University/government/industry program in analog/digital integrated circuits

The authors describe the research and teaching programs of the National Science Foundation Center for the Design of analog/digital integrated circuits. The Center was established through a partnership between universities, state governments, the federal government, and industry. The center has been in existence for almost two years with a current industrial membership of fourteen. There are seventeen faculty members, from three universities, participating in the research programs and over thirty graduate and undergraduate students. The programs has already had a significant impact on graduate and undergraduate courses at the universities. A review is given of the various features needed to ensure success in bringing industry, universities, and government together to work on a problem of joint interest.<>