📋 Tender Overview
Funded Value6589026Funded PeriodJul 19 - Dec 27FunderEPSRCProject StatusActiveProject CategoryTraining GrantProject ReferenceEPS0244411TOPIC Semiconductors are often synonymous with Silicon Chips. After all Silicon supported computing technologies in the 20th century. But Silicon is reaching fundamental limits and already many of the technologies we now take for granted are only possible because of Compound Semiconductors CS. These technologies include The Internet Smart Phones GPS and Energy efficient LED lightingCSs are also at the heart of most of the new technologies expected in the next few years including 5G wireless ultra-high speed optical fibre connectivity LIDAR for autonomous vehicles high voltage switching for electric vehicles the IoT and high capacity data storage.To date CSs are made in relatively small quantities using fairly bespoke manufacturing and manufacturers have had to put together functions by assembling discrete devices. But this is expensive and for many of the new applications integration is needed along the lines of the Silicon Integrated Chip.CDT research will involve the science of large scale CS manufacturing e.g. materials combinations to minimise wafer bow new fabrication processes for non-flat surfaces manufacturing integrated CS on Silicon and in applying the manufacturing approaches of Silicon to CS. The latter includes using generic processes and generic building blocks and applying statistical process control. By applying these approaches students will address and invent new ways to exploit the highly advantageous electronic magnetic optical and power handling properties of CSs and generate novel integrated functionality for sensing data processing and communication.NEED This CDT is a critical part of the strategic development of a CS Cluster supporting activity throughout the UK. It is part of the development of a wider training portfolio including apprenticeships and CPD activities to train and upskill the CS workforce. Evidence of the critical need for a CDT has been identified in a survey and analysis conducted by UK Electronics Skills Foundation highlighting the specific skills required in this rapidly growing high technology industrial sector. We are looking for PhD level skills plus industry experience. We dont have the time to train up new staff. There are no perfect employees for CS companies as this is effectively a new area. Staff including those with PhDs either have silicon skills and need CS-specific training or have CS skills and need training in volume tools and processes either in the cleanroom or in packaging. - quotes from CS Skills Survey - Report UKESF July 2018.We have worked with the CSA Catapult utilising the skills need they have identified as well as companies across the spectrum of CS activities and are confident of the absorptive capacity the expected PhD level jobs increase for the exis
