Northeastern’s Silvia Zhang Joins Major Federal Effort to Revolutionize Wireless Chip Design
Northeastern professor contributes AI expertise to $10 million Princeton-led initiative developing next-generation semiconductors
Xuan “Silvia” Zhang, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering, is playing a key role in a groundbreaking $10 million federal initiative to transform how wireless communication chips are designed. The project, led by Princeton University’s Kaushik Sengupta, was selected by the National Center for the Advancement of Semiconductor Technology (Natcast) to develop AI-powered tools for creating advanced semiconductors.
Zhang brings specialized expertise in AI hardware and machine learning for electronic design automation to the multi-institutional team. “This project represents a critical step forward in maintaining U.S. leadership in semiconductor technology by reimagining the next-generation integrated circuit design process,” said Zhang, who joined Northeastern’s faculty in January 2024.
The Princeton-led team is one of three selected by Natcast in this funding round, with the other two led by Keysight Technologies and the University of Texas at Austin. The initiative aims to develop automated design tools that will significantly reduce costs, accelerate innovation, and increase competition in the semiconductor industry.
The chips being developed are critical for next-generation wireless networks, satellite communication, self-driving cars, and smart healthcare technologies. By harnessing AI to automate the traditionally complex and time-consuming process of radio-frequency chip design, the team hopes to revolutionize how these essential components are created.
Zhang’s involvement underscores Northeastern’s growing prominence in semiconductor research and AI applications, anchored through Northeastern’s Institute for NanoSystems Innovation, of which she is a member. Her expertise in machine learning for electronic design automation and AI hardware development positions her as a valuable contributor to this nationally significant project that could reshape America’s competitive position in wireless technology.