Call for Research in Analog & Mixed-Signal Devices

• Overview
• Research Needs
• White Paper Guidelines
• Timetable and Deadlines

Overview

Semiconductor Research Corp. (SRC) Global Research Collaboration (GRC) in Device Sciences is soliciting White Papers in the area of Analog and Mixed-Signal (AMS) Devices. The principal goals of this research are to explore new frontiers in devices and technologies for analog and mixed-signal applications.

This Call, issued to universities worldwide, may be addressed by an individual investigator or a research team. Our selection process is divided into two stages. The interested parties are requested to submit brief, 2-page White Papers. A successfully selected White Paper will result in an invitation to submit a full proposal which will be considered in a competitive procurement process leading to a 3-year research contract. The number and size of the contracts awarded will be determined by the amount of available funds, totaling $800K, and the number and size of high-quality proposals. The anticipated funding level is expected to be in the range of $50K to $150K per year. The intentionally broad funding range is meant to allow a bidder flexibility to propose sufficient effort and resources to accomplish the objectives.  Proposals offering funding leverage are strongly encouraged. (Leverage is resources from other funding supports, related and beneficial to the proposed work.)

Research Needs

Specific and prioritized Research Needs are summarized in a report (research needs) recently prepared by Device Sciences’ AMS Technical Advisory Board.  Research focusing in the areas of Design, Modeling and Simulation, and Compact Modeling, although may be related to analog and mixed-signal applications, are addressed by separate calls and are not included in this solicitation which is device- and technology-oriented.

The attached table in Needs Document summarizes all research topics related to AMS. Also indicated is the consensus of priorities from our sponsor companies. Among the 23 topics in 5 groups, 6 topics have been identified as high priority (H) and 10 as medium priority (M). We encourage submissions in the areas of high priority which will be weighted more favorably, although all submissions will be considered. These areas of high priority are: analog and frequency performance of advanced MOSFETs, power FETs, post-Si era devices, reliability, and built-in self-test capabilities. 

White Paper Guidelines

White Papers are limited to 2 pages total, using minimum of 10-point font size, and must be submitted via the SRC Web site by Wednesday, December 15, 2010 at 3 PM ET/12 PM PT.  Non-compliance with all guidelines will be excluded from consideration.

Please include the following identifying information:

• Project title.  
• Investigator(s) and university.
• Principal investigator’s contacts (telephone number, mailing address, and e-mail address).

Please address the following topics in your White Paper:

• Background: Emphasize area and problem to be addressed; match most relevant topic addressed (e.g., 1c, 2b) in the table of Research Needs; describe why research is being done; rationalize value in terms of semiconductor industry needs.
• Approach: Present your strategy for addressing the problem; describe important findings from your research to date; state the role of this research in advancing knowledge and state-of-the-art.
• Objective and Results: What do you plan to accomplish in a 3-year program; what is the anticipated output of a successful effort?
• Funding Request: Plan for 3-year program funded by a research contract. Amount should include overhead charged by your institution, number and degree studied of students supported.
• Funding Leverage: Leverage funding applicable to the proposed research.
• Background IP: Identify any pre-existing intellectual property on which new results will be based. 

Awardees will be expected to:

• Participate in annual project review.
• Interact with industry liaisons when applicable.
• Submit reports and pre-defined deliverables.
• Submit publications resulting from sponsored research.
• Disclose and clear blocking background intellectual property. 

Timetable of Events

Please direct all technical questions to Kwok Ng, Director of Device Sciences (919) 941-9417.
All other questions and responses should be directed to Jacqui Hall (919) 941-9415.