With the opening of the new Validation Lab, SAL has achieved another milestone for Austria as a research and technology location. In the lab, electronic components are deliberately exposed to extreme conditions — ranging from severe temperature fluctuations and high humidity to mechanical stress and vibrations. This allows developers to verify, already during the development phase, whether sensors and electronic systems function reliably under real operating conditions.
“Innovations in microelectronics are a key driver of our country's competitiveness. It is no coincidence that we have identified electronic components and systems as one of nine key technologies and areas of strength in our industrial strategy. With the Validation Lab, Austria is establishing a vital infrastructure to bring new technologies to market more quickly while ensuring their quality and durability,” emphasizes Innovation Minister Peter Hanke.
Test Environment for Research and Industry
The Validation Lab enables comprehensive testing under controlled conditions — such as in climate chambers or through vibration and shock tests. For example, temperatures ranging from minus 70 to plus 180 degrees Celsius can be simulated, and their effects on electronic systems during operation can be analyzed.
“With the Validation Lab, we are expanding our research infrastructure with a specific focus on application. We are bridging the gap between scientific development and industrial implementation, thereby strengthening our role as an innovation partner for the business community,” explains Christina Hirschl, CEO of SAL.
Reliability and Longevity as Keys to Sustainable Technologies
In addition to SAL’s own research activities, the laboratory will also be available to partners from industry and academia, allowing them to test their products under realistic conditions. The focus is on durable and sustainable electronics solutions that must function reliably even under extreme conditions — such as in the automotive industry, energy technology, or aerospace.
“In our Validation Lab, we specifically simulate the stresses that electronics are exposed to in real-world applications — from extreme temperatures to severe vibrations. This allows us to identify early on how systems behave and optimize their service life in a targeted manner,” says Rudolf Heer, Head of Research Unit Electronic Sensors at SAL.
Über Silicon Austria Labs (SAL)
Silicon Austria Labs GmbH (SAL) was founded in 2018 as a top non-university research center in the field of Electronics and Software Based Systems. At its locations in Graz, Villach and Linz, research is conducted on key technologies in the fields of Microsystems, Sensor Systems, Power Electronics, Intelligent Wireless Systems and Embedded Systems. SAL brings together key players from industry and science and thus valuable expertise and know-how, and conducts cooperative, application-oriented research along the value chain. The aim is to accelerate the value creation process from idea to innovation – with excellent research and economic benefits. Owners are the Republic (50.1%), the Provinces of Styria and Carinthia (10% each), the Province of Upper Austria (4.95%) and the Association for the Electric and Electronics Industry (24.95%).
Contact:
Silicon Austria Labs GmbH
Isabella Preuer, BA BA MA
Head of Communications & PR
+43 664 832 97 73
E-Mail: press@silicon-austria.com
Web: www.silicon-austria-labs.com/presse
Bundesministerium für Innovation, Mobilität und Infrastruktur (Federal Ministry Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure, Republic of Austria)
Mag.a. Kleo Kraft
+43 1 711 62-65 8116
E-Mail: kleo.kraft@bmimi.gv.at
Web: www.bmimi.gv.at
