RF Micro Devices is in for more defence collaboration and orders

RF Micro Devices is extending its collaboration with defence electronics manufacturer SELEX Galileo to develop high frequency GaAs MMIC solutions focused on SELEX Galileo's next generation of electronically-scanned (E-SCAN) phased array radar systems. SELEX Galileo and RFMD have collaborated in GaAs MMICs since signing a strategic cooperation agreement in May 2008.

RFMD has commenced production shipments to SELEX Galileo of GaAs MMIC chipsets for insertion into SELEX Galileo's surveillance and fire control radar systems. RFMD manufactures its high frequency GaAs MMIC process for SELEX Galileo on six-inch substrates at RFMD's UK-based high-volume GaAs wafer fab in Durham, UK.

Jeff Shealy, vice president and general manager of RFMD's Defense and Power business unit, said, "We are pleased to support SELEX Galileo's high frequency GaAs requirements using our GaAs technical expertise and high volume commercial wafer fab. We value our collaboration with SELEX Galileo and look forward to growing our relationship, while delivering world-class GaAs solutions for their advanced radar systems."

Added to the above, RF Micro Devices has also announced it has secured U.S. Department of Defense Contract of worth $3.2 million. This is related Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology, which includes materials, device fabrication and high power circuits.

Bob Bruggeworth, president and CEO of RFMD, said, "Given the superior performance characteristics of RFMD's GaN technology, we expect it to be a disruptive technology across a broad range of defense applications, including radar, communications and electronic warfare. RFMD's state-of-the-art GaN technology is also applicable to a growing number of commercial applications, such as public mobile radio, 3G/4G base stations, CATV line amplifiers, as well as exciting new applications in high performance RF lighting.

"Importantly, RFMD's GaN technology is manufactured in the same high-volume manufacturing facility as our industry-leading GaAs products, providing RFMD a measurable competitive advantage and enabling further improvement in RFMD's return on invested capital (ROIC)."