VEDA IIT   bridging the University–Industry gap 

Offers innovative programs in the field of VLSI Engineering and Embedded Systems 

Current Scenario of VLSI Engineering: VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration) Technology is undergoing steady growth since its inception. The size of the transistor is continually shrinking into micro and nano scales, making it possible to design & manufacture chips of more complexity, greater functionality and higher performance at lower costs.  This brings along with it other complexities in trends and methods in both physical and logical design aspects of Chip design, to name a few – architectures, low power management, higher operating frequencies, Signal Integrity,  routing congestion, Design for Manufacturability, yield, etc.  Successful implementation of billion gate designs demand sophisticated and powerful EDA (Electronic Design Automation) tools.  Many of these design challenges and proper application of tools are subjects of interest for students to pursue education in VLSI Engineering.  India started bit late in this area though of late it is making rapid strides in the technology development.  However there is a huge gap between the type of skills required in this very high technology industry and almost little orientation in the academics.  

 Current Scenario of Embedded Systems:The focus of embedded systems is now on many smart and intelligent devices that are becoming more and more powerful.  It is not thus uncommon to find powerful 32 bit processors in embedded systems like mobile (GSM/GPRS/3G) handsets.  Some of the applications like 802.11a (faster version of wireless LAN) require more MIPS than that can be provided by processors like high speed P4.   Most of the embedded applications currently involve invariably Digital Signal Processing based solution development.  Skills orientation to heavily featured software development optimizing the hardware and memory on high performance RISC processors, seamless inclusion to a spectrum of popular Real Time Operating Systems, high performance algorithm oriented digital signal processing software development, is short in supply but high in demand as far as this industry is concerned.

 1.      What is the genesis of VEDA?

• Hyderabad based VEDA IIT (VLSI Engineering and Design Automation) established in 1997, a Pioneering Institute in India , is an industry driven state-of-the-art training institute of excellence in the field of VLSI Design and Embedded Systems.

 2.      What are the programs offered by VEDA IIT?

• VEDA conducts MS programs in VLSI  Engineering (Full-time & Part-time) and Embedded Systems (Part-time).  These MS programs are being offered by “Consortium of Institutions of Higher Learning & Domain Companies” formed by Andhra Pradesh State council of Higher Education (APSCHE), Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU), VEDA IIT, AMD & GD Micro.  
• It also conducts short term advanced diploma programs in VLSI Engineering in Logic design and Physical design, embedded systems at regular  intervals on need basis.

 3.      What is VEDA’s USP?

• Holistic education with due focus on contemporary and future needs of the Industry and students.
• Industry relevant curriculum, advanced labs with state of the art EDA tools, HW platforms and SW tools, latest teaching and training methodologies

 4.      How is it implemented in VEDA?

We take care of this at different levels, starting from the design of curriculum to final implementation.

• Curriculum is designed by involving industry experts in the domain fields, taking their current and future requirements into consideration and finalized with the Academic bodies as per University norms and standards.
• Faculty having the requisite qualities  that make a good teacher, such as academic excellence, passion for teaching and compassion for students and above all the basic qualities such as truthfulness, honesty, humility and integrity are identified provided they have the required industry exposure, experience and expertise in the domain field.  Faculty with such attributes is drawn both from the industry and academia.
• Students are selected not merely on the scores that they have secured in the degree examinations but only based on their analytical and logical abilities, problem solving capabilities and learning abilities coupled with right attitude and behavior.  These skills are tested through a well structured and designed common entrance test at national level, followed by personal interview process at different levels.
• Teaching methods are learner centric, interactive, concept driven and with personal attention for individual students.  Class rooms are equipped with modern e-teaching aids and gadgets.  Students are made to actively participate in the class proceedings through various activities.
• Student centric learning methodology focuses on problem solving assignments, experiments, group discussion and feedback. All the teaching and practice sessions are well synchronized on a daily basis. Evaluation is done at regular intervals through various tests and proper feedback is provided for improvement.
• Labs: VEDA has the unique distinction of being recognized as India’s first and only Nodal SUN Centre of Competency in VLSI design and has an excellent infrastructure.  It established advanced Labs with latest servers and grid computing.   It has procured cutting-edge technology tools in front-end & back-end VLSI from leading EDA vendors like Cadence, Synopsys, Magma, Mentor, Xilinx, Tensilica and Embedded software tools for RISC processors like ARM, Xtensa and associated Hardware platforms and end devices for realistic software development.   The institute develops and guides its students to implement using industry proven design flows.
• VEDA provides industry centric Teaching–Industry Environment ( TIE)  in a typical teaching hospital model.  It imparts training to students in industry proven tools, design flows, design methodologies and design practices and industry real time projects.  Students are made to follow strict delivery schedules, quality assessment, reviews and tests along with senior working professionals.
• The Institute emphasizes on learning-by-doing in its TIE model, also known as industry gurukul,   by bridging the gap between knowing–doing-experiencing
• Internship Programs: One year on the job development for Industry live projects of associated major companies is planned ahead of time and students get rich working industry experience during this period.  It thus makes them industry ready by the time they complete the program. Students get internship allowance linked to their performance in the projects.
• Special emphasis is also laid on Personality development and communication skills with subjects like ‘Transferable skills” as a part of the curriculum, both theory and practice.

5.      What are the placement opportunities for VEDA IITians? 

• VEDA students are highly sought after by reputed companies until now. So far there is 100% placement for students of all the batches well before the completion of their studies.

6.      Who awards the MS degree for VEDA students?

• VEDA students obtain MS degree from JNTU.  Working in state-of-the-art design industry environment while still Studying on full time basis and obtaining the degree from the standard University after successful completion of the program is a first of its kind arrangement in India.

 7.      What are the Part time Programs? 

• The part-time programs are deigned such that the participating students can complete the courses without affecting their work in the company/ office.  Moreover it improves their performance in the job and brings synergic benefits.  In case of some people who are in search of green pastures, these programs provide a rare opportunity of acquiring specialized skills in high potential niche areas.

8.      What other services does VEDA Provide?

• VEDA also offers other value added services such as recruitment and corporate training through campus selections or special advertisements for the associated companies.
• VEDA incubates teams in association with partner companies for special requirements for global customers.
• VEDA is also planning to provide e learning opportunities / platform for the benefit of many more students.

9.      What are VEDA’s achievements?

• Sun Microsystems has honoured VEDA IIT for excellence in “IC Design Education” by presenting a plaque in this regard in VLSI 2006 International Conference at Hyderabad.
• VEDA received an award for its Stall in VLSI 2006 exhibition arranged at Taj Krishna, Hyderabad by 19^th International conference in VLSI Design.
• In recognition of the valuable contribution of  K. Subbarangaiah, Director of VEDA IIT as Tutorial Chair, VLSI design conference 2006 presented a Plaque.
• Students of VEDA IIT are involved in the design of complex chips ranging up to 50 M Gates in latest technologies such as 90nm & 65nm in some of the partner companies during their one year projects & Internships.

10.  What type of tie ups does VEDA have with Industry  and University?

• VEDA has MOU with JNTU, APSCHE and Consortium of VLSI and embedded design companies for conducting MS programs.

11.  Who are VEDA’s  Partners in its current Endeavour?

• AMD (NYSE: AMD) is the customer-centric innovation company, a processing powerhouse that offers smarter choices for its customers and makes technology more accessible to the world.  AMD is focused on best meeting the needs of leading computing, wireless and consumer electronics companies to help them deliver high-performance, energy-efficient and visually realistic solutions.
• GD Microsystems is a SoC design house developing ASIC products and operating off-shore design centres and executing turnkey projects for global customers.  It develops total SoC solution including ASIC design, SW development and testing, Hardware and Application Validation.

12.  What is the vision of VEDA IIT?

• To be an “Internationally accepted” technology resource with strong academia and industry experts.
• To facilitate Industry & University participation on a mutually rewarding basis for dissemination of Professional Education.
• To be an incubation partner for start-ups

13.  What is the Mission of VEDA IIT?

• To offer educational programs with  Industry & University participation in VLSI  Design &  Embedded Systems, be an institute recognized for Professionalism, Technological contributions, Industry oriented education &  training  and Research & Development

14.  What are the Benefits to Companies?

• Meet shortfall of industry ready skilled engineers, No compromise on quality of training, No gestation period after recruitment, Seamless migration from Institute to Industry.

 15.  What are the Benefits to Students?

• Structured teaching, Professional training, Industry working environment, Industry live projects, Recruitment Guidance and Internships.