Austin - DMEA CRADA

Austin Semiconductor, Inc. signs CRADA with Defense Microelectronics Activity

Austin, TX, November 15, 1999 --- Austin Semiconductor, Inc. (ASI), has signed a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the Defense Microelectronics Activity (DMEA) to support the new DMEA “flexible foundry”.

This foundry is being formed to support obsolete 5V semiconductors that the commercial industry has abandoned in the pursuit of newer 3.3V technology. ASI has signed an agreement to handle packaging, testing, and distribution of hybrid and monolithic parts. This program is part of the U.S. Department of Defense’s diminishing manufacturing sources (DMS) program. ASI is one of several semiconductor manufacturers who are working together to support these integrated circuits necessary for weapon systems.

“This agreement is an effort to build a partnership with Austin Semiconductor,” said Doug Casanova, chief of the microelectronics technology branch at DMEA. “The after market industry is a key factor in handling the DMS issue for the Department of Defense.”

The program was implemented after the commercial semiconductor industry proved unwilling to produce parts for the low-volume, long-product-cycle military market. However, due to cost considerations, military officials will not consider redesigning their systems to accommodate the new 3.3-volt parts.

According to DMEA officials, production is set to start this December using the CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) process at feature sizes of 1-micron. Plans are for the facility to begin production using a 0.6-micron process by the end of 2000 and to be at 0.35-micron by 2001.

ASI is a full QML certified, ISO registered company. ASI brings state of the art components and electro-mechanical sub-assemblies to their customers through a broad line of hi-rel and COTS products composed of standard and specialty memory, digital and analog solutions in a wide array of ceramic and plastic packages. ASI also offers DMS services and obsolescence support, radiation tolerant products for satellite and space applications, ECL, Transmitter and Receiver chips. ASI designs, develops and manufactures these products for the global hi-rel marketplace.

For more information on ASI product and services, contact Steve Fuller (512) 719-7251 or email him at stevef@austinsemiconductor.com, visit their Web site at www.austinsemiconductor.com.