Princess Sumaya University for Technology Receives Charles Babbage Grant from Synopsys

The grant also provides new computer hardware, printers and educational equipment, enabling PSUT to create two new laboratories for full- and semi-custom integrated circuit design for 20 students. Lack of access to commercial-grade design tools for advanced research and microelectronic design is a common issue facing universities today.

Synopsys helps solve this challenge through initiatives like the Charles Babbage Grant and its Worldwide University Program, which provide select universities with design software for modern electronic design flows and leading commercial IC fabrication processes. Previous grant recipients outside of United States include the Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Southampton, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Moscow Institute of Electronic Technology, Yerevan State University and the State Engineering University of Armenia.

PSUT is very grateful for this grant, said Professor Issa Batarseh, PSUT president. It will provide our engineering students with access to world-leading software and tools and allow us to enhance our curricula.

We always welcome industry collaboration and support, Dr. Wejdan Abu Elhaija, the Dean of King Abdullah II School for Electrical Engineering, added. We're pleased to strengthen our relationship with Synopsys.

Supporting programs that enable semiconductor design through academia continues to be an important priority for Synopsys, said Anwar Awad, vice president of engineering of the IP/Solutions group at Synopsys. Working with PSUT, we have been able to create an educational program that will cultivate advanced IC design skills in Jordan and prepare graduates to establish local industry. Awad formally opened the lab in a ceremony attended by PSUT students and faculty on May 28.

Synopsys and the Department of Electronics Engineering at the King Abdullah II School of Electrical Engineering at PSUT began collaborating in 2010 by establishing a microelectronics education program through a VLSI course integrated into the Electronics Engineering curriculum in IC design. In addition to EDA software and computer resources, Synopsys provides PSUT with support, advisors, faculty training and facilitates student and faculty exchanges.

In 2011, Jordanian students participated in internships and joined Student Working Groups at the Synopsys Armenia Educational Department and R&D center. The students also successfully competed in the International Microelectronics Olympiad of Armenia, an annual competition that recognizes and inspires young talented engineers involved in microelectronics. PSUT and Synopsys are continuing to strengthen their cooperation in research and education. Again this year, PSUT students will intern at Synopsys Armenia and participate in the Seventh International Microelectronics Olympiad of Armenia.