M/A-COM Technology Solutions Inc of Lowell, MA, USA (which makes analog semiconductors, components and subassemblies for analog, RF, microwave and millimeter-wave applications) says that its wafer fabrication facility in Lowell has been accredited by the US Department of Defense (DoD) as a Category 1A Trusted Foundry.
Such accreditation distinguishes MACOM as a trusted manufacturer of integrated circuits for classified and unclassified US military and aerospace applications. The Category 1A designation is conferred to microelectronics vendors exhibiting the highest levels of process integrity and protection.
Administered by the Defense Microelectronics Activity (DMEA) organization on behalf of the DoD, the Trusted Foundry program is designed to ensure the trustworthiness of electronic components used for critical national security systems. The program provides a means for the DoD to assess the integrity and confidentiality of IC design and manufacturing processes, establishing stringent requirements spanning chain of custody assurance, supply continuity, and anti-tampering and anti-reverse engineering measures.
The Trusted Foundry program ensures that the US government has guaranteed access to specialized, high-performance components. MACOM says that its wafer fab is suited to meet this requirement, supporting high-diversity fabrication and niche process variants offering the high-performance characteristics that many DoD applications demand.
“Today’s customers demand supply options as the RF and microwave industry faces increased consolidation,” says MACOM senior VP & general manager Suja Ramnath. “Receiving Trusted Foundry accreditation reinforces MACOM’s experience, commitment and expertise in servicing the aerospace and defense market. It acknowledges the work we have been doing for the last six decades and ensures that our customers enjoy the same level of trusted quality and supply for years to come.”
