Electronic CAD

This program teaches CAD for electrical and electronic drawings, including schematics, logic diagrams, and circuit boards. Proficiency is gained in AutoCAD, Cadence Virtuoso, and Cadence Allegro, covering design processes and industry standards. Graduates are ready for CAD Drafter positions in IC layout, semiconductor, and electronic design firms.


Workforce Information

Electronic drafters produce wiring diagrams, assembly diagrams for circuit boards, and layout drawings used in manufacturing and in installing and repairing electronic devices and components.

Please see the Bureau of Labor Statistics page on Electronic Drafters by visiting their site here.

Please see the Occupational Information Network page on Electronic Drafters by visiting their site here.

Program Coordinator & Advising

Coming Soon!
Electronic CAD Coordinator

Email:  jmuhamma@austincc.edu
Phone:  (512) 223-4844
Directory: N/A

The program coordinator for the Electronic CAD program in the A&E CAD department is currently a vacant position; more coming soon!

Programs Offered

This program is intended for students pursing careers in the field of Electronic CAD (ECAD). In this field, CAD technicians and designers are responsible for creating the graphics used in the manufacture, service, and installation of electronic equipment including the layout and design of Integrated Circuits, Printed Circuit Boards (PCB), and MEMS (Micro-Electromechanical Systems) devices.  Students who choose the Electronic CAD Specialization career track may find employment opportunities with semiconductor design and manufacturing companies and other related industries. The A&E CAD curriculum stresses knowledge of Cadence Virtuoso and Allegro as the base CAD software. Course work also includes the study of DC and digital circuits and the Unix operating system.

At the completion of the Associate of Applied Science Degree with an Electronics Specialization, students will be able to (PSLOs):

  • Utilize CAD software to plan and prepare technical graphics and documentation appropriate to the Electrical/Electronic Engineering industry.
  • Utilize CAD software to translate schematics, logic diagrams, and other technical graphics into the physical layout of Integrated Circuits and Printed Circuits.
  • Employ CAD-based verification tools and techniques to debug Integrated Circuit layouts.

Degree Plan




This 27 credit hour certificate program is intended for students pursuing careers in the field of Integrated Circuit Mask design. CAD software used in this program includes Cadence Virtuoso and Allegro.

Students are strongly encouraged to meet with the A&E CAD department’s Electronic CAD coordinator, Douglas Smith, before pursuing this program.

View Certificate Plan

Adjunct Faculty

Cong Do

Cong Do

Email:

congdo@austincc.edu

Courses Taught:

DFTG 2413
DFTG 2433
DFTG 1494

Charlene McCauley

Charlene McCauley

Email:

charlene.mccauley@austincc.edu

Courses Taught:

DFTG 1458
DFTG 2405

Courses Offered

Below is a list of all courses the A&E CAD department currently has to offer in the Electronic CAD specialization. You will also find links to our current and ensuing semester course schedules to help you plan your academic future.

Current Semester Course Schedule: 2024 – Summer Semester

Next Semester Course Schedule: 2024 – Fall Semester

Electrical and electronic drawings stressing modern representation used for block diagrams, schematic diagrams, logic diagrams, wiring/assembly drawings, printed circuit board layouts, motor control diagrams, power distribution diagrams, and electrical one-line diagrams. An introduction to schematics, logic diagrams and electro/mechanical design. Study of electronic symbols and the use of industrial standards.

Prerequisite(s): DFTG 1405 or instructional program chair approval.

This course is designed to build on the knowledge and skills acquired in DFTG 2413 and DFTG 2433. This course offers in-depth coverage of complex topics including standard cell libraries, datapath design and layout, analog circuits. There will be an in-depth exploration of the tool environments: Virtuoso library / technology setup, and verification tools including Diva, Dracula and Calibre. Students will be introduced to schematic Composer, Virtuoso XL and the basics of Cadence Skill programming.

Prerequisite(s): DFTG 2433 or departmental/instructor approval.

Course includes single-sided and double-sided printed circuit board design, emphasizing the drawings, standards, and processes required to layout printed circuit board and manufacturing documentation.

Prerequisite(s): DFTG 1405 or instructional program chair approval. CETT 1403 is recommended.

The study of layout and design of integrated circuits.

Prerequisite(s): DFTG 1405 or instructional program chair approval.

Implementation of advanced techniques in the design of complex integrated circuits; projects require students to use multiple sets of design rules meeting industrial standards of current technologies.

Prerequisite(s): DFTG 2413.