The Center for Integrated Electronics, Electronics Manufacturing, and Electronic Media (CIE) was created to carry out industry-oriented research in electronics design and manufacturing, on-chip interconnect, and the development and utilization of electronic media. CIE emphasizes all aspects of integrated electronics and electronics manufacturing (from the chip-board-system levels) and now adds the application of electronics to create interactive learning materials which will revolutionize the way technology is used at all levels - from young child to senior citizen.

The technology areas of CIE currently include, but are not limited to, IC processing techniques, semiconductor devices, multilevel interconnect technology, optoelectronic materials and optoelectronics, power devices, microwave devices, thermophotovoltaic devices, electronics packaging, design, modeling and simulation, design and assembly methodologies, polymer synthesis for a variety of applications, low and high dielectic constant materials, superconductors, other advanced materials and processing, design for manufacturing, electronics manufacturing, environmentally sound manufacturing, concurrent engineering, and multimedia development and deployment.

The Center's activities range from basic and applied research and education to commercialization through partnerships with industry. A complement of about 50 faculty, 100 students, and 15 full-time research staff conduct research activities incorporating projects for specific companies, as well as longer-range programmatic efforts in fundamental areas of materials processes, design, fabrication, and characterization related to integrated electronics, electronics manufacturing, and electronic media. CIE is funded by nearly 100 companies and government agencies; these projects serve to develop new technologies and real solutions to industrial problems. Undergraduate, graduate and post-doctoral students are heavily involved in the conduct of these research activities as part of their academic programs, (e.g., course projects and/or theses and dissertations). A broad range of workshops, seminars, and conferences (open to interested students and professionals) are offered both on campus and by satellite.

State-of-the-art facilities enhance research opportunities and include a Class 100 microfabrication clean room with processing capabilities both for Si and III-V base devices/circuits, extensive computer resources from such companies as Apple, AT&T, DIGITAL, Hewlett Packard, IBM and Sun, and numerous state-of-the-art processing design and characterization facilities in individual laboratories. Located on the Rensselaer campus, the CIE has immediate access to expertise in a broad range of disciplines. Participants include nationally recognized faculty from Rensselaer's Schools of Engineering, Management, Science, and Humanities and Social Sciences. In addition, over 100 undergraduate and graduate students are supported annually through the CIE's programs.