LOWELL, Mass, 15 Sept. 2005. M/A-COM today announced that it has been chosen by the Office of Naval Research (ONR) to lead a one-year, $1.5 million program which will optimize the manufacturability of key components in the Navy's next-generation volume search radar.
M/A-COM will refine its patented High Voltage Multi-function Self-Aligned Gate (HVMSAG) MMIC process. An MMIC is a monolithic microwave/millimeter-wave integrated circuit.
"The purpose of this yield and performance optimization program is to identify the factors that currently inhibit cost reductions in the future production runs of this chip and establish design and processing approaches that can be used to eliminate the more expensive manufacturing steps," said Ken Conklin, a product manager at M/A-COM. "This will enable significantly higher performance power amplifiers than what is available today from traditional GaAs MMIC processes."
M/A-COM's proprietary HVMSAG process enables GaAs amplifiers to operate at 24 volts, providing higher power densities than other traditional MMIC processes. This enables the next generation of high performance radars to use a proven, reliable, low-cost MMIC production process. The MSAG and HVMSAG processes feature refractory gates that are insensitive to hydrogen poisoning, a thick polyimide scratch resistant top layer, and a selective ion implantation process that allows for multi-function capability for integration of digital logic with the analog circuitry.
M/A-COM's HVMSAG devices are capable of more output power per unit area than traditional GaAs MMIC processes. The resulting FETs permit the manufacture of more compact MMICs with a lower cost per watt. The resulting load line has higher impedance for a given power and is easier to match. The new devices will also simplify bias circuitry.
M/A-COM, Inc., a business unit of Tyco Electronics, is an established industry leader in the design, development and manufacture of radio frequency (RF), microwave and millimeter wave semiconductors, components and technologies for the wireless telecommunications, automotive, aerospace and military industries. Holding hundreds of patents in the field, M/A-COM is internationally known as an innovator and integrator whose technologies are found in some of today's most advanced signal intelligence and defense systems, as well as in leading automotive navigation, safety, and communications solutions. M/A-COM is also a major supplier of critical communications systems and equipment for public safety, utility, federal and select commercial markets. For more information, see www.macom.com.
Tyco Electronics, a business segment of Tyco International Ltd., is the world's largest passive electronic components manufacturer; a world leader in cutting-edge wireless, active fiber optic and complete power systems technologies; and a provider of premise wiring components and systems. Tyco Electronics provides advanced technology products from over 40 well-known and respected brands, including Agastat, Alcoswitch, AMP, AMP NETCONNECT, Buchanan, CII, CoEv, Critchley, Elcon, Elo TouchSystems, M/A-COM, Madison Cable, OEG, Potter & Brumfield, Raychem, Schrack and Simel. For more information, see www.tycoelectronics.com.
