El Comando de Contrataci\u00f3n del Ej\u00e9rcito de EE:UU de Rock Island otorg\u00f3 a BAE Systems un contrato de $60 millones para desarrollar microelectr\u00f3nica de pr\u00f3xima generaci\u00f3n, endurecida por radiaci\u00f3n. La microelectr\u00f3nica endurecida por radiaci\u00f3n se somete a un proceso para ser m\u00e1s resistente a la exposici\u00f3n a la radiaci\u00f3n y las temperaturas extremas que los productos de grado comercial, y son componentes ideales para los sistemas espaciales. Utilizada para respaldar capacidades que van desde sistemas de posicionamiento global hasta comunicaciones por sat\u00e9lite y aviones de combate, la microelectr\u00f3nica se ha convertido en una tecnolog\u00eda esencial para los esfuerzos de modernizaci\u00f3n del Pent\u00e1gono.<\/p>\n
The Army has contracted BAE Systems to help the service expand access to high-tech microelectronics in the United States.<\/p>\n
Army Contracting Command-Rock Island awarded the firm a $60 million contract to develop next-generation, radiation-hardened by design microelectronics, the company recently announced. The work completed under the contract could lead to U.S. defense and aerospace communities having better access to more advanced process nodes in the future, according to a BAE researcher.<\/p>\n
Used to support capabilities ranging from global positioning systems to satellite communications to fighter jets, microelectronics have become an essential technology for the Pentagon\u2019s modernization efforts. However, COVID-19 and a shift in production of microelectronics to places such as China have created supply chain woes for the defense industry.<\/p>\n
Radiation-hardened microelectronics undergo a process to be more resistant to exposure from radiation and extreme temperatures than commercial-grade products \u2014 ideal components for space systems, said Chris Rappa, director of BAE\u2019s FAST Labs research and development organization.<\/p>\n
The radiation hardening process also makes them more reliable, he added.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen you\u2019re talking about space \u2014 space electronics in particular \u2014 the idea of reliability is very important because you don\u2019t get to go up and swap out a processor when you\u2019ve launched a satellite,\u201d he said. \u201cYou have to launch an entirely new bus or an entirely new spacecraft.\u201d<\/p>\n
FAST Labs will partner with Intel Corp.\u2019s commercial foundry to produce the hardened microelectronics, according to a news release.<\/p>\n
\u201cLeveraging Intel\u2019s commercial foundry \u2026 can speed up the production of next-generation technology and help resolve supply chain challenges so we can maintain our country\u2019s technological edge,\u201d Rappa said in a statement.<\/p>\n
Specifically, Intel\u2019s foundry will give BAE access to small geometry technology nodes below 22 nanometers \u2014 a huge upgrade from the 45 nanometer process currently being used to develop radiation hardened by design microelectronics, Rappa said.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne of the differences when you talk about going into smaller nodes is that you get really huge advantages in performance,\u201d he said. \u201cThat allows you to put more processing power in space and allows you to do more up there with fewer launches.\u201d<\/p>\n