German semiconductor maker Infineon Technologies launched last week an automotive electronics lab together with Tianjin University, jointly designing the most advanced 32-bit electronic control unit (ECU) for car engines.

Based on the State Key Lab of Engines at Tianjin University and research and development capabilities of Infineon Technologies AG, Tianjin University-Infineon Automotive Electronics Joint Lab is now developing the cutting-edge ECU, which is designed for reducing carbon dioxide emission and improving fuel efficiency of automotive engines.

Pow Tien Tee, president and managing director of Infineon Technologies Asia Pacific, said in an interview with Xinhua, "The joint lab is part of our global strategy for the innovation value chain."

Infineon, a world leading manufacturer in semiconductor, is particularly interested in selecting prestigious Chinese higher-learning institutions for R&D cooperation. Shanghai-based Tongji University is helping Infineon develop auto body electronics. Shanghai and Tianjin are the two biggest auto manufacturing bases in China. The two universities have cultivated close partnership with Chinese leading auto makers in the two cities.

Dr. Xie Hui, head scientist at the Tianjin joint lab, said, "We are focusing on projects that are urgently needed by the Chinese market."

"Meanwhile," he said, "Infineon mandates that we work out system solutions."

Tianjin University is contracted to develop all software and hardware for the 32-bit ECU. The standardized software modules could be used for later on software designing.

"We are interested in the huge market and resources of qualified engineers in China," Pow said.

"We are going to plan more R&D projects tailored for the Chinese market," he said.

Originating from a Siemens semiconductor entity, Infineon was established in April 1999. The company provides semiconductor products and system solutions for wire and wireless telecommunication, automotive electronics, memory storage and computer security. Its turnovers in fiscal year 2005 reached 6.76 billion euros.

(Xinhua News Agency May 3, 2006)