Infineon and FER: energy-saving microelectronics for decarbonisation

The collaboration will advance the further development of energy-efficient technologies for decarbonisation as well as strengthen one of the key areas of European microelectronics expertise.

The cooperation focuses on research and development of microelectronic solutions that systematically reduce energy consumption as well as on training for these research fields. These include, for example, electro mobility or the energy-efficient generation, transmission and use of electricity.

The duration of this academic cooperation is initially set for six years. Prof. Dr. sc. Željko Jakopović has been appointed to lead the project. The collaboration is part of Infineon Austria's spill over activities within the Important Project of Common European Interest on Microelectronics (IPCEI ME).

"Concrete scientific and technological solutions in power electronics can contribute significantly to achieving the climate goals. To do this, expertise in the area of university research and teaching must be even more closely intertwined with existing industrial competencies, and that is exactly what we are doing now. We call this our 'Mission Future' and are pleased to cooperate here with the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing of the University of Zagreb and to actively advance the strengths of Europe as a semiconductor location together. This is a unique opportunity for young researchers to work in a highly attractive technical career field, making our world a safer and more environmentally friendly place", said Sabine Herlitschka, Chief Executive Officer of Infineon Technologies Austria AG.

“We are excited about the opportunity to strengthen our cooperation with Infineon, a global leader and one of Europe's most important electronics companies. This collaboration is a testament to the quality and potential of FER in the area of research and development of power electronics systems, as well as to our attractiveness for outstanding young talent. I am sure that this cooperation will be mutually beneficial and that together we will create new opportunities", says the Dean of FER, Prof. Vedran Bilas, PhD.

"I am certain that this academic collaboration project between Infineon and FER will significantly expand the competencies of the Power Electronics Group as well as the other departments at FER, both in the area of scientific research and in teaching. The expected involvement of prominent experts from Infineon in the teaching process through invited lectures and workshops will provide our students and researchers with direct access to the latest technological achievements in the field of microelectronics, power semiconductor components and related applications in the field of power electronics," said Prof. Željko Jakopović, PhD.

Research on grid stability, electromobility and intelligent control systems.

Within the academic cooperation, the focus is on solutions for energy efficient applications. These include the development of theoretical concepts for the stability of power grids, research work in the field of electro mobility, and the maximisation of energy savings with intelligent control systems, for example through algorithms, artificial intelligence, or machine learning. In addition, design and test methods for analogue, digital and mixed-signal circuits are developed for power electronics applications.

With the aim of expanding the pool of STEM talent in Europe through this collaboration, the cooperation partners also plan educational programmes at the FER Faculty of the University of Zagreb specifically focused on power electronics in the future. In parallel, Infineon Austria offers students a range of services, from subject-specific workshops and support for PhD students to industrial internships for Bachelor and Master students.