The Institute for Compound Semiconductors (ICS) at Cardiff University is strengthening its role in advancing next‑generation technologies, offering a collaborative environment where academic research and industry innovation converge to deliver commercially viable semiconductor solutions.
Based in the University’s Translational Research Hub since 2023, the Institute provides a platform for the development of compound semiconductor technologies, supporting work from early-stage prototypes through to small-scale contract manufacturing. The facility is designed to accelerate the transition from research to real-world applications, a key challenge in the semiconductor sector.
Central to ICS’s offering is its purpose-built 1,500 square metre cleanroom, which enables end-to-end processing of compound semiconductor wafers up to 200mm in diameter. This capability allows both academic and industrial partners to carry out fabrication, testing, and optimisation within a single, integrated facility.
The move to 200mm wafer processing marks a significant step forward for the Institute, aligning its capabilities with industry standards and enhancing the commercial relevance of its processes. The scale-up from 150mm to 200mm wafers is particularly important for companies seeking to translate innovative designs into manufacturable products at commercially viable scales.
ICS has built a strong reputation for its expertise in process flow development, underpinning its ability to support a wide range of semiconductor applications, including photonics, power electronics, and advanced sensing technologies. By combining specialised infrastructure with technical know-how, the Institute enables partners to develop and refine devices with higher performance, yield, and reliability.
The Institute continues to promote an open-access, collaborative model, inviting organisations to engage with its facilities and expertise. This approach supports the wider South Wales semiconductor ecosystem, fostering partnerships that bridge academia, industry, and innovation programmes.
As global demand for advanced semiconductor technologies continues to grow, facilities like ICS are playing an increasingly important role in enabling the UK to compete in high-value, knowledge-intensive sectors. Through its integrated capabilities and collaborative approach, the Institute is helping to drive forward the development of next-generation devices and systems.
More information and facility access: https://lnkd.in/ekf5eR6b
