The Division of Research and Innovation at York University in collaboration with the Lassonde School of Engineering, ventureLab and CHIPS Month Canada are pleased to host an extraordinary series of presentations, conversations and lab tours exploring semiconductors and their significance for innovation, education and industry after industry.
The afternoon’s programming kicks off with an overview of York University’s Strengths in Semiconductors (2:30-2:40 pm), presented by York University’s VP of Research and Innovation, Dr. Amir Asif
Next up, The Hardware Catalyst Initiative (HCI), an overview of the only hardware and semiconductor-focused lab & incubator in the country and its role in growing Canada’s semiconductor sector in Canada (2:40-2:50 pm), presented by Avinash Persaud, VP, Hardware Catalyst Initiative, ventureLAB.
A gutsy panel, led by the private sector runs from 3-3:55 pm. Hear how industry is challenging the academic community to step up to the generational opportunities unleashed by the reshoring initiative catalyzed by the US’ 2022 CHIPS and Science Act.
With the US investments and the goals of the Chips Act, what role can/should Canadian universities play? The Reshoring and Retooling: The Semiconductor Industry’s Challenge to Academia panel will focus on talent and Canada’s ability to prepare — how we should challenge ourselves and collaborate to prepare and train, re-skill and certify talent design, packaging and manufacturing to enable Canada to compete in the sector.
The panel will address the question of how can York prepare the workforce of the future by embedding education and professional learning into our curriculum.
Panelists
Moderated by Chris Ouslis, NRC/IRAP and the co-founder of Fresco Microchip Inc., panelists include:
- Chris Smith, Corporate Vice President, AMD
- Saman Sadr, President & CEO, Neuron IP Inc.
- Robert Wang, Co-Founder, AnalogX Inc. & Senior Director, Rambus
- Jane Goodyer, Dean of the School of Engineering at York University
- Martin Koolhaas, Director, Analog & Mixed-Signal IP
From 3:33-4:15 pm, learn about Current Research and Innovations Using Semiconductor Technologies at York University.
Dr. Sebastian Magierowski, Associate Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science will present DNA Sequencing Shines, SoC Design Grinds: The Hidden Work Behind Innovation.
He’ll be followed by Integrated Circuits for Implantable/Wearable Neurotechnology: Enabling Personalized Brain Medicine, presented by Dr. Hossein Kassiri, Associate Professor, Dept of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
Seven different labs have opened up their facilities to showcase some of the astonishingly complex science that informs semiconductors and the technologies it makes possible. Explore some of their microelectronics, micro-electro-mechanical-systems (MEMS) and microfluidics work in applications from neurology to healthcare devices, sustainable energy, bioengineering, space exploration and much more. (4:30-5:30 pm).
Space is limited in the labs: please make sure you register for each one you’re interested in.
Bergeron Centre for Engineering Excellence
York Micro Fabrication (YMF) Centre – Advanced Manufacturing Lab (Berg 037)
YMF is the first facility in York University to provide a comprehensive and one-stop solution to micro/nano device prototyping and production for multi-disciplinary research, including microelectronics, micro-electro-mechanical-systems (MEMS), microfluidics, bioengineering, space engineering, etc. The Advanced Manufacturing Lab hosts equipment for Dry Etching and Physical Vapour Deposition. This facility is open to both internal and external users.
Microelectronic Prototyping and Test (MPT) Center and the Integrated Circuits and Systems Lab (ICSL) – Hossein Kassiri (Berg 321)
Our research aims to expand the current understanding of neuronal interactions responsible for the brain’s functions/dysfunctions using intelligent microelectronic integrated circuits (ICs), and use this knowledge to devise implantable and wearable medical devices for responsive treatment of neurological disorders.
Electronics Additive Manufacturing (E-AM) Lab, Gerd Grau (Berg 324 and Berg 310D)
Our research focusses on additive manufacturing (AM) to fabricate electronics with completely new geometries and properties including flexible substrates and 3D surfaces. We define AM liberally as any manufacturing method that does not require subtractive steps such as etching, cutting or milling. This definition includes printing of thin films, 3D printing and even weaving. What these techniques have in common is that we use liquids inks to fabricate functional materials with electrical, mechanical or biomedical functionality. We use these novel materials and AM techniques to fabricate devices such as transistors, sensors, light-emitting devices or supercapacitors.
Power Electronics Laboratory for Sustainable Energy Research – PELSER – John Lam (Berg 320)
York University’s Advanced Power Electronics Laboratory for Sustainable Energy Research (PELSER) focuses on the development of leading-edge power electronics technologies for renewable energy systems and sustainable energy applications. Research at PELSER focuses on the utilization of power electronics to create highly efficient and reliable power converter systems for renewable energy applications. While the generation of energy is important, efficient use of energy is also vital to minimize energy costs and unnecessary stress on our utility grid. Innovative and intelligent power electronic interface design is the key for enabling electronic devices to consume less energy, be cost effective and more reliable.
Petrie Science & Engineering Building
York Micro Fabrication facility – cleanroom (Petrie 423)
YMF is the first facility in York University to provide a comprehensive and one-stop solution to micro/nano device prototyping and production for multi-disciplinary research, including microelectronics, micro-electro-mechanical-systems (MEMS), microfluidics, bioengineering, space engineering, etc. The cleanroom hosts equipment for Photolithography, Ashing and Cleaning, and Characterisation and Metrology. This facility is open to both internal and external users.
Laboratory of Advanced Biotechnologies for health Assessment– Razieh Salahandish (Petrie 012)
The Laboratory of Advanced Biotechnologies for Health Assessment (LAB-HA) unites a diverse team of scientists, engineers, and researchers who work closely together to develop and employ state-of-the-art technologies, including bioinformatics, artificial intelligence, sensor technologies, and advanced imaging systems, in order to address critical health challenges. We aim to develop faster, more accurate diagnostic tools and therapies that are accessible to a broader population. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, we bridge the gap between research and practical applications, working towards the creation of smart healthcare systems for remote monitoring, early disease detection, and personalized treatment recommendations.
Farquharson Life Sciences Building
Electronic Machine Intelligence Lab (EMIL) and Micro/Nano Systems Lab – Sebastian Magierowski (Farq 107)
We implement A.I. algorithms in microelectronics (CMOS) hardware. This hardware is primarily intended for biomedical applications with a special emphasis on DNA sequencing. Secondary applications are in digital communications and computer networks. The A.I. is usually used to extract working information from large amounts of noisy streaming signals. Thus, real-time operation is important which requires efficient hardware realization (i.e. lots of operations for little power). Since we work close to the sensors, not only digital VLSI implementations are researched but so is the analog CMOS circuitry (i.e. amplification, filtering, sampling, etc.) responsible for conditioning weak, but high-speed, measurements for digital consumption.