Researchers from the De La Salle University (DLSU) Laguna Campus are seeking to set up a state-of-the-art computational laboratory that would address the research and development (R&D) needs of the semiconductor industry for continuous product development and innovation, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has disclosed.

DOST Secretary Fortunato “Boy” T. de la Peña said the DLSU team “is working towards the establishment” of such laboratory as the demand for semiconductor devices in autonomous vehicles continue to increase with the advancement of electric vehicles.

"Technical research and mathematical modelling and simulation will be provided for the industry and will also serve as a training hub to students and individuals,” he said during his weekly report on Friday, April 23.

The setting up of the computational laboratory is part of the DOST’s Collaborative Research and Development to Leverage Philippine Economy (CRADLE) Program.

The DOST chief cited that the DLSU Laguna Campus, in partnership with the Integrated Micro-Electronics Inc. (IMI), harnessed computer-based simulation to enhance semiconductor devices in autonomous vehicles.

"Now on its second phase, the researchers used Finite Element Analysis (FEA), a simulation of the physical properties and behavior of materials, to ascertain optimum design packages for semiconductor devices in autonomous vehicles,” he said.

He disclosed that the researchers "will also be developing a database that will manage the options for package design, including data from the simulations and experiments to enable the industry to further improve the physical configuration of electronic packages prior to full production, ensuring sound design of the semiconductor packaging devices.”

He said the project team was able to develop simulation models for further testing and product development and a design guideline to help in the decision making of product manufacturing.

"According to IMI, these models reduced testing and development processes and resulted in the increase of the confidence level of their clients in terms of product reliability, which also increased their sales by 20 percent,” de la Peña said.

He noted that the project started in Sept. 2019 with support from the DOST’s CRADLE program and monitoring support from DOST-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD).

DOST-PCIEERD Executive Director Dr. Enrico C. Paringit has commended the collaboration of DLSU and IMI to boost the Philippines’ semiconductor and electronics industry.

"The simulations and designs through FEA are recognized and appreciated as these undeniably will entice interest and confidence of clients. We should be proud of these Filipino hallmarks in the semiconductor products and innovations,” he said.