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EECE electronics research ranges from understanding physical concepts and investigating new materials and processes, to developing new devices and systems using electronics components. This work includes: developing nanotechnology processes for electronic materials and devices; investigating new electronic materials and novel designs; developing microscopic systems that incorporate sensors, actuators, transceivers, and computation technology; and revolutionizing the electronic technology that converts power at every level.
Electronics research involves close collaboration between engineers, physicists, and materials scientists across the university. Because the bulk of today’s technologies rely on electronic concepts and devices, electronics research im-pacts almost every aspect of human endeavor.
ECE’s electronics activities can generally be divided into
- microelectronics materials and processes,
- devices, and
- systems,
although the work of individual researchers and groups often spans all these activities.
Microelectronics Materials & Processes
Areas of investigation include microelectronic materials, such as wide-bandgap materials and electronic ceramics; novel devices, including power devices, high-frequency/high-speed devices, optoelectronics; MEMS; and organic light-emitting devices. Additional investigation areas involve: process technologies, such as nanotechnology, advanced lithography, plasma-aided processing, and micromachining; and circuits, systems, and design work.
Semiconductor Devices
Researchers are investigating advanced solid-state devices for RF and power conversion applications. The latest initiatives involve developing advanced RF and power switching devices. For example, a new solid-state power switching concept based on a GaN/AlGaN heterojunction design that is currently under study could yield very high-power density RF switches and high speed power switching devices. Virginia Tech’s Aixtron 200/4 RF-S MOCVD system will play a major role in this research initiative.
Electronic Systems
ECE research in electronic systems ranges from the microscopic applications to large power converters for utility companies.
Microelectronic systems
Research in microelectronic systems is currently focusing on integrated circuit design involving integrated microsystems that incorporate micro-mechanical structures, multi-functional materials, and micro-/optoelectronic circuits on the same semiconductor substrate.
Power Electronic Systems
A significant effort in power electronics has gathered the world’s top experts in a multi-university center to develop standardized integrated power electronics modules to replace today’s expensive, custom-designed technology that is used in power conversion.
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See
Also: Electronics Laboratories &
Groups
Recent News Items Regarding Electronics Research
- Quantum dots and gold nanoparticles: developing no-kill sensors for live cell monitoring (April 2004)
- CPES modules-based converter showcases revolutionary technology (April 2004)
- Die-attach technology for high-temp packaging (April 2004)
- Killing shoot-through failures in dc-to-ac power converters (April 2004)
- Team Building Wireless 'Electronic Noses' Using Nanoscale Sensors (Winter 2004) (April 2004)
- Power Electronics Device Wins R&D 100 Award (Fall 2003) (April 2004)
- Blue Diamond Transistor (April 2003)
- Intergrated Power Electronics Modules (April 2003)
- World's Largest MOS Controller Power Switch (April 2003)
- A Powerful Dream, But it Needs EEs to Make it Work (April 2003)
- Seeking 20x Cost Savings for Fuel Cell Inverter (Feb 2003)
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