Key requisites for applications in aerospace is a CMOS process which shows good radiation hardness and a manufacturing line proven for high quality processing.
• With first silicon proven tests of Tesat-Spacecom in the LFoundry production line, the radiation hardness could be proven on transistor level with values of zero leakage up to tested TID of 300krad as example for the 0,15µm 1.8V LFoundry process.
• The basis for high quality production is set through the automotive certification of the manufacturing plant.
Furthermore, the RF characteristics up to 85GHz of LFoundries 0.15µm process is well suited for Tesat’s active RF products working at frequencies between 1.5GHz and 60GHz. The recently released HV options through the LDMOS technology is another benefit where LFoundry can support Tesat-Spacecom product designs.
“As leading semiconductor manufacturing service provider in Europe, LFoundry’s goal is to support strategically important industrial areas. Having Tesat-Spacecom, a global player for RF products in the spacecom market, as our new partner and customer, we are proud to support a leading European microelectronics provider with our local service and in addition show our strong technology capability by being approved through Tesat’s thorough quality regulation process,” said Michael Lehnert, CEO of LFoundry.
“For our products we need a high performance in reliability – up to 15 years lifetime in orbit – and a semiconductor device with proven radiation hardness. With an automotive certified manufacturing line, LFoundry has a proven record for the basic reliability requirement of our products and has already passed first radiation hardness tests. The dedicated customer commitment, fast reaction time towards our needs and flexible cooperation approach during our initial joint testing program has convinced us to further proceed with LFoundry in developing our next generation products with their foundry manufacturing process,” said Erich Auer, CTO of Tesat-Spacecom.
LFoundry is a leading analog / mixed signal silicon foundry with a 200 mm production line based in Landshut, Germany, providing access to manufacturing services down to advanced analog 0,15 ?m CMOS technologies with innovative extensions. Based in the heart of Europe, LFoundry is in an excellent position to support a wide portfolio of applications, especially when it comes down to high flexibility and the customization of
technologies.
Tesat-Spacecom GmbH & Co KG, a subsidiary of EADS Astrium GmbH, located in Backnang near Stuttgart (Germany), is a medium-sized enterprise employing about 1000 staff and generating sales of EUR 175 million (2009). Tesat-Spacecom is the European leader in the field of communication satellite equipment; the product spectrum ranges from overall payloads, aggregates and equipment, to parts procurement of Hi-Rel components. Due to its position in the commercial satellite market with its most challenging quality standards, Tesat-Spacecom´s products have become first-choice also for numerous defence and security related space programmes in Germany, Europe and in the U.S.