July 2, 2012 - Marketwire -- Semiconductor maker STMicroelectronics (NYSE:STM) partnered with China’s Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT) to open a joint laboratory researching electronics.

This is HIT’s first joint laboratory built on a project-based learning mode, to boost innovation by students, said Professor XU Dianguo, Assistant Principal of HIT. The laboratory is located at the Electric and Electronic Experimental Teaching Center of HIT, with an aim to support efforts in the study, research and development of innovative and emerging applications of electronics, such as in medical, power management, and multimedia convergence. At the initial stage, the joint lab will focus on smart-sensor applications. STMicroelectronics will donate its advanced iNEMO development tools supported with an iNEMO software platform.

STMicroelectronics will provide its various products, IC samples, and technical documentation, as well as regular training to facilitate students in the design and development of innovative electronics projects. HIT will provide general-purpose facilities and management of the joint laboratory.

Starting with the micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS) smart sensors applications development, the lab will evolve to serve fields such as bio-medicine, energy saving and environment protecting, and user interfaces,” said Solomon NG, STMicroelectronics Regional Director, Strategic Business Development & Design Center, Greater China and South Asia Region.

“MEMS is a high-growth industry and high-quality engineers are very much in demand," said Patrick Boulaud, STMicroelectronics Regional Vice President, Analog, MEMS and Sensors, Greater China and South Asia Region, adding that the lab will help nurture the next generation of engineers and create new reference designs for the industry.

ST's iNEMO is an evaluation and development tool that offers up to 10 degrees of freedom (DoF), combining 3-axis linear acceleration, 3-axis angular rate and 3-axis motion sensing through a magnetic field, together with barometric/altitude readings, managed by an STM32 32-bit microcontroller.

Also read: Solutions for MEMS sensor fusion

Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT) is designated a national key university of China by the Ministry of Higher Education.

ST provides semiconductors serving customers across the spectrum of sense and power technologies and multimedia convergence applications. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com.

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