An assessment of the impact of the Department of Defense very high speed integrated circuit program

The technical and economic effects of the Department of Defense's (DoD) development program for very-high-speed integrated circuits (VHSIC) are examined. The probable effects of this program on the domestic aspects and international position of the integrated-circuit (IC) industry as they relate to the interests of the general public and the DoD are considered. The report presents a review of the unique DoD needs that motivate VHSIC research and development; an estimate of the degree of which these needs are likely to be met by the VHSIC program; a discussion of the effects of the program's demands for manpower, materials, and design and processing technologies; the problems connected with the program's technology export controls; and an assessment of the impact of the program on the structure of the U.S. integrated-circuit industry, its continued development and production of civilian consumer products, and its international competitive position.