It’s Cool to be on board!

The leading-edge cluster Cool Silicon was initiated at the request of the Dresden University of Technology. For more than two years now researchers and scientists have been collaborating on the development of key technologies and concepts for more energy efficient electronics. The cluster’s proactive work shows our foresight in this crucial topic. Our outstanding know-how in energy efficiency also plays a crucial role in our application strategy within the “Excellence Initiative” which focuses on information- and microelectronics. Our goal is and always will be the development of high-capacity computers with considerably lower energy demands than those of today.

As a specialist for serial production of high-quality fiber-reinforced composite components for application in the aircraft industry, we profit a great deal from the know-how of our partners at the Cool Silicon Cluster. The prerequisite for applying lightweight and fuel preserving materials in aeronautics is the ability to control these structures with energy autarkic network sensors in order to detect material fatigues early on and transmit them to a receiver for evaluation. Through the collaboration of various medium-sized businesses and research institutes all parties are building knowledge, that provides a competitive advantage for everyone in their respective branch. In this way, COTSA contributes to securing the air traffic of the future.

Through making small steps Cool Silicon is heading towards larger developments. The hallmark of today’s high technology is the incremental advancement of existing technologies. Within Cool Silicon, experts, businesses and research institutes of an entire region participate in the development of energy efficient electronics along the information and communication technology’s (ICT) entire added value chain. This is both new and unique. With Cool Silicon, Silicon Saxony has recognized the global trend for energy efficient electronics early on and has dedicated itself to it.

By now, the project has contributed to the topic’s attention, noticed not only at Europe’s largest site for semiconductor industry but even internationally. The development of energy efficient products is the driving force of the local technology sector that has become a global pioneer in this new area that is just beginning to be understood.

Moreover, Cool Silicon has brought together many diverse businesses with a common interest: The massive optimization of energy efficiency in a key branch like ICT. We assume that the various collaborations already formed will continue beyond the engagements initiated within the leading-edge cluster. It is part of our goal that competing players will work closely together as partners to mutually profit from the synergistic effects of this collaboration.

In this way Cool Silicon has the opportunity to become one of the world’s leading clusters for energy efficiency in the ICT sector.

Acting as a worldwide manufacturer for leading-edge semiconductor products GLOBALFOUNDRIES is always seeking to employ the newest technology. With the acquisition of ‘Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing‘, Singapore, we achieved scale as one of the world’s largest foundries. This merger has led to outstanding synergies – broad foundry experience combined with a large client base on one hand, and a manufacturing infrastructure for the most advanced semiconductor processing in Dresden on the other. We are following several strategies: In addition to ‘More Moore’ (significantly smaller, but at the same time faster chips) we rely on the ‘More than Moore’-concept (micro-system technology).

Energy efficiency is a crucial for all chips employed in computers, mobile communications and entertainment electronics to achieve optimized capacity and low energy consumption. The new and innovative manufacturing processes “made in Dresden” significantly contribute to meeting the ambitious goals set globally for energy-preservation.

Dresden is a location for mobile communications research at the highest level: Dresden University of Technology is one of the world’s cutting-edge leaders in wireless data transmission, mobile communications technology and related integrated circuit technology. For years its scientists have been exploring the next generation of mobile communication systems. This is why Dresden University of Technology and Saxony are on the map in worldwide research and development of mobile communications technology and have become irreplaceable key players. Through energy efficient and pioneering solutions, Cool Silicon enables us to extend our technological lead in wireless data transmission.

“The future of the aircraft industry lies in lightweight structures like carbon fiber components. Considering ever-scarcer oil resources, rising fuel prices and the constant increase in air traffic (an average of 3 % to 4 % per year), airplanes of the future need to be lighter and more economical.  Through the development of lightweight airplanes made from fiber components this goal can be successfully realized. The technology requires, however, a special network of measuring sensors to control material fatigues. Within Cool Silicon we are developing new wireless and energy efficient sensors that come with energy preserving chips and radio transmitters that will enable us to control lightweight fiber components in an energy autarkic way. With an anticipated need of seven trillion sensors to be at work, experts predict immense possibilities for energy preservation.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Non-Destructive Testing (IZFP) in Dresden is an independent research institute that focuses on applied and industry-oriented research. With Cool Silicon we contribute to the scientific development that benefits the economy and all people worldwide by reducing the CO2 production in air traffic and advancing technological progress.”

Cool Silicon is a trendsetter for energy efficiency. This is why we are playing an active role within in the leading-edge cluster.