Silicon Labs has opened a new research and development laboratory in Austin, Texas, focused on designing, testing, and validating advanced semiconductors for wireless Internet of Things (IoT) applications.
The Austin Innovation Center was officially opened at a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Silicon Labs executives, employees and representatives from the State of Texas.
The new laboratory was supported in part by a $23m grant from the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund (TSIF), created under the Texas CHIPS Act.
The investment has enabled Silicon Labs to upgrade equipment for work with more advanced wafer process technologies and expand its semiconductor development capabilities.
The result is a larger R&D operation designed to help engineers develop and test new wireless technologies more quickly, potentially shortening the path from chip design to commercial products while strengthening Texas’ role in semiconductor research and engineering.
Commenting on the facility, Matt Johnson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Silicon Labs, said: “Our new Austin Innovation Center represents an important milestone in the partnership between the State of Texas and Silicon Labs to advance semiconductor innovation and reinforce Texas as the most attractive destination for semiconductor research, design, and development.
“This new space expands our ability to develop the next generation of wireless technologies that will further extend our leadership and the great impact this technology brings to the way we live and work.”
Supporting next-generation chip development
The Austin facility will support development across Silicon Labs’ wireless portfolio, including its Series 3 platform.
The platform combines wireless connectivity with security and AI capabilities for applications ranging from smart homes and industrial equipment to healthcare, commercial buildings and smart cities.
Upgraded laboratory equipment will allow engineers to work with newer semiconductor process nodes and conduct more sophisticated testing and validation.
Silicon Labs said this will make it easier to assess new technologies, collaborate between engineering disciplines and accelerate product development.
That capability is becoming increasingly important as connected devices take on more computing and intelligence while facing growing demands for security and energy efficiency.
Texas backs semiconductor innovation
The investment also reflects wider efforts by Texas to build its position in the US semiconductor industry.
The TSIF was established to support strategic semiconductor research and development, reduce barriers to innovation and help the state compete in an increasingly contested global market.
For Silicon Labs, which focuses exclusively on wireless IoT connectivity, the funding provides additional capacity for chip development without relying on traditional semiconductor manufacturing infrastructure.
As a fabless semiconductor company, Silicon Labs designs its chips while working with external manufacturing partners.
Expanding its design and testing capabilities therefore gives the company greater scope to develop and validate advanced semiconductors before they move into production.
Strengthening Austin’s technology ecosystem
Silicon Labs said the new laboratory will contribute to continued semiconductor research in Texas while supporting high-value engineering and technology jobs.
The company also views the facility as part of a longer-term partnership with the state, with investment in semiconductor R&D intended to reinforce domestic technology capabilities and maintain Texas as a centre for chip engineering.
As demand for secure, intelligent, and connected devices continues to grow, the Austin laboratory gives Silicon Labs additional infrastructure to develop the advanced semiconductors underpinning the next generation of IoT products.
