Carl and Emily Fuchs Institute for Microelectronics (CEFIM) (Pretoria)

 university, electronics, department of electronic engineering, academic institution

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The Carl and Emily Fuchs Institute for Microelectronics (CEFIM) celebrated its 25th anniversary on 22 June 2007. CJ Fuchs (Pty) Ltd was established “from a derelict stable, with a wife, a dog and no money” (Carl’s own words) by Carl and Emily Fuchs in 1929. The couple were dedicated and hard workers and the company grew to such an extent that it became a household name in South Africa, known for the excellent quality of its domestic electrical appliances. The company later also manufactured industrial electrical equipment and electronic systems, as well as colour television sets from the 1950s. They had no children, and established the Carl and Emily Fuchs Foundation to support charity and education in South Africa. In 1981 the University of Pretoria approached the foundation to establish a permanent microelectronics facility at the University, and the Fuchs Foundation agreed. Over the past 25 years, the institute has been managed by Prof Louis van Biljon (1981 – 1986), Prof Pieter Rademeyer (1987 – 1989), Mr Willie Malan (1990) and Prof Monuko du Plessis (1991 to 2012), Prof. Saurabh Sinha (2012 to present).

The CEFIM has been active in the field of microelectronics research and specialist training since 1981. The research and post graduate program is mainly in the field of integrated circuit design, especially the design of analog signal processors, RF circuits and optical receivers in CMOS technology. The simulation and modelling of circuits, devices and processing technologies are also investigated. The application of semiconductors as opto-electronic devices plays an important role in the activities at CEFIM. International contact in microelectronics is vital and the CEFIM lecturers and students often participate at international conferences and overseas experts visit the CEFIM facility regularly.

Source. Campus Building Guide 2008 : repository.up.ac.za/handle/2263/6623
and www.ee.up.ac.za/main/en/institutes/index