News: Microelectronics
29 September 2026
Arkansas Research Institute for Electronics Systems launched
The Arkansas Research Institute for Electronics Systems (ARIES) has been launched, with the aim to develop, produce and deploy next-generation power electronics, microelectronics and semiconductors that thrive in the most challenging environments.
Bringing together University of Arkansas (UA) researchers with track records of success in federal and industry collaboration, ARIES will advance research, innovation, workforce development and technology transition across critical electronics technologies.
ARIES will advance US and Arkansas innovation through its four research pillars:
- Power Electronics, including semiconductors;
- Cybersecurity and AI;
- Photonics;
- Radio Frequency and Microwave Technology.
“ARIES is the next logical step in the growth and progression of the UA Power Group [UAPG]. We have a proven track record of strong industry collaborations, delivering on ‘ARPA-hard’ projects (i.e. DARPA and ARPA-E) from a number of federal agencies, and producing highly sought-after talent,” says ARIES’ executive director Alan Mantooth, Distinguished Professor of Electrical Engineering.
“Adding the photonics and RF/microwave groups to UAPG brings a broad portfolio of electronics expertise from materials to systems all into one organization aimed at advancing the state of the art at both the fundamental and applied levels,” he adds. “ARIES is poised to become one of the ‘go-to’ research institutes in the United States for electronics.”
Research facilities
ARIES brings research facilities together to deliver capabilities from fabrication to prototyping and transition to industry and government use. Facilities include:
- MUSiC — The National Multi-User Silicon Carbide Research and Fabrication Laboratory (MUSiC) is the USA’s only openly accessible, low-volume SiC integrated circuit fabrication facility, providing the opportunity for all US researchers to develop novel breakthroughs in the emerging wide-bandgap semiconductor area.
- HiDEC — The High-Density Electronics Center (HiDEC) is a core R&D facility whose electronics processing and packaging capabilities provide critical domestic resources and training.
- NCREPT — The National Center for Reliable Electric Power Transmission (NCREPT), which is reckoned to be the most comprehensive university-based high-power test (6 MVA) facility in the USA, investigates solid-state solutions for electrified transportation and the electric power grid.
“The unique combination of world-class researchers and facilities makes ARIES a vertically integrated research ecosystem — from basic materials to electronic systems fabrication and testing — with quantum, security and energy applications,” says Margaret Sova McCabe, vice chancellor for research and innovation. “ARIES solidifies Arkansas and the US as a launchpad for next-generation semiconductor and power electronics manufacturing.”
University of Arkansas opens Multi-User Silicon Carbide Facility
