Microchip Adds Military-Standard Enhanced Low Dose Radiation Sensitivity (ELDRS) Qualification to Its Portfolio of Small-Signal Bipolar Junction Transistors to Ensure High Reliability for Critical Applications
Microchip has announced the qualification of its small-signal bipolar junction transistors to Military-Standard Enhanced Low Dose Radiation Sensitivity (ELDRS) requirements, including MIL-STD-750, Test Method 1019. This ensures they meet high-reliability standards for critical applications in military and aerospace sectors. The transistors, part of the Joint Army Navy (JAN) designation system, can withstand radiation exposure from 30 Krad to 100 Krad. Microchip's facilities in Ennis, Ireland, and Lawrence, Massachusetts, conduct rigorous testing to certify these components. The company's extensive 60-year legacy in aerospace and defense includes a broad portfolio of high-reliability solutions, serving approximately 123,000 customers.
- Qualification to Military-Standard Enhanced Low Dose Radiation Sensitivity (ELDRS) requirements.
- Transistors can withstand radiation exposure from 30 Krad to 100 Krad.
- In-house testing facilities in Ennis, Ireland, and Lawrence, Massachusetts.
- Extensive 60-year legacy in aerospace and defense.
- Broad portfolio of high-reliability solutions for aerospace and defense markets.
- None.
Insights
Microchip’s addition of Military-Standard Enhanced Low Dose Radiation Sensitivity (ELDRS) qualification to its small-signal bipolar junction transistors is quite significant. For investors, it's important to understand that military-grade components must meet stringent reliability standards to be used in aerospace and defense applications. These transistors, capable of withstanding radiation levels up to 100 Krad, ensure that critical military and aerospace systems can operate in radiation-rich environments.
Microchip’s robust testing facilities, especially their capabilities in Ennis, Ireland and Lawrence, Massachusetts, demonstrate a clear commitment to maintaining high standards of component reliability. This positions Microchip favorably in the defense sector, a market known for its high entry barriers and long-term contracts.
From a financial perspective, having components that meet such rigorous standards can lead to more stable and long-term revenue streams from defense contracts. It can also enhance Microchip's reputation, potentially leading to new opportunities in other high-reliability markets, such as space exploration and nuclear power systems.
However, investors should also consider the potential cost implications of maintaining such high testing and production standards, which could impact margins. The returns from these investments, while potentially lucrative, may take time to realize fully.
Microchip Technology's move to add ELDRS qualification reflects the company's strategic initiative to solidify its position in the aerospace and defense market. This market is characterized by long product development cycles, high regulatory requirements and significant governmental oversight. By achieving these qualifications, Microchip enhances its competitive edge, which is important in a sector where reliability and compliance are non-negotiable.
Given the company's long-standing presence and reputation in this field, this qualification could be seen as a natural progression. The inclusion of these high-reliability components in the Quality Products List (QPL) ensures streamlined procurement for defense contractors. This could potentially increase the demand for Microchip's products in existing and new defense programs.
Retail investors should note that while this development strengthens Microchip’s market position, the overall financial impact will depend on how these qualified components are adopted across various programs. The defense sector’s procurement cycles are long and subject to budgetary constraints, so the financial benefits might accrue over an extended period rather than immediately.
The Joint Army Navy (JAN) transistors tested up to 100 Krad at 10 mrad per second
CHANDLER, Ariz., June 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In the United States, the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) manages the global defense supply chain and works with suppliers to ensure high reliability of all the components that go into an end application. Integral to the manufacturing process of components designed for military applications are rigorous tests and compliance standards that must be met to make it on the Quality Products List (QPL), which guarantees a certain level of reliability and streamlines the procurement process. As a leading supplier to the aerospace and defense market, Microchip Technology (Nasdaq: MCHP) announces its portfolio of JAN transistors is now tested and qualified to Military-Standard Enhanced Low Dose Radiation Sensitivity (ELDRS) requirements including MIL-STD-750, Test Method 1019 and specifications such as MIL-PRF-19500/255, /291, /355, /376 and /391.
These military-grade transistors have been manufactured to withstand varying levels of radiation exposure and are part of the Joint Army Navy (JAN) designation system used to specify components procured for military applications. These designations ensure that electronic components used in critical military and aerospace applications can operate reliably in radiation-rich environments.
JAN Transistor Designations
- JANSE Transistors (30 Krad): Withstand up to 30 Krad per unit of absorbed radiation dose
- JANSK Transistors (50 Krad): Withstand higher levels of radiation, up to 50 Krad
- JANSU Transistors (100 Krad): The most radiation-resistant among these families, capable of enduring up to 100 Krad
Microchip’s legacy in aerospace and defense spans 60 years, with fabs dedicated to aerospace and defense semiconductor manufacturing and testing. The company’s fab in Ennis, Ireland, is a robust MIL-PRF-19500 screening and reliability testing facility. Microchip’s fab in Lawrence, Massachusetts, is DLA Certified with the capability to conduct in-house ELDRS to MIL-STD-750, Test Method 1019. Microchip provides the flexibility for customers to test to the designated Radiation Hardness Assurance (RHA) level depending on the program needs for the components and end application.
“Through rigorous in-house testing at our Ennis and Lawrence facilities, our products are certified to operate with high performance and high reliability in harsh environments,” said Leon Gross, vice president of Microchip’s discrete products group. “We are committed to developing and manufacturing products that ease the design process based on our customers’ specific requirements. Microchip was the first company to provide Total Ionizing Dose (TID) rated Radiation-Hardened Bipolar Junction Transistors (BJTs); now, we worked closely with the DLA to add testing for ELDRS characterization.”
Microchip has a broad portfolio of high-reliability solutions designed for the aerospace and defense market including Radiation-Tolerant (RT) and Radiation-Hardened (RH) MCUs, FPGAs and Ethernet PHYs, power devices, RF products, timing solutions, as well as discrete components from bare die to system modules. Additionally, Microchip offers a wide range of components on the QPL to better serve its customers. To learn more about Microchip’s aerospace and defense solutions, visit the website.
Resources and Support
The new families of JAN transistors are supported by comprehensive analysis, test reports and detailed data sheets.
Pricing and Availability
The families of JANSE (30 Krad), JANSK (50 Krad) and JANSU (100 Krad) transistors are now available. For additional information and to purchase, contact a Microchip sales representative, authorized worldwide distributor or visit Microchip’s Purchasing and Client Services website, www.microchipdirect.com.
Resources
High-res images available through Flickr or editorial contact (feel free to publish):
• Application image: www.flickr.com/photos/microchiptechnology/53744134673/sizes/l
About Microchip Technology:
Microchip Technology Inc. is a leading provider of smart, connected and secure embedded control solutions. Its easy-to-use development tools and comprehensive product portfolio enable customers to create optimal designs which reduce risk while lowering total system cost and time to market. The company’s solutions serve approximately 123,000 customers across the industrial, automotive, consumer, aerospace and defense, communications and computing markets. Headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, Microchip offers outstanding technical support along with dependable delivery and quality. For more information, visit the Microchip website at www.microchip.com.
Note: The Microchip name and logo, the Microchip logo are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Incorporated in the U.S.A. and other countries. All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective companies.
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