The Arkansas Research Institute for Electronics Systems (ARIES) aims to develop, produce and deploy next-generation power electronics, microelectronics and semiconductors.
Bringing together University of Arkansas 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 represents exactly the kind of high-impact research we are working to expand at the University of Arkansas,” said Chancellor Charles Robinson. “By bringing together exceptional researchers, advanced facilities and strong industry and government partnerships, we will accelerate innovation in critical technologies while creating new opportunities for Arkansas students, businesses and communities.”
ARIES will advance U.S. 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. 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,” said Alan Mantooth, Distinguished Professor of electrical engineering and executive director of ARIES. “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. ARIES is poised to become one of the “go-to” research institutes in the United States for electronics.”
Bringing together power electronics facilities at the forefront
ARIES brings some of the most advanced research facilities in the U.S. together to deliver research 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 is the nation’s only openly accessible, low-volume SiC integrated circuit fabrication facility, providing the opportunity for all American researchers to develop novel breakthroughs in the emerging wide bandgap semiconductor area.
HiDEC – The High-Density Electronics Center is a globally competitive core R&D facility whose electronics processing and packaging capabilities provide critical domestic resources and training for next-generation technology leadership.
NCREPT – The National Center for Reliable Electric Power Transmission, the most comprehensive university-based high-power test (6 MVA) facility in the U.S., 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,” said Margaret Sova McCabe, vice chancellor for research and innovation. “ARIES solidifies Arkansas and the U.S. as a launchpad for next-generation semiconductor and power electronics manufacturing.”
Workforce development is central to the ARIES mission
The research pillars and facilities are designed to make ARIES a talent engine preparing graduate and undergraduate students for high-demand, high-paying careers.
The tech-trained ARIES workforce will help power the state and nation’s growth in materials science, power electronics and semiconductors.
