Up Close: The Interuniversity Microelectronics Center (IMEC), Leuven, Belgium

The Interuniversity Microelectronics Center, Leuven, Belgium (IMEC) is one of the world's largest independent research centers for microelectronics. It was established in 1984 by the Flemish government as a part of a comprehensive program to promote high technology in Flanders, Belgium. Benefiting from existing experience available mainly at the University of Leuven, IMEC moved into its present facilities in 1986 (Figure 1).The Center covers a wide range of research topics in the microelectronics domain—VLSI systems design methodologies, advanced semiconductor processing, materials, packaging, and more.About 50 people work on computer-aided design, developing a series of “true” silicon compilers: CATHEDRAL. With this software, ASIC (application specific integrated circuit) design becomes extremely attractive, since CATHEDRAL covers design from the high system level down to layout.INVOMEC, the training division of IMEC, supports universities in ASIC design. It trains people for both educational institutes and industry in chip design, makes available the necessary software, and has a well-established Multi Project Chip—Multi Project Wafer service.The Processing Technologies and Materials Divisions involve about 200 people and have a 3,600 m2 clean room at their disposal. The clean room consists of a 20% class 10 area with a fast-turnaround prototyping line and an 80% class 1000 area.IMEC's objectives are: to perform research in the microelectronics field, supporting both industry and universities, and to stimulate the microelectronics industry in Flanders.IMEC performs research on both silicon and III-V technologies.