Updating the Navy's parts derating requirements and application manual to include GaAs-based components

The Microelectronics Component Engineering Branch at Crane Division, Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC/CD) is in the process of updating the Navy's Parts Derating Requirements and Application Manual for Navy Electronic Equipment (TE000-AB-GTP-O10). The military parts community has migrated from a Qualified Parts Listing (QPL) philosophy to a Qualified Manufacturers Listing (QML) and has also implemented the use of performance specifications. GaAs-based components are now being used in Navy electronic equipment and need to be included in TE000-AB-GTP-010. NSWC/CD's goal is to make this document as accurate as possible by seeking guidance from the GaAs-based component supplier community. This paper describes the work that is being performed in the area of GaAs-based components. The derating of a number of GaAs technologies are being addressed in the updated manual. The manual addresses failure mechanisms and derating parameters for three environmental categories, which are based upon MIL-HDBK-179 (Microcircuit Acquisition Handbook).