At every stage of the innovation cycle, stakeholders need to prove that new semiconductor materials or devices perform as expected. This is achieved through measurement, which plays a pivotal role in ensuring that devices meet practical application standards. Metrology—the science of measurement—is crucial for determining the physical properties and performance of semiconductor materials and devices.

When measurements differ between parts of the supply chain, it creates a lack of trust, financial losses and slows the pace of innovation. Ensuring that metrology and inspection practices are standardised, reproducible and comparable is critical to maintaining confidence and fostering innovation in the next generation of semiconductor technologies.

As the UK’s National Metrology Institute, the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) applies expertise across advanced telecommunications, energy, quantum, life-sciences and defence to support semiconductor supply chains. We deliver metrology services and develop novel characterisation standards (skills, techniques, and technology) to support UK innovation and manufacturing, working directly with industry, leading academics and policy makers. Our experts convene the UK semiconductor community to identify priorities in measurement and test capabilities to support growth and influence the development of international standards.

The integration of semiconductors into everyday systems and the convergence of critical technologies demands robust standards to ensure the security, safety and optimal performance of commercial products.

NPL plays a central role in establishing metrology standards that drive innovation within the UK semiconductor sector. By delivering highly accurate benchmarks, NPL supports manufacturers, safeguards end users and strengthens industrial confidence.  These standards not only shape technical capabilities but also advance developments in compound semiconductors, advanced materials and packaging technologies, positioning the UK as a leader in semiconductor metrology.

As the reference point for UK metrology, NPL convenes semiconductor ecosystems to uncover the measurement and test standards required to support national infrastructure. Through international collaborations and joint research initiatives, we align UK strengths with global priorities, enabling shared progress.

Through leadership in global pre-standards research, NPL provides UK industry with early access to emerging best practices and helps build trust in international supply chains. In 2025, NPL’s recommendations will be published and we will continue to work with industry to ensure consistent adoption of best practice across the UK and beyond.

ISPF Project - Setting Standards for Semiconductors

From November 2023 to March 2025, NPL was appointed to deliver the Project “Setting Standards for Semiconductors” as part of the International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF), a global collaboration to accelerate clean energy innovation. The project aimed to engage with national and international organisations to define requirements for standards in compound and advanced-material semiconductors.

UK focus  

As a result of direct consultation with over 150 stakeholders from industry (including non-government organisations such as NMI (Tech Works), CSAC, IfM Engage and many others), research and development (R&D) and academia, NPL identified a series of UK priorities for measurement characterisation capabilities and test standards for semiconductors. This research, gathered over two years of stakeholder engagement and a series of workshops, will be published in 2025.

NPL also launched the Measurement for Business (M4B) programme dedicated to semiconductor development in January 2024 to provide bespoke expertise that can accelerate product or service development and speed to market.  

International focus  

The international focus engaged with organisations in the US, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, positioning the UK as a leader in the development of measurement and test standards for semiconductors. In addition, this project also allowed NPL to extend engagement to EU countries via international networks such as VAMAS and the European Metrology Network on Advanced Manufacturing. 

Selected highlights as a result of the international activities: 

• Identified key international priorities through direct engagement (visits, discussions, workshops, etc) with hundreds of individuals from industry, R&D, academia and government across those countries  
• Increased influence, leadership and understanding of industry and R&D requirements, due to stronger interpersonal and institutional relationships  
• Increased awareness of UK’s expertise
• Initiated new technical collaborations 
• Supported numerous bilateral government to government international discussions and initiatives

A summary report of the UK priorities identified will be published on the NPL website and shared with the UK community to continue the dialogue and help inform future R&D activities within the UK and with international partners. The international focus has advanced UK knowledge and capability in semiconductor device testing, established the UK’s leading role in delivering a roadmap for international pre-standards research and stimulated the formation of a new Versailles Project on Advanced Materials and Standards (VAMAS) Semiconductors UK working group.  

NPL has unique measurement capabilities, research facilities and international expertise for supporting the UK semiconductor industry, including electrical, magnetic, optical, chemical, structural, thermal, and dimensional measurement parameters. These capabilities are available to our partners for contractual services, collaborative R&D, and through grant-funded schemes. We also engage collaborate with industrial and international partners to develop new standards and reference materials, as well as representing UK interests on technical standards committees.  

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