Rapid Radiation Hardened Prototyping of Obsolescent Military Satellite Microelectronics

In this program AET, Inc. will perform research and development with the objective of developing the capability to rapidly fabricate substitutes of radiation hardened microcircuits for use in future military satellites that may become obsolete during the acquisition cycle. The object is to develop a methodology for rapid prototyping of these obsolescent radiation hardened military microelectronics. We call this the Rapid Rad-Hard Prototyping Methodology. The outcome of this proposed SBIR program will be to minimize the impact of cost and schedule disruptions from obsolete parts. Special attention is being given to ensuring the part will work within the power supply range of the obsolete part, and will meet the input/output voltage and current requirements of circuits with which it communicates. Attention is also being given to speed compatibility with the obsolete and qualification of the replacement part. AET, Inc. is uniquely qualified to perform this work because of the long experience that its engineers and consultants have in military integrated circuit design and development with emphasis on radiation effects. In addition, AET, Inc. has developed a relationship with Texas Instruments to be both an engineering resource and silicon foundry for both Phase I and Phase II of this project. BENEFIT: The Phase I program proposed by AET, Inc. will produce an initial methodology for designing replacement parts for obsolete radiation hardened IC’s. This will have obvious benefits for commercial applications which also face the issue of obsolescence of electronic parts.