Another part of preparations included language preparations. Since I hadn't known any single word in Greek language, I made efforts to learn the most common words and expressions from Greek language, in order to make me capable to communicate with people in Athens without English language knowledge. And finally, before my trip to Athens, I had studied a city map of Athens, and also I had searched for information on internet about Greek customs and famous tourist places because I was also planning to use my free time in Athens for traveling around Athens and neighbor places, to meet new people, and to establish new long-lasting friendships.

My first task in Microelectronics Laboratory of NTUA was to extend my theoretical knowledge of Cadence (obtained in Belgrade during my preparations for trip) with practical experience, by working on few simple designs in Cadence. My main task, during stay in Athens, was to work on design of integrated operational amplifier using 0,35u technology. That work included circuit topology designing according to given specifications, pre-layout simulations of created topology, layout designing and performing of post-layout simulations. As a result, post-layout simulations confirmed that created integrated operational amplifier satisfied given specifications. Simultaneously, I was making an introduction to the field of RF IC design by reading appropriate books and journal papers. That activity had objective to prepare me for future work in the field of RF IC design. Another important activity considered discussions with laboratory staff about laboratory exercises from electronics on NTUA, and about teaching process on NTUA. That was also opportunity to exchange experiences with my Greek colleagues.

There are several significant results of my activities on NTUA. Great experience obtained in Cadence Design Tool, as well as in the field of analog IC design will allow establishing a new undergraduate course at the Department of Electronics on Faculty of Electrical Engineering in Belgrade. That new course will have objective to teach students about analog IC design using Cadence. Regarding the mentioned experience, as a teaching assistant, I will be able to make a great contribution in that course. Also, theoretical knowledge from the field of RF IC design is an important base for further improving of my overall knowledge in analog IC design, what will be basic condition for establishing another new course at the Department of Electronics in future – RF IC Design. That all will make an opportunity for future cooperation between University of Belgrade and NTUA in those fields. Discussions with teaching and laboratory staff from Microelectronics Laboratory of NTUA, and exchanged experiences will make another important contribution to teaching process on the Faculty of Electrical Engineering in Belgrade. Since, I am teaching assistant, I will be able to apply obtained experience what will make an improvement of laboratory exercises on our faculty.

Department of Electronics on Faculty of Electrical Engineering has bought a licence for Cadence. Thanks to my work at NTUA, I will be responsible for introducing a new design tool and for preparing a new kind of courses from the IC design area. Also, my work at NTUA will be recognized as passed postgraduate exam on my studies, and it will be significant fact for further advance in my career.

My whole stay in Athens was quite well organized. I have to emphasize that I was really satisfied with conditions and with whole arrangement as well. Staff from NTUA was very kind, and always ready to help. We had very successful cooperation. During three months period in Athens, I didn't have problems at all. That was a huge experience for me and important thing for my future career. I truly hope that this won't be the last such kind of project on our faculty, because cooperation between universities and experience exchanging is of enormous importance for each of us.

 

Goran Savic