10 Best Books on VLSI – For Beginners & Professionals

VLSI (Very-Large-Scale Integration) is the foundation of modern electronics, driving everything from smartphones to satellites. Whether you're a student just getting started or a professional designing complex chips, the right books can guide your journey into this fascinating world.

If you're working on VLSI projects for your final year, exploring VLSI projects for beginners, or simply trying to understand how to start a VLSI project, this curated list of books will equip you with the concepts, tools, and practical insights you need.

While online tutorials are helpful, books provide a structured and in-depth understanding of topics like logic design, CMOS technology, HDL programming, and system-level integration. Many also include case studies and exercises, making them perfect for VLSI projects for students.

Before we dive into the list, here’s a bonus tip: The B.Tech in VLSI Design & Technology at UPES equips you with cutting-edge knowledge and hands-on project experience to build next-generation integrated circuits and chips—giving you the best platform to begin your VLSI journey

With the right VLSI career path for freshers, students can build a rewarding career in semiconductor technology. With an average per annum package of 7-15 lakhs in esteemed firms, VLSI offers great career growth in terms of salaries, exposure, demand, and high opportunities.

Those interested in acing this branch of engineering and knowledge, must read the books listed below:

1. CMOS VLSI Design: A Circuits and Systems Perspective – by Neil H. E. Weste & David Harris

• Why Read: A widely recommended book for both theory and practical CMOS design.
• Best For: Final-year students and professionals.
• VLSI Project Relevance: Deep insight into logic design for VLSI projects for the final year with source code.

2. Basic VLSI Design – by Douglas A. Pucknell & Kamran Eshraghian

• Why Read: Simple language, ideal for beginners.
• Best For: First-time VLSI learners.
• Use For: Understanding the design flow for VLSI projects for beginners.

3. Digital Integrated Circuits – by Jan M. Rabaey

• Why Read: Focus on digital design and modern chip architecture.
• Best For: Intermediate to advanced students.
• Key Takeaway: Learn how to start a VLSI project from scratch.

4. Principles of CMOS VLSI Design – by Neil Weste & Kamran Eshraghian

• Why Read: A balanced mix of theory, design principles, and layout practices.
• Best For: Final year project reference material.
• Relevant For: Understanding what the projects on VLSI design are, starting from concept to layout.

5. VLSI Design – by M. Michael Vai

• Why Read: Covers logic gates to fabrication with ease.
• Best For: Students working on VLSI projects for students in early semesters.
• Add-On: Useful diagrams for schematic understanding.

6. Verilog HDL – by Samir Palnitkar

• Why Read: Best for learning Verilog coding—crucial for most VLSI projects.
• Best For: Students doing HDL-based final year VLSI projects.
• Project Edge: Ideal for VLSI projects for final year with source code.

7. VLSI Technology – by S.M. Sze

• Why Read: Authoritative reference on fabrication and semiconductor processes.
• Best For: Students interested in hardware-level and fabrication-based VLSI projects.
• Use In: MEMS, SOC, and nano-VLSI projects.

8. Modern VLSI Design – by Wayne Wolf

• Why Read: Covers ASICs, FPGAs, and system-level integration.
• Best For: Advanced learners and professionals.
• Industry Prep: Great for placement interviews and advanced VLSI project ideation.

9. Digital Design and Computer Architecture – by David Harris & Sarah Harris

• Why Read: Blends logic design with computer architecture insights.
• Best For: Beginners transitioning into VLSI.
• Project Fit: Good for VLSI projects for beginners in embedded and digital systems.

10. VHDL for Engineers – by Kenneth L. Short

• Why Read: A Practical book to master VHDL, another key language in VLSI design.
• Best For: Students working on FPGA-based or simulation-based projects.
• Hands-On: Learn how to start a VLSI project using VHDL coding. 

The expert faculty at UPES teaches the modern curriculum of VLSI, referring to the most market-demanded VLSI books. Enrol at UPES’ VLSI program to receive tutelage from the best.

Getting your hands on a VLSI project can be enthralling! Imagine getting all that practical knowledge and its deep-seated application in creating something that’s functional and unique. Listed below are some ways you can start a VLSI project.  

• Step 1: Choose your area—Digital design, Analog, HDL (Verilog/VHDL), or Layout
• Step 2: Learn the required tools—Cadence, Synopsys, Xilinx, etc.
• Step 3: Refer to relevant books (like the ones above!)
• Step 4: Practice with mini projects before diving into final year VLSI projects
• Step 5: Look for source code on GitHub or IEEE papers for inspiration

Completing a VLSI project can go a long way in empowering your skill set, resume, and overall knowledge.

Here are a few examples to get you started:

• 4-bit ALU using Verilog
• UART design on FPGA
• Traffic Light Controller using VHDL
• CMOS inverter design and simulation
• Memory Cell Array design using layout tools

Most of these can be great VLSI projects for the final year with source code available online.  

Build Your Future in VLSI with UPES  

The B.Tech VLSI Design and Technology program at UPES is specially designed to train students in chip design, semiconductor physics, and EDA tools. With industry exposure, lab simulations, and strong placement support, it's an ideal launchpad for students aiming for a career in chip design, embedded systems, or SoC development.

Whether you're searching for VLSI projects for students, trying to figure out how to start a VLSI project, or simply building your foundation, the right books can make all the difference. Use this list as your personal VLSI library and start turning theory into chips, layouts, and innovation.

Have a project idea in mind? Need help picking the right book for your project goal? Drop a comment, and let’s build the future—one circuit at a time!