Vlsi Chip Design And Fabrication For Solar Panel Diagnosis System

Author

Abhitej Divi, Prairie View A&M University

Date of Award

8-2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Degree Discipline

Electrical Engineering

Abstract

Solar photovoltaic panels (PV) are a key clean energy solution to combat global warming, with global capacity now exceeding 714 GW due to rapid technological and policy advancements in solar panels (SP). However, the efficiency and service life of SPs remain limited due to the lack of advanced fault detection systems, as SPs are prone to short circuits, open circuits, and power degradation.

This work presents a novel design of a fault-detecting very large-scale integrated circuit (VLSI), simulation results, and the complete chip layout prepared for fabrication using TSMC 180 nm CMOS technology with λ = 90 nm. SP’s diagnosis circuit is designed using innovative components, such as a logic driver circuit, a novel XOR logic, and customized memory. Initially, each circuit module was individually designed and simulated using Cadence tools to verify its schematic diagrams. Following this, the modules were integrated into a unified schematic design and validated for functionality. The complete system operated at a maximum frequency of fmax = 85 MHz, allowing high-speed detection. In addition, this research introduced a new mixed-signal solution as an alternative to conventional digital sequential circuits, along with a novel decoder design that used fewer transistors. These advancements aimed to achieve reduced power consumption and save silicon area on the chip.

In addition to circuit design, this work presents a comprehensive layout design process. Compact and proper care was taken to ensure that layouts met their functional requirements while occupying minimal area. Integrated circuit layouts for both the memory module and the solar panel diagnosis module were completed. A static diode discharge pad was designed, and these pads were framed into a 32-pin pad frame. The layout verification process, including Design Rule Check (DRC) and Layout Versus Schematic (LVS) checks, ensured the reliability and manufacturability of the circuits. This dissertation contributes to the advancement of VLSI design by providing practical methodologies for integrating solar diagnostic systems and innovative circuit modules into modern VLSI chips.

Index Terms - Design Rule Check, diagnosis system, layout versus schematic, solar photovoltaic panels, TSMC, VLSI.

Committee Chair/Advisor

Suxia Cui

Committee Co-Chair:

Shuza Binzaid

Committee Member

John Okyere Attia

Committee Member

Samir Abood

Committee Member

Cajetan Akujuobi

Committee Member

Yonghui Wang

Publisher

Prairie View A&M University

Rights

Date of Digitization

10/13/2025

Contributing Institution

J. B . Coleman Library

City of Publication

Prairie View

MIME Type

Application/PDF

Recommended Citation

Divi, A. (2025). Vlsi Chip Design And Fabrication For Solar Panel Diagnosis System. Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.pvamu.edu/pvamu-dissertations/124