Singapore: The Institute of Microelectronics (IME)

Singapore: The Institute of Microelectronics (IME), a research institute of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), announced plans to commercialize key innovations in silicon chips designed to support high speed, high bandwidth optical communications.  These chips were developed as part of IME’s Silicon Photonics research platform.

The research is collaboration with Alcatel—Lucent Bell Laboratories — one of the worlds leading optical communications innovators.  IME and Alcatel—Lucent plan to bring their silicon component designs from research to commercial fabrication readiness within the next few years. They will be working with a global semiconductor foundry, GlobalFoundaries, for this.  They plan to make their silicon building blocks accessible to photonics developers who can create new products at a reduced cost to the industry.

About IME              The Institute of Microelectronics (IME) is a member of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). Established in 1991 and ISO-9001 certified, IME's mission is to add value to Singapore's semiconductor industry by developing strategic competencies, innovative technologies and intellectual property; enabling enterprises to be technologically competitive; and cultivating a technology talent pool to inject new knowledge to the industry.

R&D at IME covers the semiconductor technology chain, viz integrated circuit design, wafer fabrication process technology, packaging and assembly, and reliability testing and analysis. These R&D are classified under three laboratories, namely:

·        Integrated Circuits and Systems (ICS)

·        Microsystems, Modules and Components (MMC)

·        Semiconductor Process Technologies (SPT)

IME has also established six application-driven programs to focus its R&D efforts in new technologies and open up new opportunities for the semiconductor industry:

·        Bioelectronics Program

·        Miniaturized Medical Devices (MMD) Program

·        Nano-Electronics Program

·        Nano-Photonics Program

·        Sensor & Actuator Microsystems (SAM) Program

·        Through-Silicon Via Program

In terms of personnel, IME employs around 250 staff, out of which:

·        87% are directly involved in R&D

·        47% have either a PhD or a Masters degree

·        More than 100 international researchers from 15 countries

IME also has around 150 students from universities, polytechnics and junior colleges attached to the Institute every year.