My teaching and research focuses on building microsystems and nanosystems. I specialize in the following areas:
- Interconnect Structures and Circuits. High-density, high-speed and low-power on-chip and intra-chip interconnect circuits and structures. Applications that benefit from high bandwidth interconnect, and SOP design techniques..
- Application Specific Processors and Microsystems. ASICs and SOCs with an emphasis on novel hardware algorithms and design methodology. By "microsystems" I am referring to the design, and incorporation non-chip technologies, such as MEMS ("micromachiinng").
- Nanocomputing. Concepts for computation beyond the end of CMOS scaling. Includes devices, interconnect structures and circuit/architecture concepts.
I am director of the Analog Alliance and the Microelectronics Systems Laboratory (MSL). I also direct the NCSU Cadence Design Kit, and codirect our Spice to IBIS activity. I am also Associate Editor ofthe IEEE Transactions on Advanced Packaging, Associate Editor of the ACM Journal of Emerging Technologies for Compuiting, Member of EPEP Technical Program Committee, Member of Technical Program Committee of several one-off or short sequence workshops and conferences
My personal interest include flying (power and glider), Horse Riding, Cycling, White Water Kayaking, occasional skier and diver. I am a former infantry officer and maintain a contiuing interest in military affairs and history.
Brief Biography
I am director of the Analog Alliance and the Microelectronics Systems Laboratory (MSL). I also direct the NCSU Cadence Design Kit, and codirect. Paul D. Franzon is currently a Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at North Carolina State University. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia. He has also worked at AT&T Bell Laboratories, DSTO Australia, Australia Telecom, and two companies he cofounded, Communica and LightSpin Technologies Inc. He also severd for 13 yearsin the Australian Army Reserve, in the Royal Australian Infantry Corps, holding ranks from Private to Captain. He has several major research efforts and has published over 200 papers.
Honors and Prizes
- Fellow of the IEEE, 2006
- Alcoa Research Award
- ECE Graduate Teacher of the year award, 2007
- ECE Teacher of the year award, 2006
- Alumni Distinguished Professor, 2003
- ECE Graduate Advisor of the year award, 2006
- NSW Expatriate Scientist Award, 2003
- NCSU Academy of Outstanding Teachers, 2001
- NSF Young Investigators Award, 2003