Iowa State University
5-16-96

Contacts:
Randall Geiger, Electrical and Computer Engineering, (515) 294-7745
Skip Derra, News Service, (515) 294-4917


NEW CENTER WILL FOCUS ON DESIGN OF COMPUTER CHIPS

AMES, Iowa -- A report on a proposed Analog and Mixed Signal VLSI Design Center, which will advance the field of electronic chip design as well as put students on the cutting edge of research, was submitted today to the State Board of Regents by Iowa State University.

The proposed Analog and Mixed Signal VLSI Design Center will allow Iowa State faculty and students to take part in interdisciplinary research focused on the design and construction of electronic computer chips. The chips are at the heart of many of today's high-technology products, from computers to cellular telephones to controllers used in washing machines and automobiles.

There has been strong demand from industry for MS and Ph.D. level graduates in the analog and mixed signal fields, a trend that is expected to continue into the foreseeable future, said Randall Geiger, ISU professor of electrical and computer engineering. In addition to the burgeoning demand, the proposed center will bring together various ISU departments and industry sponsors to take on interdisciplinary research projects.

"Engineering has evolved into a very integrative discipline," Geiger said. "Success in engineering depends on how well you can integrate approaches, resources, disciplines and problems. The center is a timely response to the need to integrate and function better."

The role industry will play is crucial. In addition to providing industrial insight and expertise, corporate partnerships will also be the source of funding for the proposed center. Already, Texas Instruments Inc., Dallas, has agreed to provide three years funding of $150,000 per year. The proposed center will not require any state funding.

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Revised 5/16/96