SOP Sample for MS in Electronics & Communication Engineering in India

Statement of Purpose

Computers are one of the most intriguing machines and children have the most intrigued minds. When I was 12 years old, my computer was dismantled on the floor which made me snoop around it curiously. That was my first encounter with the phrase "Integrated Circuits". The fact that a small green board aided so many functions fascinated me. From here on, I developed an inclination to understand the science behind it, which when backed by my interests in physics and mathematics lead me towards choosing Engineering for my undergraduate. I opted for an Electronics and Communication course at [UNIVERSITY_1], which seemed aligned to my interest in the field of Microelectronics.

I come from a very humble ground and at a very young age, I realized that my education is heavily dependent on scholarship opportunities. This motivated me to push myself to excel academically. Even though academics has been my primary focus yet I explored my interest in sports as well, specifically table tennis. In my school, I was known to be composed and responsible student which aided me in getting the opportunity of prefectship for managing various events. In school, my teachers had immense belief in me and always supported me. It is because of their support that I managed to bag first division with 90.2% in my ICSE exam. Post this, I relocated to New Delhi for my higher secondary education.

I cleared the entrance exam for getting admitted to [SCHOOL_1] in Delhi affiliated with [UNIVERSITY_1] for my higher secondary education. Here, I pursued my interests in Mathematics and Physics by opting the science stream. During my higher education, I resided in hostel accommodation because of which I developed life skills such as adapting to situations, adjusting to new environments, managing to live alone and harmoniously with others, etc. In a few months of living in the hostel, I made friends and opened up to grow not only academically but also co-curricularly. I participated in many co-curricular activities such as Table Tennis and athletics. Sports helped me build self-confidence and my team had a spirit of fraternity which was my home away from home. I scored 79% in 11th class and achieved First division with Distinction and class 12th I achieved 87.2%. During this time, I was simultaneously preparing for the Joint Entrance Examination which is a nationwide Entrance examination for various undergraduate programs in engineering, architecture and planning. But unfortunately, I could not clear it the first time and had to drop a year to reappear, for which I used to exhaustively prepare myself for the second attempt. I secured 53940 All India rank and hence, got the opportunity to pursue B.Tech in ECE in [UNIVERSITY_1], Delhi.

During my college, I gained mastery over a wide range of disciplines such as Analog and Digital Electronics, Circuit analysis, electronics instruments, Signal and system, DSP, VLSI design, C, C++, Computer architecture, Embedded system design, Microprocessors and control systems. I also acquired knowledge of practical subjects like logic design, circuit simulation in LT spice, Analog electronics lab, digital circuit lab and VLSI design, which gave me an ongoing interest in the field of Electronics. Amongst everything, labs were my favorite place in the university as it gave an opportunity to implement my theoretical knowledge in real life.

In my freshman year, I wanted to work on personal growth along with academic growth, as I was an introvert in my school days and couldn't muster courage in public speaking. I joined the Computer Society of India. This gave me an opportunity to work on my communication and public speaking skills through numerous seminars and events. Additionally, I also decided to explore myself in cultural activities, so I participated in open mics, singing and debating competitions which gave me a confidence boost and to grow as an individual. I was awarded with Mr. Well Dressed in University Fresher which was a great source of motivation. Gradually in my second year, I could voice my opinion publicly with great confidence, which helped when I organised an arm wrestling tournament for my annual college fest.

With the commencement of the third year, COVID cases rose exponentially, and was declared as a pandemic, compelling the education system to resort to online education. As everything came to a halt, I tried to utilize this time in brushing up my theoretical and technical skills in the field. During the initial days I completed a Coursera course named "Programming for everybody (getting started with python)" to get a glimpse of Python. Even though I had proficiency in programming languages like C++ and C, learning Python opened me to the world of Artificial Intelligence. Later on, I participated in a seminar and led my team as we presented on the topic "TCAM - Read, write and search operation", where we designed a Ternary content addressable memory and illustrated the basic operation of how it functions when it is reading, writing or searching for the content. This gave me the opportunity to showcase my team management skills.

I was very keen on doing an internship, but due to the given circumstances, I could not land any internships. So, I resorted to exploring online platforms to gain knowledge. It was then that I stumbled upon an online course from Udemy named "VSD - circuit design and SPICE simulation" which intrigued me to do it. In this course, I learned about the importance of SPICE simulation, its use for achieving better analysis results and changes in voltage transfer characteristics at different nodes like 250 nm or 1.2um.

During the summer vacations just in the previous year, I did an online 5 week course named: "VLSI revisited - from digital to analog" (15 hours/week of theoretical classes + 10 hours/week of practical class). In the first week, we learned about Digital VLSI design which gave an overview of the VLSI industry framework and advanced understanding of the digital electronics for the design. We designed the NAND gate and inverter from scratch in [SOFTWARE_1] and also made its schematic and layout and finally simulated it. In the next week, we studied Analog IC design where we understood advanced concepts of Analog electronics and necessary modules for it. In the practical implementations, we designed Current mirror and Operational amplifier in [SOFTWARE_1] and simulated it. Gradually, we learnt about Mixed signal design. In this, components such as current mirror and the operational amplifier were covered in detail. We designed and simulated data converters in [SOFTWARE_1]. Next, we studied Computer Architecture, where detailed understanding of computer architecture and assembly level language was covered with Hardware-Software optimization using [SOFTWARE_2]. Finally in the last week, the course was wrapped up with Digital system design where we learnt Verilog and System Verilog language and we programmed one hundred Verilog codes given in HDLs website for practice followed by Image Processing via Verilog and High Level Synthesis (HLS).

Post the completion of the said course, my interest peaked in VLSI design and hence, I decided to consult my mentor from the course [PROFESSOR_1]. After consulting my mentor, I started to work under him on the topic "Implementation of Dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS) in Microprocessors". Under him, I have read multiple IEEE research papers and designed a razor flip flop so that it can be used to implement DVFS in microprocessors. The work is currently in progress and we are positive to publish a research paper on this topic.

Amidst all this, I further got selected for the fellowship at [ORGANIZATION_1] for the duration of 10 months starting from December 2021. During this period I will be working on the development of an E-learning platform. The name of my project is "User friendly E-learning". In this, we are creating a platform for cognitive learning which will sense and anticipate the learner's need, interest, along with aligning course content accordingly. The purpose of this project is to enhance E-learning platform so that problems such as effective communication, long lectures, linear learning etc. can be solved.

Involvement in research has exposed me to the gaps within my knowledge in the domain of advanced VLSI design concepts like Design methodologies - programmable logic devices (PLDs) like FPGAs, Complex PLDs; standard cell, full-custom designs, low power VLSI circuits and Physical Design Automation. Courses such as ICs Design, Microprocessor system, embedded system, digital system design taught at your University covers many topics that help me address the gaps in areas where I lack the necessary expertise. Moreover, through this course I will have access to individuals who will serve as mentors on my professional journey as well as to increase my knowledge and to build connections on a global scale. The course has a customizable curriculum that allows students flexible learning modes and a plethora of diverse courses to fit into students' future plans. This diverse educational resource is what drew me towards the program. The school group projects will help my creative side and also enhance teamwork abilities.

After completing my Masters studies at your prestigious institute, I am confident that I would have accumulated valuable skills and hands-on experience with industry tools. I really believe and expect that your program will be a key element and stepping stone to my career goals and aspirations. I wish to deploy my learning initially as a working professional and then as a researcher.