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Affordable Access to PLL IP for Universities

In a significant initiative aimed at bolstering academic research in semiconductor technology, Muse Semiconductor and True Circuits have unveiled a new University IP Access Program. This program is designed to provide affordable access to Phased-Locked Loop (PLL) hard macros to universities, making it easier for students and faculty to engage in innovative chip design and research.

Bridging the Gap in Semiconductor Research

Muse Semiconductor, a subsidiary of GS Microelectronics, has established itself as a leading provider of multi-project wafer (MPW) services. By partnering with True Circuits—a company renowned for its analog and mixed-signal IP—the initiative aims to streamline the process of accessing commercial intellectual property (IP) for academic institutions.

Both companies share a long-standing commitment to enhancing research opportunities in the semiconductor field, recognizing the challenges that faculty and students face when acquiring commercial IP under tighter budgets. Leveraging Muse's existing infrastructure for MPW services and offering True Circuits' highly discounted PLL IP, the program is positioned to elevate the quality and scope of research conducted in universities.

Enhancing Educational Outcomes

Bill Isaacson, General Manager of Muse Semiconductor, expressed enthusiasm for the program: "This is a tremendous opportunity for universities to have easy access to world-class PLL IP. We are excited to enable universities to benefit from working with proven IP and enhance the overall Muse MPW tapeout service experience." This initiative not only paves the way for better research but also prepares students for careers in the semiconductor industry by allowing them to work with commercial-grade technology.

Brian Gardner, Vice President of Business Development at True Circuits, emphasized the growing trend of university students, even at the undergraduate level, engaging in chip design. He remarked, "Providing IP goes hand-in-hand with our other initiative of open sourcing our own AMS development software." This holistic approach reflects a commitment to supporting the next generation of engineers with the tools they need for successful innovation.

Program Structure and Compliance

The University IP Access Program is designed to closely resemble commercial semiconductor IP deployment, ensuring that all intellectual property protections and foundry compliance measures are in place. Participating universities will engage directly with Muse, executing necessary non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and MPW service agreements to access the available IP and services. When a PLL is requested, the university will receive a design kit specific to their project, followed by the possibility of executing simple amendments for future projects.

The PLLs offered through this program will include various features and programmability options necessary for advanced research. For instance, True Circuits' General Purpose PLL functions as a versatile clock multiplier with additional capabilities for skews and dividers. This flexibility allows researchers to tailor designs for a range of applications, maximizing performance while minimizing power consumption.

Self-Service Support and Educational Resources

To facilitate ease of use, students and faculty will gain access to user guidelines, training videos, and application notes via a self-service portal hosted on Muse's website. Future enhancements to the portal will include educational materials focused on PLL technology and support resources powered by artificial intelligence. This initiative illustrates the commitment to developing a knowledge-rich environment for users.

What's Next?

As the details of the University IP Access Program are finalized, Muse is preparing to update its website for easy accessibility. Interested universities and researchers are encouraged to reach out to Muse Semiconductor or True Circuits for any inquiries. This program represents a landmark step in democratizing access to advanced semiconductor technologies, enabling academic institutions to contribute meaningfully to the innovations that shape our digital world.

Conclusion

The collaboration between Muse Semiconductor and True Circuits signifies an important milestone in academic research, providing universities with affordable access to leading semiconductor IP. As students and faculty engage more deeply in research, the future of semiconductor technology looks promising, buoyed by the support of industry leaders committed to fostering innovation in education. This proactive approach not only enhances the learning experience but also prepares students for the demands of an evolving tech landscape.