GSA furthers commitment to supporting analog/mixed-signal talent in Europe by hosting executive panel

SAN JOSE, USA: The Global Semiconductor Alliance (GSA), the voice of the global semiconductor industry, held the exclusive panel session Supporting Analog/Mixed-Signal (A/MS) Talent in Europe & Its Impact on the Future in conjunction with the GSA & IET International Semiconductor Forum on May 12.

The panel addressed challenges in attracting young talent to the A/MS field, best practices that could be used to peak students’ interest in A/MS, how to encourage universities to have stronger education in A/MS, how to keep A/MS talent within Europe, and new A/MS solutions being developed within universities and institutions that are tackling the most advanced design challenges.

More than 80 delegates attended to hear the perspectives of moderator Tim Hamer, director of knowledge management, The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), and panelists Dr. Derek Boyd, chief executive officer, NMI; Gary Duncan, vice president of engineering, Dialog Semiconductor; Thomas Riener, senior vice president and general manager, Full Service Foundry Business Unit, austriamicrosystems; Dr. Willy Sansen, professor emeritus, K.U. Leuven; and Josef Sauerer, head of department - analog IC development, Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS.

Analog and mixed-signal content is increasing, with the wireless market, specifically smartphones, growing at an exponential rate. While this creates great opportunity for analog/mixed-signal IC suppliers, opportunity comes with challenge. IC design is becoming increasingly complex as we move to the leading edge. For Europe to remain a competitive player in analog/mixed-signal, its universities must produce students that can develop new solutions that tackle the most advanced design challenges.

The findings of the panel discussion suggested the responsibility of cultivating an environment where Europe’s A/MS industry and its talent can flourish should be shared by many, including government, semiconductor companies, universities, industry associations and research institutions. The panelists stressed the importance of the European Commission voicing that semiconductors are indeed a key enabling technology; chip companies partnering with universities and employing graduates to validate there is a career in A/MS; and educating students at a very young age what is possible with math, physics and engineering.

“In June 2009, GSA’s Europe RF/Analog/Mixed-Signal Working Group recognized the importance of establishing Europe as a center of excellence for A/MS and fostering job creation and innovation,” stated Sandro Grigolli, GSA’s EMEA Executive Director. “It is events like the May 12 panel discussion that showcase Europe as an innovative hub which needs the support of its universities, government, industry organizations and semiconductor community to remain competitive. GSA will continue to be part of this support system.”