At ELDA, research and education focus on electronics-related areas. Both analog and digital electronics are explored here, as well as the borderland between them – mixed-signal. Work is also carried out in programmable electronics and processors, with applications ranging widely from radio electronics to medical technology challenges.
Mikael Olofsson, Associate Professor, is Head of Division at ELDA and says that the merger has gone smoothly so far, although there is of course more work to be done.
Increasing collaboration
Tell us about the background to the merger. Why was it carried out, and what benefits do you see in the future?
– The two merged divisions were relatively small. At the same time, their activities were, if not identical, then at least related. EKS was more analog, while DA was more digital. The merger means that ISY now gathers most of its electronics-related activities under one umbrella, says Mikael Olofsson.
Have you already seen any results from the merger?
– I see an increase in collaboration between colleagues from what used to be two divisions, especially in terms of teaching activities. The clearest example of this is extensive work to renew and reorganize the two electronics-related profiles in the D and Y programs, which are also being coordinated with the course offerings in the international master’s program in electronics.
Broadening research activities
What is ELDA focusing on right now?
– The division is heavily involved in teaching. We aim to balance the proportion of research and teaching. On the one hand, we want to increase the scope of research, and on the other, we want to strengthen the division’s ability to deliver the teaching we provide.
How do you view research at ELDA in the future? Are there any specific goals or ambitions you would like to highlight?
– The division has two research areas, corresponding to the two former divisions. The research within these areas looks quite different, and it is realistic that this will largely continue. At the same time, we naturally hope to develop internal collaborations where our different competencies can complement each other.
There is an ambition to broaden research activities in directions where electronics can play a role. Machine learning is one topical area, where contributions can be made in the form of efficient implementations of neural networks.
– We also want to conduct research that leads to the development of simulation tools for digital electronics. In this area, we have a tradition of contributing to solutions that are released as open source, says Mikael Olofsson.
Renewal in undergraduate education
Anders Nilsson, Senior Lecturer, is Director of Studies at ELDA and highlights the importance of renewal in undergraduate education, where two undergraduate education areas have for practical reasons become one. The new undergraduate area is called Electronics and Computer Engineering.
– If we are to talk about focus, change, goals, or ambitions, then it is about renewal. We need to update courses, renew and adapt the content to surrounding developments, and also recruit new colleagues. Some of this has already been done, but there is more to be done, says Anders Nilsson.
One example of renewal is the event Electronics Half Day, where companies, students, and ELDA staff meet in an exhibition format to inspire and engage students in electronics and computer engineering. The event also provides an arena for establishing contacts with companies for various purposes. The hope is that it will become a recurring event.
