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The primary objective of this Microcredential is to empower participants with essential knowledge of semiconductor materials, their characterization, and their diverse applications in electronics and optoelectronics.

This Microcredential targets professionals and the general public who are eager to expand their understanding of semiconductors, including, but not limited to:

• Professionals in the technology sector, including those in semiconductor services, are involved in development areas 
• Both professionals and the general public who wish to build introductory knowledge in semiconductor

The use of Clean Rooms in various areas of industry (optoelectronics, medical, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, hospital products, etc.) has become to increase and necessary (even due to legal imperatives). In the field of research, it is completely fundamental today. Trying to fill a gap in the training of qualified professionals to work in the controlled environment of Clean Rooms, the proposed Microcredential fits into an offer aimed at multiple areas of activity, intending to provide solid knowledge (both theoretical and essentially practical) of increasingly relevant utility.

Currently, the coating of materials, from the perspective of their functionalisation and modification of physical and chemical properties, has been an important technological resource in the formation of added value of a product. Similarly, research into thin films has grown significantly, aiming to create new materials/structures for potential applications in several fields. All these concepts are based on the Micro and Nanostructured of thin films, using different techniques to obtain them. The proposed training - innovative at national level - aims precisely to contribute to the qualification of professionals, at a scientific and technological level, in this area of activity.

The Microcredencial in Characterization of Microwave Devices and Antennas equips participants with critical knowledge and practical skills for designing and analysing high-frequency systems used in telecommunications.

Learners will gain a comprehensive understanding of the main challenges in microwave circuits, including transmission line behavior, reflection coefficients, VSWR, impedance matching, and power balance, with proficiency in using tools like the Smith Chart and S-parameters. Additionally, students will master the operation of antennas, grasping their fundamental parameters and various types, enabling them to evaluate and optimise antenna performance in real-world applications.

Through a blend of theoretical instruction and hands-on practice, participants will engage in solving numerical examples and performing measurements with a Vector Network Analyser (VNA) to reinforce concepts. The course fosters practical expertise through a group report and presentation, alongside an individual written test, ensuring graduates can effectively contribute to the development and testing of high-frequency devices in electrical and telecommunications engineering.

The Microcredencial in Microwave Instrumentation and Measurements equips participants with specialized skills to effectively measure and analyze microwave devices and antennas in telecommunications systems. Learners will gain a thorough understanding of key microwave measurement instruments, including the Vector Network Analyzer (VNA), Power Meter, Noise Figure Meter, and Spectrum Analyzer, and develop proficiency in operating the VNA to perform precise measurements on radio frequency devices and antennas.

Additionally, students will acquire the ability to critically analyze radio frequency measurements, evaluating components such as filters, power dividers, RF attenuators, quadrature hybrids, diplexers, and antennas, ensuring accurate interpretation of measurement data for real-world applications.

The course combines theoretical instruction with practical training, where participants study core concepts, solve numerical examples, and engage in hands-on tasks using the VNA to measure RF devices and antennas.

Assessment through a group report, project presentation, and individual written test ensures that learners can apply their knowledge to practical testing scenarios, preparing them to excel in roles involving microwave range testing in electrical and telecommunications engineering.

Hybrid Training: On-site & Online components

This specialisation course focuses on different aspects of optics, with potential interest for various types of companies. It aims to promote interaction between the university and industry through training, complementing the University of Aveiro's educational offer, with a special focus on application areas related to physical, biomedical, mechanical, chemical and electronic engineering, in topics such as: optoelectronics, applied optics, materials science, sensors, communications, among others. In addition to the business world, the course will also be open to primary and secondary school teachers.

The general objective is related to developing skills and acquiring knowledge to streamline activities related to optical technologies, research, development or application. At the end of this course, the student should have knowledge of the fundamental concepts of optics, devices, optical and optoelectronic systems, as well as their integration, allowing them to obtain a core set of skills, especially in the operational understanding of optical devices, systems and experimental techniques.

The student who completes the course will understand the physical fundamentals behind the main optoelectronic devices and their integration into systems. They should, for example, be able to use optoelectronic devices (LEDs, semiconductor lasers, photodiodes, some types of modulators), be able to set up a fiber optic setup, and be able to plan and implement a simple optoelectronic assembly to perform a task, namely communication or sensing. In addition to the technical side, this course also aims to complement training in physics, optics and technology.

Hybrid Training: On-site & Online components

The main objective of this Microcredential is to provide participants with an in-depth and practical knowledge of some of the fundamental and advanced principles in the areas of modern optics, with emphasis on waveguides, free-space communication and quantum key distribution.

This Microcredencial is aimed at professionals and researchers who want to deepen their knowledge, which includes, but is not limited to:

• Professionals in the fields of Physics, Chemistry or Engineering and related areas who wish to deepen their understanding of optical principles and apply them to the development of advanced optical devices and systems;
• Postgraduate students and researchers wishing to explore new frontiers in modern optics and use advanced techniques in their research;
• Professionals in the technology sector, industry and services in the field of optical communications;
• Elementary and secondary school teachers.

Hybrid Training: On-site & Online components

With this micro-credential, participants will have the opportunity to explore different topics such as geometric optics, optical instruments, ray-traced simulation of optical systems, radiometry, photometry, color theory, optical sensors, and sensor networks, and to understand how they play crucial roles in people's everyday lives, driving technological advances that transform the way we interact with the world around us. Geometric optics is key to understanding how light behaves when passing through different material media and how images are formed, and is therefore essential in many practical applications, from vision correction with glasses to the design of lighting systems and cameras.

Optical instruments are now indispensable in a wide variety of fields, from medicine to astronomy, providing crucial information for accurate medical diagnoses, scientific analysis and the development of new technologies. The design of optical instruments must go through a simulation phase with ray tracing, allowing to predict their performance in advance and optimize their operation, reducing production costs.

Radiometry, photometry, and color theory are key areas in lighting, imaging, and automated vision systems. They are therefore essential in several areas such as the implementation of light sources for lighting and signaling, screens, and automated vision systems.

Optical sensors play a crucial role in data collection in a wide range of applications, such as environmental monitoring, biomedical applications, structural monitoring, security, industrial automation processes, among others, and often non-invasively and without physical contact. Among a wide range of types of optical sensors, emphasis will be placed on fiber optic sensors, which have special characteristics that make them advantageous in certain applications.

Hybrid Training: On-site & Online components

The main objective of this Microcredential is to provide participants with an in-depth and practical knowledge of some of the fundamental and advanced principles in the areas of modern optics. It aims to provide a solid understanding of advanced optical phenomena, including interference, diffraction, polarization, and non-linear optics.

The Microcredential is aimed at professionals and researchers who wish to deepen their knowledge of physical optics, laser light and holography, including, but not limited to:

• Professionals in the fields of Physics, Chemistry or Engineering and related areas who wish to deepen their understanding of optical principles and apply them to the development of advanced optical devices and systems;
• Postgraduate students and researchers wishing to explore new frontiers in modern optics and use advanced techniques in their research;
• Professionals in the technology sector involved in the development and application of optical technologies, such as the manufacture of optical components, the design of imaging systems and laser technologies;
• Doctors, researchers and health professionals interested in understanding the applications of optics in medical diagnosis, laser surgery and other advanced techniques;
• Elementary and secondary school teachers.

Hybrid Training: On-site & Online components

Laser technology is a rapidly growing and constantly evolving area, with an undeniable impact on both fundamental science and multiple applications, from the most trivial in our daily lives to, above all, industrial applications. Therefore, a solid knowledge base is essential for technical staff, senior management, and managers to be able to follow and get involved in new scientific and technological developments.

The course aims to provide training in laser technology for those interested in the principles of operation, the applications of this technology in industry and also in our daily lives. In addition to the main features of this technology, topics on the safety of laser radiation and the potential of this technique will also be covered.

Microcredencial in DCAC Circuits equips learners with essential skills to analyse and solve electrical circuits in both DC and AC contexts. Participants will master solving continuous DC circuits using techniques such as Ohm’s Law, Kirchhoff’s Laws, Nodal and Mesh Analysis, and Thévenin’s and Norton’s theorems, enabling them to design and evaluate equivalent circuits effectively. Additionally, the course covers circuits in permanent sinusoidal regime, introducing phasors, complex power, power factor compensation, and frequency response analysis using tools like Bode diagrams and S-parameters, preparing learners for practical applications in electrical engineering.

Through a structured approach, students engage with theoretical foundations and practical exercises, supported by continuous assessment via multiple-choice tests in each class. The course fosters a deep understanding of circuit behaviour, from fundamental concepts like resistivity and power calculations to advanced topics such as two-port network parameters and impedance matching, ensuring graduates can confidently tackle real-world circuit design and analysis challenges.

This micro-credential is intended to provide training in Sinusoidal Steady-State Electrical Circuit Analysis. For a better understanding of the topics covered, theoretical development is supported by simulations and practical achievements.

Measuring equipment is also analysed (multimeters) to determine the significant digits of the measurement. These tools are the basis for understanding various areas of Electronics and Telecommunications.

At the end of the micro-credential, each student will be able to solve circuits in sinusoidal mode, and relate the analytical approach to simulation and experimentation.

To offer specific training in the area of plasma technologies, currently used in materials processing.

To allow trainees to have contact with various configurations of plasma reactors, guaranteeing them specialised training that enables them to:

• understand their basic operation
• address their predictive modeling
• manipulate some plasma reactors for materials processing
• better understand chip manufacturing methods in the semiconductor industry

The course HARsh-condition Devices & CHaracterization of semIconductor Properties aims to train highly qualified professionals capable of analyzing, testing, and evaluating semiconductor materials and devices operating in extreme environments.

Integrating concepts from solid-state physics, materials science, microelectronics, and reliability engineering, this interdisciplinary course prepares students to work in technologically demanding sectors such as aerospace, automotive, energy, defense, nuclear systems, and power electronics.

Throughout the course, participants develop both theoretical and hands-on skills in electrical, structural, thermal, and optical characterization of semiconductor materials and devices. They will work with methods including temperature-dependent I–V and C–V measurements, optical microscopy, Raman and photoluminescence spectroscopy (if available), and controlled stress tests designed to assess reliability and degradation mechanisms. In addition to the laboratory component, the course addresses failure physics, environmental stress impacts, and engineering strategies to improve robustness.

This course gives application engineers a practical overview of metrology tools used to ensure quality and process stability in sensor chip microfabrication. Focusing on wafer level inspection and control for sub 10 µm device features on 200 mm wafers, the program covers essential measurement techniques for monitoring critical dimensions, thin film thickness, surface topography, overlay accuracy, and defect density.

Participants learn how to:

• select appropriate optical, electrical, and mechanical metrology methods;
• interpret measurement data;
• connect metrology results to process tuning and device performance. 

Through targeted examples and hands on evaluation exercises, students/engineers develop the skills needed to diagnose fabrication issues, validate process windows, and maintain consistent quality across high volume sensor chip production.

This Digital VLSI Design - Frontend Hands-on Training Course addresses the growing demand for specialized skills in integrated circuit design by providing comprehensive instruction in frontend digital VLSI methodologies. The program combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, covering essential topics from hardware description languages (Verilog or VHDL) through RTL design, synthesis, optimization, and timing analysis.

Participants will develop proficiency in industry-standard EDA tools and gain hands-on experience with real-world design challenges, including advanced techniques such as low-power design, clock domain crossing analysis, and asynchronous interface design.

Structured as an intensive one-week program with twice-daily sessions, the course targets electronics engineers and VLSI design professionals seeking to advance their frontend design capabilities. Through a combination of lectures, laboratory exercises, and collaborative group projects, participants will progress through five comprehensive modules that span the complete digital VLSI design flow.

Hybrid Training: On-site & Online components

This course focuses on the exploration of pilot-scale printing techniques for flexible electronics. It covers the development of functional formulations, laboratory-scale printing methods, and the manufacturing processes involved in producing pre-series flexible electronic devices. Additionally, it introduces validation and testing methodologies within controlled environments to ensure practical applicability and performance assessment.

This course aims to provide practical knowledge about electrical methods to measure thin-film transistor (TFT) devices. It presents a series of recipes, which allow the experimentalist to gain insight into the performance and limitations of the devices and circuits being measured. Additionally, it also gives guidelines on correctly interpreting the measurements and providing feedback to the manufacturing process. TFTs are particularly suited for sensing and biomedical applications. The operation of these sensing devices is presented with an emphasis on the electrical techniques to address them when operating in complex liquid environments.

Topics to be addresses are the following ones:

• Basic Operation of a TFT: TFT architectures; 
• The Ideal thin film transistor (TFT): Threshold voltage and sub-threshold current of an ideal TFTs
• Non-ideal Characteristics: Parameter extraction; Technique to quantify operational stability; Variability; Experimental procedures and methodologies to study variability; Limitations of test structures
• Electronic Traps in TFTs: TFT non-ideal characteristics as a tool to measure traps; Electrical techniques to study traps; Small signal impedance spectroscopy; Thermal stimulated currents; Deep level transient spectroscopy
• Circuits and Systems: Inverter circuits; Circuit characterization; Ring oscillators
• TFTs for Biomedical Applications: Floating gate method; TFTs for gas sensing.

This course offers a complete learning pathway into the field of optical filters, focusing on multilayer thin-film filters. It covers all stages from theoretical design to computational simulation, fabrication, and characterization.

This course equips learners with practical, industry-ready skills in RF and microwave design using Keysight ADS. Through guided demos and hands-on labs, you will master S-parameter analysis, transmission-line modeling, impedance matching.

At the end of this course it is expected that the student will be able to design using ADS simple RF amplifiers but also to experimentally characterise them using RF characterisation equipment.

RF and Microwave circuit design:

• Analysis of physical component at high frequencies
• Transmission lines
• Analysis of physical transmission media
• Network parameters and smith Charte
• Resonance circuits and filters
• Power transfer and impedance matching
• Distributed impedance matching and network design
• Single stage amplifiers
• Multistage amplifier design

Hybrid Training: On-site & Online components

The objective of this course is to provide the basics of wafer processing for nanodevice fabrication, and the next steps towards a practical usage of these devices in many application markets. The process from wafer dicing, chip handling and mounting with several wiring strategies for an electrical readout in the final component will be discussed. The requirements of the end-user will also guide the final chip packaging.

This is a two-week, in-person introductory course on integrated-circuit testing aimed at students and entry-level industry professionals, covering the full post-fabrication workflow from design-for-test planning through packaging, bonding, PCB development, analog and digital testing, and automated scripting, with each topic taught through both foundational classes and hands-on lab work.

Hosted at IST/MN facilities in Taguspark and planned to start in late 2026, the course is designed for 10–20 participants and also supports a broader goal of building shared IC characterisation and testing capabilities for academic researchers, start-ups, and SMEs, especially in mixed-signal, RF, and other semiconductor applications. 

The course aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles and techniques involved in the development of integrated optical devices. The basic concepts of light propagation and guidance will be explored, along with the operation of elementary devices and their combination to create integrated photonic systems. In addition, the course includes practical sessions using the software (Synopsys RSoft), as well as laboratory activities involving the experimental characterisation of devices.

Training integrated in the EuroNanoLab Experts School: Lithography. This Experts School is targeted for experts in lithography technologies to meet and share ideas, recent achievements, and challenges, and discover new advances in equipment hardware and processing technologies related to lithography.

This course intends to provide a comprehensive overview of advanced characterization techniques for semiconductor materials and devices. Lectures will focus on the fundamental principles, capabilities, and limitations of key techniques used to probe morphological, structural, chemical, optical, and electrical properties, including SEM, TEM, AFM, XRD, XPS, Raman spectroscopy, ellipsometry, and electrical characterization. Emphasis is placed on technique selection, data interpretation, and the correlation of complementary methods to achieve a complete understanding of materials and device performance.

A strong hands-on laboratory component is integrated throughout the course, allowing participants to directly engage with state-of-the-art instrumentation and perform measurements under the guidance of experienced researchers. Practical sessions cover a wide range of techniques, from microscopy and spectroscopy to electrical testing, bridging the gap between theory and real-world application. The course is hosted at CENIMAT|i3N, a leading research institution in advanced materials and semiconductor technologies, providing participants with access to cutting-edge facilities and expertise in materials characterization and device development.

More information soon.

This intensive course is a key initiative of POEMS, strongly committed to promoting advanced training in AMS IC backend (Layout) design, with a particular emphasis on state-of-the-art CMOS technologies and other emerging technologies. The program offers an immersive, hands-on learning experience focused on the layout design of complex AMS building-blocks, targeting applications in automotive, IoT, and wireless/wireline communications.

The school is structured in 3 courses:

• Advanced layout design on nanoscale planar CMOS technologies
• Advanced layout design on non-planar finFET CMOS technologies
• Workshop on flexible electronics circuit design

Hybrid Training: On-site & Online components

This course equips application engineers with practical methods for integrating high performance sensor chips into both flexible and rigid interface platforms. Building on INSC MN competencies, it focuses on material selection, interconnect strategies, packaging constraints, and system level reliability.

Participants learn how mechanical stress, thermal behavior, and electrical performance shape integration choices, and how to adapt sensor modules for wearables, industrial systems, and embedded environments. Through targeted examples and hands on design exercises, students/engineers gain the skills to evaluate interface architectures, implement robust integration schemes, and troubleshoot performance issues in real world applications.

The course will consist of theoretical and practical seminars covering the following items: 

• Measuring small-signal impedance fundamentals 
• Techniques and instruments (impedance analyse, time domain reflectometry, etc)
• Electro design
• Simulation tools (parameters extraction; sensor characteristics assessment - sensitivity, precision, errors, linearity, hysteresis)
• Device structures, Electrolytic gate transistors, Applications (Measuring suspensions - Oils, food, etc.
• Detecting pollutants, microplastics, pesticides, antibiotics in liquid environment
• Bioelectronics: measuring microbes, cells, plants and living tissues; Electrophysiology)

This Digital VLSI Design - Backend Hands-on Training Course responds to the semiconductor industry's increasing need for professionals skilled in physical design and implementation of integrated circuits.

The program provides comprehensive instruction in backend VLSI methodologies, encompassing floorplanning, placement, routing, clock tree synthesis, and physical verification. Participants will develop expertise in using industry-standard EDA tools while mastering critical aspects of physical layout optimization for area, power, and performance.

Structured as an intensive one-week program with twice-daily sessions, the course targets electronics engineers and VLSI design professionals seeking to enhance their backend design capabilities. Through an integrated approach combining lectures, laboratory exercises, and collaborative group projects, participants will progress through five comprehensive modules covering the complete backend design flow.

The hands-on methodology ensures that participants gain practical experience applying theoretical concepts to real-world design challenges using professional EDA tools.

This course introduces application engineers to how ion beam techniques can be used to precisely tailor wide bandgap semiconductor materials for improved sensing performance. It first covers the essential physics of ion–matter interactions and shows how controlled energy deposition and defect engineering enable highly localised modification of selected regions across a semiconductor wafer. Building on this foundation, the course then focuses on validating these modified films through their integration with electrical contacts and device structures, allowing engineers to assess the impact of ion beam processing on material behavior and sensor performance. The program equips participants with the practical understanding needed to connect fundamental ion beam modification with wafer level device fabrication.