The Department of Engineering Technology and Industrial Distribution (ETID) is one of the world’s leaders in educating semiconductor test engineers, a critical role in the fast-growing technology sector.
Early in his career at Texas A&M University, Dr. Rainer Fink, a professor in ETID’s Electronic Systems Engineering Technology (ESET) program, recognized the need to train these engineers. Despite the growing demand from industry, a formal curriculum focused on this specialization was not commonly taught anywhere in the world.
“I saw an opportunity to create something that would directly address this gap in the industry,” says Fink. “Partnering with Texas Instruments was a pivotal moment in building this world-class program and resulted in the establishment of the Texas Instruments Mixed-Signal Test Lab.”
Equipped with the latest technology from leading companies such as Teradyne, National Instruments, and Keysight, the lab provides unparalleled hands-on experience for ESET students. It serves as a training ground where students interact with the same expensive, high-tech equipment they’ll use in their careers.
The lab is run by retired industry experts who provide valuable real-world experience and enrich the students’ learning process with their wealth of practical knowledge.
Further enhancing the program’s impact, the College of Engineering supports the work of the lab, recently contributing $427,000 to replace computers and expand workstations. This investment will allow for even greater student engagement and prepare more test engineers for the workforce.
Fink says, “Our students are in high demand around the world, and our program is TI’s top recruiting source for new test engineering college graduates.”
The need for test engineers far exceeds the number produced by academia as the semiconductor industry rapidly expands. With billions of dollars being invested in new fabrication plants and chip designs, the demand for qualified professionals is higher than ever.
To address this shortage, Fink and his colleagues in the ESET program are collaborating with universities throughout the U.S. to replicate Texas A&M’s successful model. However, one of the key challenges universities face is the high cost of industry-standard testing equipment, which can run into the millions of dollars. This is why industry partnerships, like the one with TI, are crucial.
ETID’s lab stands out as an example of how academia and industry can work together to address pressing workforce needs. Fink’s vision 25 years ago laid the foundation, and TI played a vital role in Texas A&M becoming a pioneer in semiconductor test engineering education.