STMicroelectronics Expands PiezoMEMS Efforts in Singapore

STMicroelectronics has announced a new expansion to its "Lab-in-Fab" (LiF) program in Singapore, signaling its commitment to semiconductor innovation. The new phase will bring together leading research institutions, such as the ASTAR Institute of Microelectronics (IME), ULVAC, the ASTAR Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), and the National University of Singapore (NUS) to develop piezoelectric micro-electro-mechanical systems (piezoMEMS) with a focus on developing sustainable, lead-free materials.

Key Takeaways:

• Sustainable Innovation: Focus on lead-free piezoelectric materials for greener MEMS devices.
• Ecosystem Support: Open access facility will benefit academia, startups, and global firms.
• National Strategy: Aligns with Singapore’s RIE2025 plan to lead in semiconductor R&D.

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The enhanced facility will provide a full manufacturing line to support universities, startup companies, SMEs, and MNCs, about speeding up the development and commercialization of next-generation devices such as PMUTs, compact wearable speakers, and autofocus actuators for mobile cameras.

The next phase is a continuation of the first LiF launched in 2020 that was successful in demonstrating thin-film PZT utilizing physical vapor deposition while the new phase is intended to reduce the environmental impact of piezo technologies. This new facility will also fit closely with Singapore's Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2025 (RIE2025) agenda which has identified contemporary piezoMEMS among other priority technologies such as advanced packaging, wide-bandgap semiconductors, RF, and photonics.