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Microcomponent Developer Strengthens Ties to Innovative University Group
Ann Arbor, MI, June 2, 2003
Discera, Inc., an innovative provider of low-power microcomponents for wireless applications, today announced it has joined the University of Michigan’s Center for Wireless Integrated Microsystems (WIMS), a National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center.
Through its charter membership, Discera formalizes a longstanding relationship with the Center, where major elements of its technology were developed. The company’s position as an industrial partner enables it to sponsor promising research and participate in early evaluations of new research results.
The research programs of the WIMS Engineering Research Center are enabling new advances in all aspects of microsystems. Over 100 research programs have been initiated, addressing micropower microcontrollers, wireless interfaces, sensors and microactuators, and wafer-scale micropackaging. In addition to providing feedback on research direction, industry members such as Discera are able to significantly leverage company R&D by using state and federal funds, and work closely with faculty and outstanding students.
“The WIMS Engineering Research Center is known for its top-notch work in addressing significant industry challenges,” said Didier Lacroix, CEO, Discera, Inc. “We see this as a way to move to the next level of cooperation with the staff and students, so we can better understand potential technology directions as Discera moves its microcomponents into the industry.”
“Discera has gained significant momentum in commercializing its wireless microsystems, some of which are derived from WIMS research,” said Joseph Giachino, Director of External Programs, WIMS Engineering Research Center. “Discera’s membership in WIMS will further the existing relationship between the two organizations, and we anticipate valuable commentary from the company on research results.”
Recent WIMS projects include research in low-power circuits, low-power microcontrollers, environmental sensors (including a micro gas chromatography system) and subsystems, biomedical sensors and subsystems, and wafer-level vacuum packaging.
About Discera Corporation
Discera is a fabless analog semiconductor company focusing on tiny, high performance silicon resonators for the frequency and timing control markets. The company’s PureSilicon™ resonator technology is a fundamental building block that can be used in creating fully integrated, low cost, small form factor wireline and wireless products, such as oscillators, filters, and RF components. Unlike crystal based oscillators, Discera’s PureSilicon™ based CMOS oscillators can be integrated into other CMOS based circuits. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in San Jose, California, Discera is a privately held company with investments from Ardesta, Partech, 3i, and Qualcomm Ventures. More information is available at www.discera.com.
About WIMS Engineering Research Center
In 2000 the University of Michigan joined Michigan State University and Michigan Technological University to form the Engineering Research Center for Wireless Integrated Microsystems (WIMS). The WIMS Center is working to merge micropower ciruits, wireless interfaces, MEMS and advanced packaging to create generic microsystems. The goal is a family of wristwatch sized microsystems capable of sensing non-electronic variables with high accuracy, interpreting those signals, and communicating over distances from a few centimeters to a few kilometers . The Center is funded by the National Science Foundation, with additional contributions from the state of Michigan, the partnering universities and a consortium of some 20 companies. Additional information can be found at www.wimserc.com.
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