Key Takeaways
- Synopsys and GlobalFoundries launch a pilot ‘chip design to tapeout’ curriculum to enhance engineering education.
- Over 40 universities worldwide will participate in this initiative, aimed at providing hands-on experience in chip design and manufacturing.
- The program combines Synopsys’ design tools with GlobalFoundries’ manufacturing capabilities to prepare students for careers in the semiconductor industry.
Collaboration to Enhance Chip Design Education
Synopsys, Inc. and GlobalFoundries have announced a partnership to develop a new educational program focused on chip design, from conceptualization to production. This initiative aims to align academic coursework with industry standards, enhancing the skill set of future engineers in the semiconductor sector.
The pilot program, set to launch this fall, will be tested at over 40 universities across the globe. This unique educational approach allows students, professors, and researchers access to practical, real-world chip design and manufacturing experiences. By reducing the cost and increasing accessibility to customized silicon production, institutions can transform theoretical design ideas into functioning chips, furthering educational and research opportunities in the field.
Synopsys will offer professional-grade electronic design automation (EDA) tools and training through its Synopsys Cloud design platform. Once the designs meet the established criteria, GlobalFoundries will fabricate the chips using its GlobalShuttle Multi-Project Wafer Program, which combines multiple university designs onto one wafer.
Dr. Patrick Haspel, executive director of Synopsys’ Academic & Research Alliances, highlighted the significance of this collaboration. He stated, “This partnership will empower students with practical, hands-on experience using advanced tools and technologies – skills critical to drive innovation in the semiconductor industry.” The initiative not only focuses on teaching design principles but also aims to cultivate the next generation of engineers who will influence the future of silicon technology.
Further development of this workforce initiative will focus on integrating these technologies into the classroom setting. This includes professor training to effectively lead chip design courses. Subsequent phases will incorporate classroom testing after chips are returned post-fabrication for further study and analysis.
Bika Carter, director of external R&D at GlobalFoundries, emphasized the importance of the program, stating, “By giving students and researchers the opportunity to bring their designs from concept to silicon, we’re enriching chip design education and helping shape the future of our industry.” This collaboration showcases both companies’ commitment to advancing the semiconductor field and nurturing future talent.
The initiative is also supported by Synopsys’ SARA program, which provides essential resources such as software, cloud environments, and curriculum materials for participating universities. This commitment to semiconductor workforce development will not only provide tools but also substantial training and course content.
This pilot program represents a strategic aspect of GlobalFoundries’ University Partnership Program, which aims to bridge the gap in academic prototyping and broaden access to cutting-edge technologies in semiconductor innovation. Working with more than 80 universities and connecting over 600 students to relevant research projects, the program focuses on advancing innovations in sectors like radio frequency, radar, and quantum computing.
Together, Synopsys and GlobalFoundries combine their strengths in EDA tools and advanced manufacturing, providing students a comprehensive journey through the semiconductor design process. This collaboration promises to equip the next generation of engineers with the necessary skills to excel in an evolving industry.
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