I lead the Microelectronics Research Group at the University of Guelph. I am interested in integrated circuits and sensors, with an emphasis on full-custom analog and mixed-mode design, transistor level and high level simulations, layout design and verification, chip characterization and testing.
A transistor is a three-terminal element used to control a current across two of its terminals by applying a voltage to the third one. Because of that, the transistor can operate as an amplifier of signals (like in noise-cancelling headphones) or as a switch controlled by other switches (like in the logic circuits of a tablet). Transistors can be packed densely on semiconductor chips (up to 10000000000 per square centimetre), are fast (can respond in less than 0.000000001 seconds), and are reliable (keep functioning for tens of years).
The integration of large numbers of transistors and other elements creates systems and applications that define how we communicate, work and play today. For example, microsystems around us sense physical quantities, connect us and assist us in our daily activities, like in smart phones, video games, pacemakers, electric cars, water quality systems, and so on. The semiconductor industry is the manufacturing business with the largest added value and, at the same time, one of the most eco-friendly on the planet.
Innovative designs and process technology provide nearly all of the added value in semiconductor devices. Designing integrated circuits and microsystems involves challenging theoretical and practical problems and requires a solid engineering background and a good dose of creativity.
I like doing research and training students in this field, because it is a rewarding activity that contributes to improving quality of life, health, and environment. Over the last few years, I designed several microsystems with coworkers and students and I captured some of them in the microphotographs below. Those chips were fabricated in CMOS technologies with minimum features at 180 nm, 130 nm, 90 nm and 65 nm.
Y. Allasasmeh, A. Bazzini, M. Border, N. Boyd, G. Chen, M. Chen, A. El Samman, O. El-Sherif, G. Febvre, S. Goertz, A. Hasan, M. James, A. Legrand, Y. Li, M. Lieberman, J. Liu, H. Ma, A. Mackey, P. Mahalingam, T. Mallard, T. Martin, B. Molyneaux, K. Moussa, M. Mustafa, H. Nabovati, C. Nweze, G. Pantalone, P. Paul, S. Poret, J. Ren, R. E. Rotunno, M. Rudra, A. H. Shaltout, M. Usman, H. Vahedi, A. Veith, P. Vilchez, C. Yang, R. Zurla
M. Dabhi, D. Josh, M. Lipski, R. E. Rotunno
I am seeking graduate students to work in the field of integrated circuits toward PhD, MASc and MEng degrees. If you are interested, please send me:
Candidates must have a strong preparation in electronics and good academic records with an “A” or 80/100 average in the last two years. If you did not study in Canada, you should check the guidelines for international credential evaluation; if you were educated in a language other than English, you should check the language proficiency requirements (e.g. IELTS test with a 6.5 score and no band less than 6). I welcome the applications of qualified candidates having diversified backgrounds, and support equity, diversity and inclusion.
If you are looking for a postdoc or visiting position, you should send me your resume and research statement. Projects are available for undergraduate students through research assistantships (URA and USRA), work-study program, final-year projects and international initiatives. Please contact me if you have ideas in electronics that you would like to explore.
University of Guelph, School of Engineering
Richards building, room 3521
Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1
telephone and email are on campus directory
University of Guelph, School of Engineering
Thornbrough building, room 1131
Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1
telephone and email are on campus directory
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