Microelectronic Design Tools and Technologies

The research group operates in the field of advanced microelectronics and develops methodologies, technologies, and circuital and architectural solutions for next-generation integrated systems. Research activities cover the entire spectrum of microelectronic design, from modeling to the implementation of complex systems.
The group develops innovative methodologies for the design of integrated circuits and systems using multi-level modeling, capable of consistently describing system behavior from the device level up to the architectural and system level. These models form the basis for advanced design methodologies that address complexity and performance optimization. A central role is played by CAD tools for microelectronics, developed or adapted to support the different phases of the design flow. In this context, artificial intelligence applied to electronic design (AI for CAD) is used to automate synthesis, design space exploration, and verification tasks, improving efficiency, accuracy, and development time.
In the field of micro- and nanoelectronic technologies, the group studies state of the art and emerging silicon technologies at the device level, including FinFETs, MOS replacement devices, tunnel transistors, and silicon qubit solutions. The group studies solutions involving heterogeneous integration, enabling the combination of components fabricated with different technologies within the same system. Advanced interconnections, both on-chip and inter-chip, are also developed and analyzed, as they are essential to ensure high performance and scalability. Activities also include the development of methodologies and techniques for testing, characterization, and reliability evaluation of integrated circuits, which are crucial to ensuring operational robustness and system quality.
The group develops mixed-signal circuits and readout interfaces for integrated sensors, aiming to ensure high sensitivity, accuracy, and robustness. Activities also include the design of advanced integrated sensors, such as tactile sensors, for applications in areas such as robotics and biomedical systems. A significant part of the research is devoted to ultra-low-power circuit design and energy-autonomous systems. The group investigates power reduction techniques and energy harvesting solutions to enable distributed intelligent devices operating without batteries or with minimal maintenance, in contexts such as the Internet of Things, agritech and wearable, implantable, and injectable electronics. Of particular relevance is the development of CMOS circuits capable of operating at cryogenic temperatures for the control, readout, and manipulation of qubits. In parallel, the study of circuits for quantum computing and Ising machines contributes to the advancement of quantum computing technologies.
The group designs and implements integrated architectures for efficient information processing, such as hardware accelerators in various domains. In particular, it develops accelerators for signal processing, artificial intelligence, and cryptography applications, optimized in terms of performance and energy efficiency, as well as flexible programmable digital architectures. At the same time, it explores unconventional computing paradigms, including in-memory and near-memory computing and architectures based on Ising machines and quantum emulation, with the goal of tackling complex computational problems more efficiently than traditional solutions.
Overall, the group is characterized by an integrated approach to microelectronics, combining design methodologies, technological innovation, and the development of circuits and architectures, contributing to the advancement of electronic systems for a wide range of applications.