Having studied subjects such as electronic devices, digital design, microelectronic circuits, and microprocessors in my second year, I developed an interest in experiencing the fabrication of chips. My first stint with very-large-scale integration (VLSI) began when I got an internship at the Semi-Conductor Laboratory (SCL), Department of Space, Government of India. SCL is engaged in the research and development in the area of microelectronics and has developed a number of key very large-scale integrated circuit (VLSICs), a majority of which are Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) for high-reliability applications in industrial, defence, and space sectors, under this programme.
We were assigned a project titled Development of USB Interfacing using PIC microcontroller for data acquisition in the VLSI Testing Division (VTD). First, we were taken for a tour of VTD Division. We were asked to wear a coat before entering the testing area. We then entered a chamber where we were blasted with high-speed air from all directions, so as to remove any dust particles on the coat. The testing area is known as ‘clean room’, having a class of 10,000 (a parameter used to measure the number of dust particles per cubic foot of air). There, we found many machines placed sequentially, including two huge testers, a temperature-pressure calibrator, and many PCs.
On field
As a part of my project, I needed to study about the functioning of USB module associated with the PIC18F67J50 micro controller. A part of my project was already done by my seniors, so, I had to first study their work to complete the project. Starting with the study of data-sheet of PIC18F67J50 micro controller, I studied different processes including USB protocol, different types of descriptors, oscillator settings, and enumeration process. Side-by-side, I wrote codes in C programming language so as to implement the knowledge gained through the studies. I was working alongside learned technicians and scientists who helped me at every stage.
As our project advanced, I started developing an interest in SCL’s work culture. There were many presentations and demonstrations from students, employees, and people from other companies who came from India as well as abroad, to market their products. The dedication with which people worked at SCL motivated me. We were also given a tour of VLSI fabrication lab where all the ASICs and Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) were fabricated. The main fabrication area was a clean room of class 10 which meant that there were less than 10 dust particles per cubic foot of air. So, we had to wear special shoes, coats, and masks before entering the area, as even a single dust particle could produce an error in the chip.
As the last week of my internship neared, I focused more on developing reports and preparing for the final presentation. By this time, I had gained a lot of information about the working of industries and the work culture.
Courtesy: Internshala training platform
