Graduate / Advanced Computer Architecture / Electronic Devices - Review SOP for MS in VLSI [5]

The last two decades has seen a massive increase in the number of electronic devices.This has led to advancement of devices , which have become capable of running complex tasks and high-end multimedia applications.For the running of these devices, the power minimization, both at the architectural level and algorithmic level, is an active area of research. Conventional methods such as scaling of operating voltage is resulting timing errors and other drawbacks, which are hampering the proper functioning of devices.It is now necessary to look at alternate technologies that might achieve the same goal without the trade-offs. My field of interest is VLSI and I am particularly interested in the development of low power design techniques and algorithms for electronic systems.

The courses and the projects that I finished in my undergrad at National Institute of Technology , have helped me a build a strong foundation in Electronics.I wish to apply this knowledge and work on projects that make significant contribution to the scientific community.I hope to be under the guidance of and in company of individuals, who are renowned for their talents and technical acumen.

I was naturally inclined to courses that required logical thinking and solving problems using it. As a consequence of which ,I did well in subjects such as 'Digital Electronics and Computer Architecture' in my third semester.It was in my fifth semester that I was introduced to 'VLSI Design' as a subject . It piqued my interest in Electronics as we implemented the layouts of various ALU parts on 'Magic' and then simulated them on 'Irsim'.To follow it up , I took an elective course on 'Low Power VLSI Design' in my eighth semester ,in which I learnt about Parallel processing ,pipelining and also, about power and performance management in Digital VLSI systems.

Apart from the aforementioned courses,I had also credited courses such as 'Advanced Computer Architecture' in which topics ranging from branch prediction to cache implementation in multi-core processors were taught.This course also had a project component where we implemented a MIPS processor with a five stage pipeline.These ,I feel, have helped me understand the complexities involved in processor design and appreciate the hard work that goes in it.

For my major project,I developed a method to generate 3D model of real life objects using a stereo camera(Minoru webcam).With the help of OpenCv libraries and Semi-Global Block Matching ,we were able to generate a 3D point cloud from the stereo images. We joined the point clouds to generate a complete 3D model using Iterative Closest Point method.This project gave me a deeper understanding of image processing techniques and how they are implemented.

Apart from academics , I was a member of the Table Tennis team in school and college. I have participated in various local and state level tournaments. We came Runners Up in the Inter Collegiate Tournament ,for the past two years.

Currently ,I am working in a software company as a developer.This exposure to programming will help me in understanding the development cycle of software products.

I firmly believe that I am fully equipped with technical aptitude ,and have the resilience and dedication,that is required while pursuing a Master's Degree at a prestigious institute such as yours.