The Microelectronics Laboratory (Microlab) at the College of Engineering (COE), Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), since its inception in December 2010, has served as the vanguard of integrated circuits design in the Southern Philippines.
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At Microlab, we are committed to several core objectives:
Establishing an IC Design Niche
Our primary aim is to carve out a niche for Integrated Circuit (IC) design innovation in the Philippines, with a particular focus on Mindanao.Producing Skilled Graduates
We strive to provide the industry with highly skilled engineering graduates who possess a strong background and skillset in IC design, meeting the demands of the field.Proliferating Microelectronics Education
Our mission extends to propagating microelectronics education throughout the Philippines, especially in Mindanao, and encouraging a broad understanding of this field.Elevating the Philippines Globally
We work towards elevating the Philippines to a prominent position on the global stage in the domains of microelectronics and IC design.
Our commitment extends to being a university learning hub for IC design in the region. We actively promote and share our microelectronics program with other universities in Mindanao.
Dr. Jefferson A. Hora, Head of the Center for Integrated Circuits Design - Microelectronics Laboratory
Microlab is equipped with state-of-the-art IC design tools from Cadence and Synopsys. These tools empower us to tackle the intricate challenges of modern nanometer technology, facilitating cell-based and full-custom content speeds, complex chip design, and integration tasks. Furthermore, our collaboration with the local IC Design industry enhances our relationships and leads to our recognition as the "Virtual Center of Microelectronics Integrated Circuit Design in Southern Philippines" by the Department of Science and Technology.
µC-IC Chip designed by researchers of Microelecronics Laboratory
Building upon our initial successes, Microlab has expanded its horizons to encompass the design of system-on-chip (SoC) solutions for custom Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) and IoT devices. This development has enabled us to design and develop microcontrollers, power management solutions, and energy-harvesting chips.
Over the years, we have actively promoted innovation and awareness in microelectronics IC design in Mindanao. We offer courses and training that enhance the skills of aspiring IC design and layout engineers. Our efforts have resulted in the production of highly skilled engineering graduates who can meet the increasing demand for professionals in IC design.
Our most recent project involves collaboration with the Center for Integrated Circuit and Device Research (CIDR). This initiative serves as an infrastructure and framework for resource-sharing between academia, industry, and government. The primary goal is to reduce the risk associated with bringing new technologies from discovery to commercialization.
CIDR Project 4 focuses on the development of battery-less IoT devices through multiple energy-harvesting technologies. By utilizing supercapacitors instead of batteries, we aim to solve the environmental, economic, and logistical challenges associated with battery replacement in the deployment of IoT devices. Our objective is to create a customizable and reconfigurable power management integrated circuit (IC) chip that utilizes various energy harvesting technologies, such as light, thermal, and RF sources, depending on the specific application of the wireless sensor node (WSN) or IoT device.
In March 2023, Microlab has been integrated into the recently established Center for Integrated Circuits Design (CICD). Our objectives within this framework are threefold:
Ensuring Software Tool Continuity
We strive to ensure the availability and sustainability of industry-standard IC design license software tools, vital for the effective implementation of MSU-IIT's Microelectronics programs.Faculty Training
We continue our IC design-related activities, training faculty members from various universities and colleges in the Visayas and Mindanao region. Our goal is to propagate and promote the high-value contribution of implementing Microelectronics IC design programs within their respective curricula.Producing Highly Trained Engineers
Our commitment to producing highly trained and knowledgeable engineers in the field remains unwavering. By doing so, we aim to attract local and international IC design companies, facilitating further expansion of their operations with the assurance that IC design talents can be locally and readily sourced.
At Microlab, we are dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in integrated circuits and microelectronics, aiming to play a pivotal role in advancing these fields in the Philippines and beyond.
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