SINGAPORE: The Institute of High Performance Computing (IHPC) has initiated an 18-month research consortium valued at SGD1.5 million to leverage upon a centralised source of expertise in the area of wireless communication, high-speed electronic design, and analysis of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and interference.

Current commercial devices that use such technologies include sensors, wireless access points, Bluetooth technology devices and GPS mapping systems. Working with IHPC's technical experts in virtual product design and performance simulation, companies in this consortium can benefit from optimising the design cycle of their new prototypes and have access to IHPC's supercomputing resources.

Dr Raj Thampuran, Executive Director of IHPC said: "With the speed of technology transfer taking place rapidly within many industries, the IHPC Programme on Electromagnetic Computer-aided engineering (iPEC) consortium plays an essential role in advancing new ideas through the use of simulation and Modelling to emulate complex designs and systems with a high degree of precision. Together, we can innovate and develop faster and more efficient prototypes in the areas of ultra-high speed and ultra-high capacity communications and 21st century electronics."

The consortium agreement was signed between IHPC and five participants from the industry, namely:

* Infineon Technologies Asia Pacific - a leading player providing integrated circuits and system development solutions in the areas of communication, automotive and industry, as well as security systems;
* Rohde & Schwarz Systems and Communications Asia - a primary supplier of solutions in the fields of test and measurement, communications and mission-critical radiocommunications;
* ST Electronics (Info-Comm System) - a subsidiary of ST Electronics and a leading solution house in the Asia Pacific region for communications, electronics and intelligent transportation business;
* Singapore Technologies Kinetics - a company of ST Engineering and one of Asia's foremost defence and specialty vehicles company;
* Vestas Technology R&D Singapore - a subsidiary of Vestas, the world's prime supplier of wind power solutions and modern energy.

The iPEC will focus on promoting the applications of computational modelling and simulation with its five members under two key research projects that include System Level EMC and Electromagnetic (EM) Wave Propagation.

The consortium will also include structured technical workshops and seminars for its members to provide in-depth information and update from experts on fundamental electromagnetic compatibility/ interference, recognised standards, high-speed electronic designs, electromagnetic emissions and immunity.

Dr Thampuran, who is also co-chair of the upcoming inaugural Asia-Pacific Symposium on Electromagnetic Compatibility, to be held from 19-22 May 2008 at Suntec City, Singapore, adds: "This upcoming EMC Symposium serves as a platform for industry partners and researchers to participate in a scientifically rich programme with renowned speakers from all over the world. It offers academia and industry participants a broad forum for the exchange of ideas. Many of our industry partners will find the hands-on tutorials and workshops at this symposium informative and useful for finding better solutions to their different electronic applications."