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A power converter is, simply put, a device that changes one form of electrical energy into another – for example, from direct current to alternating current, or from higher voltage to lower voltage. You can find it in laptop and mobile phone chargers, photovoltaic power plants, electric cars, or elevators. The design and development of such converters, as well as other power electronic systems, is the focus of Michal Krbec, a fifth-year master’s student in the Power Electronics program at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of West Bohemia in Pilsen (FEL UWB). His professional interests also include the design of analog integrated circuits, particularly in the field of power management and signal processing, which motivated him to participate in the NCKU AISSM Semiconductor Summer School in Taiwan.

How did you find out about the NCKU Summer School, and what motivated you to apply?
NCKU is a partner university of our faculty and offered us two scholarship-supported places. For me, it was a great opportunity to apply for the selection process – I wanted to travel, get to know another culture, and try out such an interesting course in the field of semiconductor technologies. I also took it partly as a personal challenge – to handle everything in a demanding international environment.

You chose the course Analog IC Design and Layout. What did you enjoy most during the course, and what was the most challenging part?
I enjoyed the practical part the most – laboratory work, simulations, and teamwork with people from different universities around the world. I met people from Texas, Canada, Thailand, Japan, Mexico, as well as local students. Everyone brought different experiences, which really broadens your horizons. I also practiced my English a lot. The most challenging part was probably the pace – from morning to evening it was intense, and at the end, we had a team project that was really difficult and time-consuming. But that’s exactly why it was such a valuable experience.

How would you describe the approach of the lecturers and collaboration with other students?
Our course had about twenty-five people (while about five students from the Czech Republic attended across all three courses of the summer school). Most of the time I spent with foreigners, mainly to improve my English and also to get to know new cultures. The practical exercises were led by local students and PhD candidates, usually around seven of them, so there was always an opportunity to work with them or ask for details about the given exercise. We also worked a lot in groups, where we connected knowledge with other participants. Besides professors, we were guided by teaching assistants, and each team had its own “buddy.” Ours was great – not only did he help us with exercises, but he also took care of us outside of school. He took me on a weekend trip on a scooter, and once even by car into the mountains. That was a bit of an adrenaline rush – I must admit I was even scared (laughs). But otherwise, it was a great, very open, and friendly environment.

What knowledge or skills do you consider the most valuable?
Definitely new experience with chip design programs, which we usually don’t have here. And overall, a better overview of modern technologies. In addition, one always takes away a certain perspective from such a stay – you realize that we really are well off here. It’s nice to see it from another angle, compare living standards, and find out that we really don’t have much to complain about.

How did you manage everyday life in Taiwan?
I arrived a bit earlier to see more, and during my stay, I tried out four different accommodations. The most unusual one was a hotel room in Taipei, about four floors underground, so I had to take the elevator up to go outside (laughs). I really enjoyed the local cuisine – street food is everywhere, and places are open late into the night. What was interesting is that people are constantly waiting in lines, but it doesn’t bother them at all. They are friendly, and we Europeans are exotic to them – they always wanted to talk. I was a bit unlucky with the weather, it rained quite a lot, once so much that they even closed the school. Otherwise, Taiwan is safe; I walked a lot, used trains and high-speed rail, and scooters are literally on every corner.

How do you perceive the Faculty’s support?
It was great. It wasn’t just about finances but also the overall organization and help with the application. Thanks to this, I could focus on the actual study and stay. The Faculty of Electrical Engineering helped make this experience realistically accessible to me, even though, of course, I had to cover part of the costs myself. But it was worth it; this experience has great value.

Will this experience reflect somehow in your studies or future career?
It will definitely look good on a CV – it shows that you have drive and ambition. But most importantly, I gained new knowledge in a field that is very relevant today. Chip design is a promising field, and I believe it will be useful for me in the future.

What would you recommend to other FEL students who are considering participation?
Definitely go. Asia is worth it – Taiwan is like a “cheaper Japan,” there aren’t as many tourists, and it can all be beautifully traveled. And technologically, it belongs to the absolute world leaders. It’s an experience and an opportunity that really pushes you forward, both professionally and personally.

The NCKU AISSM Semiconductor Summer School is an international program organized by National Cheng Kung University in Tainan, Taiwan. It took place from July 23 to August 2 of this year and offered three specialized courses: Digital IC Design and Synthesis, Analog IC Design and Layout, and Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing and Packaging Testing. The program combined expert lectures delivered by leading professors with hands-on laboratory sessions and was complemented by cultural excursions, for example to Taipei. Participation was limited to students selected through a competitive admission process that evaluated motivation and academic performance. Selected participants were granted scholarship support.