MESA and Cutting-Edge Chip Innovation

Sandia has a long-standing track record in semiconductor research, driven by its Microsystems Engineering, Science and Applications (MESA) facility and state-of-the-art cleanrooms dedicated to next-generation technologies. Through partnerships within the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC), Sandia aims to boost U.S. semiconductor manufacturing and R&D, strengthen national security production, and spark innovations that give the nation a competitive edge on the global stage.

Figure 1. Sandia Taps Chiplet Tech to Drive AI and Quantum Breakthroughs.

“The big goal is to strengthen capabilities,” said Monson. “Industry is moving fast, so we are keeping pace with every development and integrating what helps us deliver more efficiently on our national security mission. It’s about finding innovative ways to partner and speed up the process.” Figure 1 shows Sandia Taps Chiplet Tech to Drive AI and Quantum Breakthroughs.

Chip Shortages and Global Competition

The pandemic exposed the fragility of the chip supply chain, leaving car dealerships empty and manufacturing lines halted while companies waited for crucial components.

“An average car contains about 1,400 chips, and electric vehicles use more than 3,000,” noted Rick McCormick, Sandia’s senior scientist for semiconductor technology strategy and a leader in the lab’s expanded role. “Globally, other nations are investing more than $300 billion to dominate semiconductor manufacturing. The U.S. CHIPS Act is our way of ‘keeping up with the Joneses.’ One goal is to ensure the U.S. controls over 25% of global capacity for state-of-the-art chips by 2032.”

Next-Generation Chips and Chiplet Innovation

“More than $12 billion in research and development is planned under the CHIPS Act, including a $3 billion program to create an ecosystem for packaging assemblies of chiplets,” explained McCormick. “These chiplets communicate at low energy and high speed, functioning as if they were a single, large, and expensive chip.”

This modular approach is already used in cutting-edge commercial AI processors. By leveraging Sandia’s capabilities and partnerships, the technology can be extended to benefit smaller companies and critical national security applications. MESA is already producing high-reliability chiplet assemblies for the U.S. nuclear stockpile and nonproliferation efforts.

Building the Semiconductor Workforce

McCormick also emphasized the urgent need to train the workforce that will power this next era of manufacturing. Billions have been invested in new fabrication facilities—but they all require skilled STEM talent.

“There’s a looming crisis,” McCormick warned. “The Semiconductor Industry Association estimates the U.S. will need 60,000 to 70,000 more workers. We have to help engage the STEM workforce. That will also strengthen Sandia’s own staffing pipeline.”

Sharing Facilities and Driving Tech Transfer

As an NSTC member, Sandia will open select facilities to other partners, encouraging collaboration and innovation. Technology transfer has long been central to Sandia’s mission, and this effort will not only help private companies expand their industry presence but also allow Sandia to deepen its impact in advancing national security and semiconductor leadership.

Source: SciTECHDaily

Cite this article:

Priyadharshini S (2025), Sandia Harnesses Chiplet Technology to Advance AI and Quantum Computing, AnaTechMaz, pp.345