Richard K. Templeton, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Texas Instruments

Richard K. Templeton, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Texas Instruments, spoke about the future of semiconductors at a recent lecture.

Richard K. Templeton, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Texas Instruments, recently discussed the future of semiconductors as part of a Distinguished Lecture Series celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science.

Appropriately, Templeton gave his talk to a capacity audience in the Texas Instruments Auditorium. An overflow room also was filled with community members, alumni and industry professionals.

Templeton gave insight into the impact semiconductors will have on the future of technological development, namely in the industrial and automotive markets.

“What has driven tech for the last 30 or 40 years has been the introduction of new devices, from the personal computer to the smartphone,” Templeton said. “However, growth is stabilizing, and now we are looking to improve existing systems to make them smarter, safer, more energy efficient and more connected.”

This visit from Rich Templeton was especially meaningful as the Jonsson School is celebrating its anniversary. Any time the Jonsson School talks about its past or looks to its future, TI is always central to the conversation.

Dr. Mark W. Spong,
dean of the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science

Templeton pointed to the automotive industry as an example of how semiconductors will become essential to improving existing systems as cars today include features like backup cameras, parking assistance and other new, digital functionalities.

“We don’t need high growth in the automotive market, but the content inside these systems will continue to increase,” he said.

Templeton also said that a much more challenging environment awaits engineers going forward.

Dr. Mark W. Spong, dean of the Jonsson School, said that Templeton’s visit showcased how industry partnerships and industry-focused education drive the Jonsson School in its goal to become the economic engine of growth and innovation for North Texas.

“This visit from Rich Templeton was especially meaningful as the Jonsson School is celebrating its anniversary,” said Spong, the Lars Magnus Ericsson Chair in Electrical Engineering and the Excellence in Education Chair. “Any time the Jonsson School talks about its past or looks to its future, TI is always central to the conversation.”

During the lecture’s Q-and-A session, Pavel Bolshakov, a PhD candidate in materials science and engineering, asked Templeton what kind of engineering skills students need to develop to prepare for the future.

“Usually first coming out of school there’s a desire to continue with the depth of knowledge that you were working on during master’s or PhD work. But people who are curious about the world and how it works and how to make it better are the most successful ones,” Templeton said. “That curiosity will take you across applications, across technologies. It will take you deeper down into technologies to solve those problems. I’d recommend putting curiosity at the top of your capabilities.”

Templeton fielded questions from faculty and students on a range of topics — from semiconductor applications in bioengineering to control theory and robotics. He closed his talk by fielding a question from a senior electrical engineering student who introduced himself as a future TI employee.

“I’m really excited to be joining TI,” the student said. “As one of your employees, as a young professional, what are the right questions to be asking?”

Templeton advised the student to figure out how to best help the team forward.

“You’ll find out with amazing speed how you can help. People who want to make an impact go 100 miles per hour inside TI,” Templeton said.