Semiconductor materials and microelectronic circuits

Microminiaturization developments in IC systems have dramatically increased the reliability and performance of electronic components while reducing their physical size and power requirements; these advancements have pervasively affected weapons systems design efforts. Built-in self-test circuitry has greatly reduced maintenance problems and improved overall systems reliability. Increasing circuit complexity has also led to a major expansion of key military operational capabilities for reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition. It is expected that Si-based ICs will continue to dominate high power solid-state switches in hypervelocity projectiles and beam weapons, while GaAs will remain the most commonly employed material in microwave and mm-wave devices for EW, radars, smart weapons, and communications.