Innovation on Display at the 2025 TxACE Symposium

The Texas Analog Center of Excellence (TxACE) under the leadership of Dr. Kenneth K. O, Texas Instruments Distinguished University Chair and professor of electrical and computer engineering, at The University of Texas at Dallas, brought together leading researchers, industry experts and students for the annual TxACE Symposium, held at the Davidson-Gundy Alumni Center. The event showcased cutting-edge developments in analog, mixed-signal and semiconductor technologies while fostering collaboration across academia, government and industry.

It also reaffirmed UT Dallas’ leadership in advancing analog and mixed-signal research, positioning the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science at the forefront of the semiconductor innovation landscape.

This year’s symposium, which was chaired by Dr. Yiorgos Makris, TxACE associate Director for Digital Twin Research and professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of California San Diego, explored the theme of digital twins in semiconductor manufacturing. The program featured distinguished keynote presentations, technical sessions and poster exhibitions highlighting innovations across multiple domains, from hardware security to health care applications.

Keynote speaker Dr. Gary K. Fedder, Hamerschlag University Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, discussed how digital twins are bridging artificial intelligence and physical manufacturing to drive smarter, more sustainable production systems. His address, “Bridging AI and the Physical World: Digital Twins in Manufacturing Innovation,” emphasized how simulation-driven AI is reshaping engineering workflows across semiconductor and robotics industries.

Panels and poster sessions featured contributions from faculty and students in the Jonsson School. Dr. Rashaunda Henderson, Dr. Hoi Lee and Dr. Sam Shichijo, professors in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, served as poster session chairs. Notable research was presented by PhD student Rouzbeh Imenababi Molaei, a student advised by Dinesh Bhatia MS’87, PhD’90, professor and department head of electrical and computer engineering. He introduced a wearable ultrasound sensor for real-time bladder monitoring, a breakthrough aimed at reducing invasive catheterization and hospital-acquired infections.

The symposium underscored the critical role of cross-disciplinary collaboration in shaping the future of semiconductor innovation. With dynamic discussions and a shared commitment to advancing analog and mixed-signal technologies, the event continues to strengthen the leadership of the Jonsson School in this field.