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BAE SYSTEMS Modernises Radiation Hardening Capability

11 Nov 2003

The first 0.25 micron radiation-hardened transistor has been fabricated at BAE Systems newly upgraded microelectronics fabrication facility at Manassas, Virginia. This event is an important milestone in building a next generation of radiation-hardened electronics for future spacecraft, said George Nossaman, director of Space Systems and Electronics.

Nossaman called the advanced transistors production another successful step in our 20-year heritage of partnering with our customers to provide radiation-hardened components for advanced spacecraft electronics design. Previously, BAE Systems produced the RAD6000 processor chip. It contained more than one million transistors. With the foundry upgrade, well be building our RAD750 processor chip which will contain more than 11 million transistors, Nossaman said.

U.S. national security is increasingly dependent on space systems. Communications networks, surveillance capabilities and navigation systems rely heavily on satellites. A new generation of BAE Systems radiation-hardened electronics - more than ten times more capable than predecessors - will help to ensure that satellites launched over the next decade can both survive the rigors of space and meet the needs of national defence.

The 0.25 micron transistor was produced following the initial stage of the Manassas foundry upgrade. The foundry renovation will be completed in 2004 with the support of the U.S. Defense Departments (DoD) Accelerated Radiation Hardened Microelectronics Program. Initiated in 2001, the DoD program ensures highly specialised, radiation hardened components will continue to be available for future generations of U. S. space systems. The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), in partnership with the U. S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), manages the program.

The $91 million foundry upgrade consists of two co-ordinated projects. The first, managed by DTRA, establishes the complex semiconductor fabrication process. The second project, managed by AFRL, upgrades the tools and equipment that run the processes and physically fabricate the radiation hardened chips.

About BAE SYSTEMS:

BAE Systems is an international company engaged in the development, delivery, and support of advanced defence and aerospace systems in the air, on land, at sea, and in space. The company designs, manufactures, and supports military aircraft, surface ships, submarines, radar, avionics, communications, electronics, and guided weapon systems. It is a pioneer in technology with a heritage stretching back hundreds of years. It is at the forefront of innovation, working to develop the next generation of intelligent defence systems.

BAE Systems has major operations across five continents and customers in some 130 countries. The company employs more than 90,000 people and generates annual sales of approximately 12 billion through its wholly owned and joint-venture operations.

BAE Systems North America is a high-technology U.S. company employing more than 25,000 people who live and work in some 30 states, the District of Columbia, and the United Kingdom. The company is dedicated to solving its customers needs with highly innovative and leading edge solutions across the defence electronics, systems, information technology, and services arenas.

BAE Systems Information & Electronic Warfare Systems employs more than 5,700 people at ten major facilities in eight states. The business unit has major lines of business spanning electronic warfare and electronic protection, information warfare and a variety of mission electronics.