Microelectronics research centre

Binghamton University, State University of New York, has established a Center for Advanced Microelectronics Manufacturing.

The US Display Consortium will initially provide $10 million in equipment to establish CAMM, which will combine resources from the USDC, Binghamton University, Cornell University, Endicott Interconnect Technologies and other academic, government and industry partners to help speed microelectronics manufacturing research and development in a roll-to-roll (R2R) format.

To date, most advanced electronics components have been produced on silicon or quartz wafers or on plates of specialised glass in a 'batch' process that has been the backbone of the IC and flat panel display industries.

The R2R process means that components can be produced more efficiently, at higher yields and at a lower cost. The expected microelectronics manufacturing will be key to next-generation applications in areas such as medical diagnostics and treatment, military and home security, flexible displays and electronics, computer and telecommunications and consumer products.

Among the CAMM's R2R research capabilities are flexible displays; 'foldable' radars; electronics 'by the yard'; integrated sensory patch systems; protective clothing.

CAMM will evaluate equipment and materials developed under the auspices of USDC, industry or its own R&D program that can be further developed in a fully-integrated manufacturing line.

Equipment will be accessible to both the university community and private industry, which will participate in the CAMM through paid membership fees and funded research programs.

The CAMM will also provide large-scale testing whereby academic research groups can test their work for manufacturing applicability without the high costs and risks typically associated with such activities.