Intel Partnership Intended to Address Supply Chain Issues
BAE Systems has been awarded a $60million contract by the US Army to develop next-generation, radiation-hardened microelectronics, using chipmaker Intel‘s commercial capability, in order to provide onshore access in the US to state-of-the-art technology.
RHBD (radiation hardened by design) chips are not widely available within the US, leading to supply-chain delays holding up programmes in which they are required. Microelectronics with inherent environmental ruggedisation are required for spacecraft, in particular.
The deal sees the company’s R&D division, FAST Labs, partnering with Intel’s commercial Foundry Services division to create a new library of designs, which can then be used to develop next-generation, high-reliability microelectronics within the US, reducing the American government’s reliance on global supply chains. Also participating in the project are system-design provider Cadence Design Systems, Carnegie Mellon University, system-on-a-chip clock specialist Movellus, concept-to-foundry chip design firm Reliable MicroSystems, and Sandia National Laboratories.
Demand for semiconductor chips has significantly outstripped global supply since 2019, causing lengthy delays in the supply of many high-technology consumer items, from PC graphics cards to cars. In April 2021, investment bank Goldman Sachs published analysis that said at least 169 industries had been affected. The COVID-19 pandemic, combined with deterioration in the trade relationship between the United States and China, are considered to be the two primary causes of this shortage. The US administration has engaged with industry to try to resolve the crisis, and EU President, Ursula von der Leyen, said the bloc will seek to pass legislation to ensure sovereignty in chip production.
The type of components the US Army is buying from BAE are more specialised than those required by consumer manufacturers, but are subject to many of the same pressures on supply chains.
“Radiation-hardened electronics are highly specialised mission critical technology,” said Chris Rappa, Director of FAST Labs. “Leveraging Intel’s commercial foundry to manufacture this technology can speed up the production of next-generation technology and help resolve supply chain challenges so we can maintain our country’s technological edge.”
