Digital IC Design masters level CPD Module Training

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1. At a glance

2. Scope of Work

The contract requires a single provider to deliver a live online, part-time Continuous Professional Development (CPD) module in Digital IC Design. The module is intended for engineers employed full-time in Ireland's electronics industry, aiming to upskill them in digital IC design. The training will include theory, practical assignments, and assessment, leading to certification.

Key components of the service include:

• Course Structure and Content: Development and delivery of a 12-week online course. The content should cover digital design topics similar to, but not identical to, a provided list. This list includes:
• Introduction to Basic Verilog Modelling
• Verilog Coding of Finite State Machines
• Coding of a basic functional testbench
• Test Specifications and Testing Silicon (Functional testing, BIST, SCAN, production testing)
• Description of Verification Methodologies (including UVM)
• Introduction to Finite State Machines and applications (UART, Memory Controller design)
• Introduction to Top Down Design Methodology
• ARM and AMBA, APB, AHBLite and AXI4 buses
• Static Timing Analysis (STA)
• FSM synchronization methods
• Metastability and Reliability
• Asynchronous interfaces
• Design of a simple Microprocessor or similar project
• Overview of FPGAs architecture
• Delivery Method: Live online, part-time. The course duration is 12 weeks, with participants expected to commit up to 10 hours per week. This comprises 2 to 3 hours of lectures and up to 7 hours of project work per week.
• Participants: Entry-level digital IC designers, including recent Level 8 graduates with 1-2 years of experience, or experienced engineers upskilling in new technical areas.
• Certification: If delivered by a Higher Education Institution (HEI), the course should be certified at an appropriate level on the National Framework for Qualifications (NFQ), ideally resulting in a Special Purpose Award or Minor Award in Digital Design at postgraduate level. Commercial training providers should use a recognised company certificate and/or a relevant QQI award. Pass/fail results for each trainee must be provided to MIDAS Skillnet.
• Trainer Profile: The proposed trainer must have relevant qualifications and prior training experience in delivering similar programmes. Testimonials are beneficial.
• Course Materials: Providers must state if materials will be provided in soft or hard copy format and include any associated printing and delivery costs in the quoted price.
• Participant Numbers: The preferred course run is for September to December 2026. The Skillnet anticipates filling classes with up to 20 (or 22) attendees. Bidders must indicate their maximum permitted number of attendees and a recommended number for an improved training experience.
• Re-runs: Potential for re-runs within 24 months, contingent on demand and budget, extendable to 36 months by mutual agreement. A quote per re-run is required as an optional extra.

3. Background & buyer context

MIDAS Electronic Systems Skillnet operates as an activity of MIDAS Ireland, funded by member companies and Skillnet Ireland. Skillnet Ireland is in turn funded by the National Training Fund through the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. MIDAS is an industry-led cluster focused on developing Ireland's microelectronics and electronic systems sector. The Skillnet initiative specifically aims to address the mutual training needs of Semiconductor & Electronic Systems companies based in Ireland, providing cost-effective, locally held training for skilled employees. This tender seeks to upskill engineers to improve productivity within these member companies.

4. Eligibility & selection criteria

Bidders must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered:

• Turnover requirement: Not specified for this tender.
• Insurance:
• Public Liability cover: €5M minimum
• Professional Indemnity cover: €1M minimum
• Certifications: Not specified for this tender.
• Past experience: Not specified for this tender.
• Personnel: Not specified for this tender.
• Geographic / facility constraints: Not specified for this tender, beyond the requirement for live online delivery.

5. Award criteria & scoring

Criterion Weight (%) Sub-criteria