Microchip's transistors meet military standards

In the United States, the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) oversees the global defence supply chain, collaborating with suppliers to ensure the high reliability of components used in end applications. 

Critical to manufacturing components for military use are rigorous tests and compliance standards necessary to be listed on the Quality Products List (QPL), which guarantees a certain reliability level and simplifies the procurement process.

These military-grade transistors are engineered to endure various radiation exposure levels and are part of the Joint Army Navy (JAN) designation system, which specifies components procured for military applications. These designations ensure that electronic components used in critical military and aerospace applications can reliably function in radiation-rich environments.

JAN Transistor Designations:

• JANSE Transistors (30 Krad): Withstand up to 30 Krad per unit of absorbed radiation dose.
• JANSK Transistors (50 Krad): Withstand higher radiation levels, up to 50 Krad.
• JANSU Transistors (100 Krad): The most radiation-resistant, capable of enduring up to 100 Krad.

Microchip's legacy in aerospace and defence spans 60 years, with dedicated fabs for semiconductor manufacturing and testing in these sectors. The company's facility in Ennis, Ireland, is a robust MIL-PRF-19500 screening and reliability testing site. Additionally, Microchip's fab in Lawrence, Massachusetts, is DLA certified with in-house ELDRS testing capabilities to MIL-STD-750, Test Method 1019. Microchip offers customers the flexibility to test to the designated Radiation Hardness Assurance (RHA) level according to program requirements for components and end applications.

“Through rigorous in-house testing at our Ennis and Lawrence facilities, our products are certified to operate with high performance and high reliability in harsh environments,” said Leon Gross, Vice President of Microchip’s discrete products group. “We are committed to developing and manufacturing products that ease the design process based on our customers’ specific requirements. Microchip was the first company to provide Total Ionizing Dose (TID) rated Radiation-Hardened Bipolar Junction Transistors (BJTs); now, we worked closely with the DLA to add testing for ELDRS characterisation.”