Partner's corner: Christina Hirschl, SAL
Silicon Austria Labs (SAL) is Austria’s top research center for electronics and software based systems (ESBS). The application-oriented center offers cooperative research on future-oriented solutions for environmental protection, health, energy, mobility and safety at three locations – Graz, Linz and Villach.
SAL is developing RF self-biased circulators for the FR3 and FR2 frequency bands, advancing both their design and microfabrication, as well as their integration and packaging on 22-nm FDX FDSOI technology.
As part of this effort, SAL is also a hosting site of the FAMES pilot line, acquiring state-of-the-art tools that strengthen microfabrication capabilities in Austria and across Europe.
In addition, SAL plans to make the technologies developed within FAMES available to the wider European academic and industrial ecosystem through the FAMES open access program.
Finally, dedicated training programs on RF circulators will be offered by the end of 2026.
SAL is contributing its expertise in magnetics and RF technologies to FAMES to develop self-biased circulators, complementing the consortium’s existing RF device portfolio. As a result, a broad range of RF devices on FDSOI technology will be accessible through the FAMES ecosystem.
At the same time, SAL is leveraging FAMES to expand its own technological portfolio through new developments and access to advanced microfabrication tools.
FAMES is expected to have a strong impact on the European research and industrial ecosystem by strengthening microfabrication capabilities and enabling new technological developments. This will foster a more dynamic and competitive environment, while promoting new collaborations among European stakeholders across academia and industry.
Participating in FAMES is of great importance for SAL, as it enables us to contribute our expertise to a strong European collaboration while jointly advancing innovation in RF technologies and strengthening the competitiveness of the European semiconductor ecosystem.
Christina Hirschl, CEO Silicon Austria Labs
Find out more about the FAMES consortium.
