UNIVERSITI TUNKU ABDUL RAHMAN

Company Visitation: Infinecs System Sdn Bhd

6 November 2024, Bayan Lepas, Penang
Lead Staff: Dr. Nuraidayani Effendy


Introduction

On November 6, 2024, a group of 32 students accompanied by 3 academic staff visited Infinecs Systems, a prominent leader in microelectronics design headquartered in Penang, Malaysia. This visit aimed to provide students with insights into the semiconductor and embedded systems industry, allowing them to observe industry practices, gain exposure to advanced technologies, and understand potential career paths within the field.

Company Overview

Infinecs Systems is recognized as a global leader in microelectronics and intelligent systems design. The company specializes in three primary areas:

  • IC/Semiconductor Design
  • Embedded Systems Design
  • Embedded Software Development

Infinecs serves clients across the US, Europe, and Asia and holds Approved Global Supplier status for top-tier semiconductor companies. Their commitment to cutting-edge technology and innovation aligns with Malaysia's New Industrial Master Plan 2030, identifying Infinecs as a key digital champion. This underscores their role in shaping the future of technology both locally and globally.

Core Competencies

The core competencies of Infinecs Systems include a comprehensive range of capabilities and services:

  • Semiconductor and IC Design: Including ASIC/SoC development, which allows for custom silicon design solutions tailored to specific industry needs.
  • Embedded Systems Design: Covering both hardware and software aspects, Infinecs develops highly integrated solutions across real-time operating systems (RTOS), processor integration, and various hardware interfaces (e.g., USB, PCIe, I2C, SPI).
  • Embedded Software Development: Utilizing industry-leading RTOS such as Zephyr and VxWorks to create robust software for processors like ARM, x86, and RISC-V architectures.

These competencies cater to diverse application areas, including automotive, networking, computing, and storage, allowing Infinecs to provide end-to-end solutions for various high-tech industries.

Service Offerings

Infinecs offers a complete suite of services covering the entire design and production process:

  • Design Services: Includes IC and ASIC/SOC design, physical and structural design, and logic design services, ensuring high performance and durability in their products.
  • Consulting Services: Infinecs provides expert consulting on semiconductor and embedded systems to meet specific client requirements, leveraging their extensive industry expertise.
  • Prototyping: Rapid prototyping services allow clients to validate concepts quickly, supporting fast iterations and development.
  • Production Ramp-Up: Infinecs assists clients in scaling up production to meet market demands, ensuring quality and consistency as production volumes increase.

Technical Highlights and Innovations

Infinecs Systems employs a variety of advanced tools, platforms, and methodologies:

  • FPGA, SIP, and ASIC Design: For custom and optimized silicon solutions.
  • Embedded System Technologies: Infinecs utilizes a range of RTOS and microcontroller platforms, including Zephyr, VxWorks, ARM, and RISC-V, integrating interfaces like USB, PCIe, I2C, and SPI.
  • Logic and Structural Design Services: Encompassing RTL (Register Transfer Level) coding, simulation, synthesis, and verification, allowing for robust and efficient chip designs.
  • Pre-Silicon and Silicon Test Technology: Ensuring quality and performance standards are met before full-scale production.

These technologies underscore Infinecs’s dedication to delivering reliable, high-performance solutions.

Observations During the Visit

The visit provided students with an in-depth look at Infinecs’s design and production workflows, from initial design concepts to final product testing. Key observations include:

  • Emphasis on Innovation and Quality: Infinecs prioritizes quality at every stage of production, from design to ramp-up, ensuring that their products meet industry standards.
  • Focus on Cutting-Edge Solutions: Their work in IC and embedded systems design is reflective of their commitment to technological advancement in sectors like automotive, networking, and computing.
  • Hands-On Approach: The students observed how theoretical knowledge is applied practically within the industry, offering valuable insights into real-world engineering practices.

Key Takeaways for Students

  • Exposure to Industry Standards: The visit highlighted the high standards required in IC and embedded systems design and provided students with a benchmark for quality and innovation in the industry.
  • Career Insights: Students gained an understanding of potential career opportunities within microelectronics and embedded systems, sparking interest in semiconductor design and embedded software development.
  • Real-World Applications of Academic Knowledge: The visit helped students connect their academic studies with practical applications, reinforcing the importance of foundational knowledge in engineering and technology.

Recommendations for Future Visits

  • Extended Q&A Session: Students expressed interest in a more detailed Q&A session with engineers and designers, allowing for a deeper understanding of daily roles and challenges.
  • Hands-On Workshops: Incorporating interactive sessions or workshops could enhance learning by allowing students to engage directly with design and testing tools.

Conclusion

The visit to Infinecs Systems was a valuable experience, providing students with a unique opportunity to observe and understand the workings of a leading microelectronics and embedded systems company. Infinecs’s role in the global technology landscape and its commitment to innovation and quality were apparent throughout the visit. This experience has significantly contributed to the students’ understanding of potential career paths and industry expectations in the field of microelectronics and embedded systems.