Boosting Semiconductor Industry Through Upskilling and Career Development

IC DESIGN WORKFORCE MEDIA ROUNDTABLE is a collaborative effort involving officials  from government agencies such as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department  of Science and Technology’s Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology  Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD), and the Center for Integrated Circuits and  Devices Research (CIDR). The event is also joined by industry associations, the Semiconductor  and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation, Inc. (SEIPI) and the Electronics  Industries Association of the Philippines Inc. (EIAPI), along with key academic and industry  stakeholders. 

WHAT IS IC? 

Integrated circuits (ICs), microchips, or chips are millions, or even billions, of microscopic  semiconductor devices crammed very densely into a single package. 

The often-overlooked diminutive integrated circuit is the cornerstone of all our modern electronic  devices and is continuously enabling advancements in computing, telecommunications,  automotive, power, and other industries. 

DOST INVESTMENTS ON ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY R&D 

2011 to 2022 – 894M pesos to 29 projects 

HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM OF DOST – PCIEERD 

The program aims to develop and enhance Filipino Research and Development (R&D)  capabilities of academic/research institutions and Department of Science and Technology  (DOST) agencies through degree programs, the conduct of research activities, and expert  mobility in the industry, energy and emerging technology sectors to meet the present and future  human resource requirements. 

1. Visiting Expert Program 

Open to institutions needing faculty members or experts from another  institution who possesses the required expertise not available in the requesting  institution.

From 2018 to 2019, a total of 10 experts were placed in institutions across the  country—3 local and 7 foreign experts. 

2. Research Attachment or Fellowship 

Open to MS and PhD students, degree holders, and project staff of a DOST PCIEERD or DOST-funded project, in the science and engineering sectors, who need to  conduct their research in a host institution, including foreign universities and research  institutions to avail of the host institution’s facilities and research expertise. 

3. Regional Consortia R&D Program for new researchers and institutions in the  Region 

The program aims to develop research capabilities and increase the available  researchers, scientists and engineers in the PCIEERD priority sectors through regional  consortia program.  

4. Expert Intervention for Scientific Engagement (ExpertISE) for PCIEERD Regional  Consortia 

The PCIEERD Expert Intervention for Scientific Engagement (ExperTISE)  Program for PCIEERD Regional Consortia is a consortia development program that will  be spearheaded by PCIEERD in collaboration with industry partners in the regions  and DOST Regional Offices. 

5. Institution Development Program (IDP) 

IDP aims to strengthen the capability of institutions to undertake research in S&T  fields included in DOST-PCIEERD’s priority areas. 

6. DOST Facilities and Lab Access Grants (FLAG) 

For BS and graduate (MS/PHD) students who will conduct research projects  directed towards developing emerging technologies and exploring innovations in areas  such as, but not limited to, materials research, electronics and applied physics. 

7. Researchers on Industry, Energy Emerging Technologies – Opening Opportunities  for Learning (RIEETOOL) 

RIEETOOL provides support to researchers, scientists, engineers, faculty,  students, and personnel from academic, research, government, and private institutions. Training duration ranges from one week to one month for regular training and up to one  year for priority and emerging fields. 

ONGOING R&D PROGRAM 

Center for Integrated Circuit and Device Research (CIDR) 

The Center for Integrated Circuits and Devices Research or CIDR is an innovation  infrastructure that enables joint ecosystem development design to produce and maintain a  critical mass of graduate-level IC designers. It is also an avenue of sharing resources between  the academe, industry, and government, to reduce the risk of bringing new technologies from  discovery to commercialization 

DOST-PCIEERD R&D INITIATIVES  

1. Automated Emergency Ventilator (TIP-VentsForPhil) 

Developed by engineers from the Technological Institute of the Philippines-Manila. This ventilator can assist patients with breathing-related illnesses, including  those caused by diseases like COVID-19. 

2. Spiritus Vitae Ventilators 

Developed by the engineers of Don Bosco Technical College. The design of the  Don Bosco ventilator automates a manual resuscitator – the balloon that nurses squeeze  during emergencies – to help people breathe when their lungs could not do it for them. 3. Breathing Simulation Machines 

A breathing simulation machine developed by the ASTI and EIAPI with the same  goal to provide solutions against the pandemic. 

4. Neuronvent System 

The project focuses on creating an emergency ventilator system based on a  BVM. A BVM is a manually operated resuscitator used for patients needing respiratory  assistance. The goal is to automate the BVM’s compression procedure, eliminating the  need for human operators. 

5. LISA Robot 

LISA is a telepresence robot delivering medicine and enabling remote  communication between health workers and patients. It can be easily reproduced  for hospitals. UST researchers are enhancing LISA with UVC bulbs for  disinfection and shelves for increased carrying capacity, suitable for hospitals  and quarantine facilities. 

6. Micro-C IC 

We can now produce micro-C IC, a chip previously imported. MSU-IIT  developed an IC chip with a microcontroller, power management, and energy  harvesting units. This chip supports IoT applications for monitoring environmental  conditions like temperature, humidity, pressure, and light, with a mobile app for  seamless monitoring. Applications include smart buildings, agriculture,  healthcare, and transportation. 

7. Novel CIM Architecture 

TUP researchers are developing a novel Computing in Memory (CIM)  architecture using FinFET-based OTP ROM in the TSMC 16-nm CMOS process. 

ESTABLISHED FACILITIES  

1. Advanced Device and Materials Testing Laboratory (ADMATEL) 

ADMATEL was established in December 2012 in response to the needs of the  semiconductors and electronics industry in the Philippines. It provides Failure Analysis  (FA) laboratories within the country. ADMATEL houses sophisticated and advanced  analytical instruments for failure analysis and materials characterization. 

2. Electronics Product Development Center (EPDC) 

The EPDC was established to strengthen product development activities in the  local electronics and semiconductor industries. The EPDC offers prototype design and  fabrication of printed circuit boards (PCBs) and assemblies, as well as electronic product  testing for Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) and product safety. 

3. Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMCen) 

AMCen established in 2020 enhanced the country’s technological readiness, business sophistication, and innovation by focusing on additive manufacturing  (commonly known as 3D printing). It serves as a collaborative research center, jointly  operated by the Metals Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC) and the  Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI) under DOST. 

4. Advanced Mechatronics, Robotics, and Industrial Automation Laboratory  (AMERIAL) 

AMERIAL serves as a complementary facility, making enabling technology-based  processes accessible to various industries. It aims to be a national facility for capability  development in the field mechatronics and robotics as they apply to industrial  automation. 

FUNDING MECHANISMS FOR CAPABILITY BUILDING 

Philippine Institute for Integrated Circuits 

PIIC is funded by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council  for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST PCIEERD) and implemented and managed by the University of the Philippines Diliman – Electrical and Electronics Engineering Institute (UPD EEEI). Its goal is to create a pool of  competent professionals who can contribute to the advancement of IC technology. 

WAYS FORWARD 

We supported the development of the PATHS roadmap, which stands for Products,  and Technology Holistic Strategy. This comprehensive plan aims to enhance the  country’s industrial competitiveness and ensure sustainable economic growth. It  embodies DOST’s commitment to establishing the Philippines as a key player in the  global electronics market, promoting the “Made in the Philippines” brand to attract end product manufacturers and end-users. Through our diverse strategies and R&D  solutions, both now and in the future, we demonstrate our unwavering support for the  sector’s advocacy towards its 2030 vision. 

Moving forward, there are three ways to uplift the electronics sector, 1) More  Collaboration with Industry, 2) additional funds for R&D, and 3) Development of  Programs for Filipino Innovators.  

Industry adoption is a two-way effort between the researcher/scientist and the industry.  Strengthening partnerships between academic institutions, government agencies, and  private companies will foster innovation, improve knowledge transfer, and facilitate the  commercialization of new technologies.  

Moreso, there needs to be more funds allocated for R&D for electronics as their  continuous innovation enables us to swiftly adjust to digital transformation.  

And lastly, it is essential to establishing initiatives and training programs specifically for  Filipino innovators that will empower them to create competitive, high-quality electronics products.