Innovator Joins UTD To Advance Integrated Circuit Simulation

Dr. Ron Rohrer, an inventor recognized for pioneering simulation technology for integrated circuit design, joined The University of Texas at Dallas on June 1.

Rohrer is UT Dallas’ first faculty member to be supported by the Governor’s University Research Initiative (GURI), a Texas program that recruits distinguished researchers and provides matching grants of up to $5 million paid on a cost-reimbursement basis.

The research professor of materials science and engineering (MSE) also serves as associate director of the Center for Harsh Environments Semiconductor Systems (CHESS), which advances technology that enables electronics and devices to thrive in challenging conditions such as extreme temperatures or in space. CHESS is part of UT Dallas’ North Texas Semiconductor Institute.

Rohrer, a member of the National Academy of Engineering, brings vast academic and industry experience in developing integrated circuit simulation to his role at UT Dallas.

In 1969, he and his students developed a simulation tool at the University of California, Berkeley that allows engineers to save time and resources by predicting how an integrated circuit will perform under different conditions before manufacturing the devices.

The tool, SPICE, which stands for Simulation Program with Integrated Circuit Emphasis, evolved into the industry standard for integrated circuit design.

At UT Dallas, Rohrer said he aims to advance simulation technology to reduce the amount of time it takes to test for device failures. He also plans to develop simulation technology to help engineers predict how integrated circuits will perform in extreme conditions such as heat or radiation.

“Among the many attractions for me to come to UT Dallas is the opportunity to work with the talented team at CHESS,” Rohrer said.

Dr. Manuel Quevedo-Lopez, professor and department head of materials science and engineering in the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science and CHESS director, said Rohrer provides the expertise and interest to develop new methods that use physically accurate models to simulate the effects of harsh environments on circuits.

“This will allow us to not only test for device failures, but also to help design devices that are less sensitive to harsh environments,” said Quevedo-Lopez, who is also the Texas Instruments Distinguished University Chair in Nanoelectronics. “We are very excited that Professor Rohrer is joining the MSE department at UT Dallas. Dr. Rohrer is one of the leading experts, if not the leading expert, in the field of circuit simulation in the world.”

The GURI program is an important tool to help universities recruit distinguished researchers who can help enhance Texas’ national and global economic competitiveness, said Dr. Joseph Pancrazio, vice president for research and innovation and professor of bioengineering.

“The Governor’s University Research Initiative helps to bring renowned researchers to UT Dallas, enriching the University’s dynamic research ecosystem and advancing economic impact,” Pancrazio said. “Dr. Rohrer, who will elevate the University’s national and global reputation, will bring much needed expertise at the intersection of computational modeling and robust semiconductor design to advance our Center for Harsh Environments Semiconductor Systems.”

Rohrer said his extensive industry experience guides his research.

“I’ve always collaborated closely with industry to help overcome industrial challenges,” he said. “The focus of our research is to greatly improve the efficiency of integrated circuit and system simulation and its applications.”

Rohrer has received numerous other honors for his work, including being named an IEEE Life Fellow. He also is the founding editor of the journal IEEE Transactions on Computer-Aided Design of Integrated Circuits and Systems.

Rohrer is a professor emeritus of Carnegie Mellon University and has taught at universities including the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and UC Berkeley. He earned a PhD and master’s degree in electrical engineering from UC Berkeley and a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.