Radiation-Hardened Semiconductors

Honeywell (Phoenix, AZ) has opened a new semiconductor foundry in Plymouth, MN, where the industry's first radiation-hardened, 150-nm application specific integrated circuits (ASIC) will be produced. The computer chips are designed for use in military and aerospace systems.

"Honeywell will begin producing the smallest, highest performance radiation-hardened integrated circuits (IC) available," said Ed Wheeler, vice president and general manager of Honeywell's Defense & Space Electronic Systems business. "This technology will enable advanced flight control and navigation systems, satellite data processing, high speed communications, and space-based radar equipment."

The chip feature size of 150 nm equates to six millionths of an inch and allows designers to place nearly four-times more transistors on an IC than previous generation technology, significantly increasing data computing volume and speed. Honeywell's radiation-hardened ICs are produced using silicon-on-insulator technology and can withstand the extreme operating environments of space.

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