A spin-out company which will help microchip manufacturers develop the next generation of computer circuits has been launched by the University of Glasgow.

Gold Standard Simulations (GSS) will help microchip developers model how circuits built from variable and unreliable nanoscale transistors are likely to perform.

Simulation is necessary as transistors, which are the building blocks of microchip circuits, become smaller and smaller and tiny variations in their structure result in variable and unreliable performance – affecting the whole circuit performance and yield.

Being able to take this ‘statistical variability’ into account when designing circuits will be a huge benefit to industry and help ensure the continued scaling of microchips.

The company was created by Professor Asen Asenov, James Watt Chair in Electrical Engineering in the College of Science and Technology and one of the world’s leading device modelling experts.

He said: “GSS is offering a world-leading simulation service to chip developers and manufacturers. The University of Glasgow is at the forefront of this technology."

The company, which will be initially based at the University, is already subcontracted to conduct simulation services for the MODERN (MOdeling and DEsign of Reliable, process variation-aware Nanoelectronic devices, circuits and systems) project – a €26M (£23m) European project looking at how to design the next generation computer chips.

Prof Asenov is leading the University of Glasgow’s involvement in the project which is worth £1.5m to the University and comprises 28 European partners.

The company will also offer courses in statistical variability which will give participants the knowledge and tools to understand, control and mitigate the issues related to variability and reliability and to design variability-resistant and reliable devices and circuits.

Intellectual property partner Carina Healy of law firm Dundas & Wilson advised on the establishment of GSS, company structure of the spin-out; the corporate documentation; the intellectual property licensing and research arrangements; and the funding agreements with partner Scottish Enterprise.   

She said: “Setting up Gold Standard Simulations Ltd is an important step in commercialising the world-leading expertise at Glasgow University in device modelling. It shows that there is funding available for good spin out company opportunities even in the current economic environment.”

The company’s website can be viewed at: www.goldstandardsimulations.com

For more information contact Stuart Forsyth in the University of Glasgow Media Relations Office on 0141 330 4831 or email s.forsyth@admin.gla.ac.uk

First published: 30 August 2010

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