A Project‐Based Learning Approach: Designing MATLAB‐Aligned Mixed‐Signal Circuit Components With Open Source Tools

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Abstract
This paper presents a project‐based learning approach to improve students' ability to apply systematic design methodologies during their transition from general Electrical Engineering (EE) courses to Integrated Circuit (IC) design programs. With the advent of Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools and Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques, there is a growing need for students to develop a more systematic understanding of circuit design. A structured training program is designed to enhance the ability of mixed IC design of fourth‐year students, who are expected to use open source tools to design key circuit components which are aligned with MATLAB. With these components, the mixed signal system can be built and optimized top‐down, allowing significantly accelerated development and deeper knowledge learning. A team of students is required to design MATLAB‐aligned circuit components and a benchmark testing framework is developed to ensure the alignment of functionality between the proposed work and MATLAB Simulink. The results indicate that the proposed project‐based learning approach effectively supports fourth‐year students in transitioning to IC design, with strong recommendations for its continued implementation in future academic years. The project establishes a comprehensive and free EDA framework for teaching mixed signal IC design, offering significant advantages over traditional commercial tools. Moreover, the use of hardware‐defined code provides greater flexibility in the design environment, allowing students to utilize the EDA framework across multiple platforms without the need for expensive commercial licenses.

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