RF Micro Devices, Inc. (Nasdaq GS: RFMD), a global leader in the design and manufacture of high-performance radio frequency components and compound semiconductor technologies, and the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering (JSNN) of UNCG and N.C. A&T have signed a Joint Research and Development, Facilities and Equipment Use Agreement.

This agreement enables joint research and development activities as well as facilities and equipment use at the state-of-the-art research and education facility currently under construction for the JSNN at Gateway University Research Park in Greensboro.

Under the agreement, JSNN and RFMD intend to collaborate on the development of innovative nanoelectronics technologies related to RF amplification, filter, and switch functions. JSNN’s cleanroom will be available to RFMD for research and development, and RFMD will collaborate with university research students while locating RFMD personnel at the facility. JSNN and RFMD intend for the collaboration between industry and academia to drive research excellence and generate leading-edge technologies that ultimately support economic growth.

“The development of strong relationships with industry leaders like RFMD is critical for the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering to be a leader in nano-related education and research, and to help with local economic development,” said James G. Ryan, founding dean of JSNN. “JSNN has already benefited from RFMD’s technology leadership and vision, and we look forward to working with RFMD on research activities in the JSNN cleanroom.”

John Merrill, executive director of Gateway University Research Park, Inc., said, “This agreement exemplifies Gateway’s efforts to be a catalyst for university research, innovation, and economic development. Gateway is pleased to be a part of this groundbreaking collaboration that will promote continued nanoelectronics innovation in the Piedmont Triad.”

John Merrill, executive director of Gateway University Research Park, Inc., said, “This agreement exemplifies Gateway’s efforts to be a catalyst for university research, innovation, and economic development. Gateway is pleased to be a part of this groundbreaking collaboration that will promote continued nanoelectronics innovation in the Piedmont Triad.”

Bob Bruggeworth, president and CEO of RFMD, said, “We are pleased to collaborate with the JSNN and to support their mission of leadership in nanoelectronics research and education. Nanoelectronics hold great promise in the area of communications technologies, especially in the design and manufacture of amplifiers, switches and filters. Future applications utilizing these innovative technologies could range from MEMS devices with breakthrough performance to programmable filters enabling next-generation multimode phones. These approaches have the ability to significantly reduce size, cost and energy consumption, all of which drive material benefits to our customers and transform the end-user experience.”

Link to original UNCG Press Release