I would like to personally thank you for such a nice presentation.3. When I wrote my book "CMOS IC Layout Concepts, Methodologies and Tools" I thought that I covered all the basic information that an IC Layout Designer needs to become effective and efficient in doing his/her job. I thought that I cover all the basic training required from grade 1 to grade 12. Reading this book I found that Christopher and Judy Saint are covering much deeper than me, with a lot more process information, the knowledge needed from grade 1 through 4. Thank you for help in clarifying all the basics.Only one complain about the book: I have found in many chapter references about contacting the author for comments but I could not find any contact information. If you want readers' feedback please post an Email or any other meanings of communication. I personally received many feedback Emails from readers and I am sure you can benefit from such idea. Please feel free to contact me for comments. Yours really devoted readerDan Clein...