VLSI Design MCQs

By: Prof. Dr. Fazal Rehman | Last updated: May 2, 2025

1. : What does VLSI stand for?
(A) Very Large Scale Integration
(B) Variable Logic System Integration
(C) Voltage Level Signal Integration
(D) Virtual Logic Signal Interference

2. : Which device is primarily used in VLSI design?
(A) Vacuum tubes
(B) Bipolar transistors
(C) MOSFETs
(D) SCRs

3. : Which logic family is most commonly used in VLSI?
(A) TTL
(B) CMOS
(C) ECL
(D) DTL

4. : Moore’s Law predicts:
(A) Cost of ICs doubles every year
(B) Number of transistors on a chip doubles approximately every two years
(C) Power consumption doubles every year
(D) Chip size doubles every six months

5. : In CMOS technology, power is mainly consumed during:
(A) Static operation
(B) Standby mode
(C) Switching activity
(D) Leakage current

6. : The basic building block of VLSI circuits is:
(A) AND gate
(B) Diode
(C) Transistor
(D) Op-amp

7. : Stick diagrams in VLSI design are used to:
(A) Analyze power
(B) Estimate area and routing
(C) Design logic functions
(D) Simulate timing

8. : The layout design rule is essential for:
(A) Speed optimization
(B) Fabrication compatibility
(C) Voltage regulation
(D) Input-output matching

9. : Which VLSI design level involves writing HDL code?
(A) Circuit level
(B) System level
(C) Logic level
(D) Register-transfer level

10. : Full custom design in VLSI means:
(A) Using standard cells
(B) Using predesigned IP blocks
(C) Designing every transistor manually
(D) Assembling pre-made circuits

11. : Which of the following is a hardware description language?
(A) Python
(B) C++
(C) Verilog
(D) Java

12. : The main disadvantage of full-custom VLSI design is:
(A) Low performance
(B) High cost and long design time
(C) Less flexibility
(D) Poor accuracy

13. : The most important factor for choosing CMOS over NMOS is:
(A) Higher power
(B) Higher noise
(C) Lower static power consumption
(D) Slower operation

14. : The output of a CMOS NAND gate is LOW when:
(A) All inputs are LOW
(B) Any one input is LOW
(C) All inputs are HIGH
(D) Any input is HIGH

15. : Which of the following tools is used for logic synthesis?
(A) MATLAB
(B) Xilinx Vivado
(C) Quartus Prime
(D) Synopsys Design Compiler

16. : What does DRC stand for in VLSI physical design?
(A) Device Routing Check
(B) Design Rule Check
(C) Data Retrieval Code
(D) Digital Routing Control

17. : A latch differs from a flip-flop in that it:
(A) Requires a clock
(B) Is edge-triggered
(C) Is level-sensitive
(D) Is more complex

18. : Which of the following is NOT a layer in CMOS layout?
(A) Poly layer
(B) Metal layer
(C) Diffusion layer
(D) Display layer

19. : The process of converting HDL to a netlist is called:
(A) Synthesis
(B) Simulation
(C) Placement
(D) Routing

20. : What is the purpose of a test bench in VLSI design?
(A) Physical layout design
(B) Power analysis
(C) Functional simulation
(D) Routing optimization

21. : The minimum channel length in a MOSFET defines:
(A) The transistor speed
(B) The voltage level
(C) The input resistance
(D) The layout size

22. : Which of these is a semi-custom design methodology?
(A) Gate array
(B) Full custom
(C) Schematic only
(D) Photolithography

23. : Which material is commonly used as a substrate in VLSI chips?
(A) Copper
(B) Aluminum
(C) Silicon
(D) Germanium

24. : ASIC stands for:
(A) Application-Specific Integrated Circuit
(B) Automatic Signal Integrated Circuit
(C) Advanced Switching IC
(D) Analog Signal IC

25. : Which of the following is an advantage of VLSI?
(A) Increased power consumption
(B) Larger chip size
(C) High speed and low cost
(D) Reduced efficiency