Qualified manufacturer's list (QML)-a new approach for qualifying ASICs

The task of device qualification becomes more arduous when the process is applied to application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) where quick turn-around and low volumes are involved. These problems have been addressed by developing a process oriented system where the disciplines of design, fabrication, assembly, and test for a given technology are certified and qualified instead to individual devices. This approach, defined in MIL-I-38535 General Specifications for Integrated Circuits Manufacturing, is an outgrowth of the RADC Generic Qualification Program. Manufacturers who successfully complete the requirements will be listed on a qualified manufacturer's listing (QML) and all products built and tested on the QML flow will be qualified for use in military systems. The QML requirements address all types of integrated circuits. Issues of certifying testability/fault coverage capabilities, cell libraries, design and electrical rules, and design flow procedures are detailed. The concept is being expanded to encompass linear design, space-critical, and radiation-hardened requirements and GaAs fabrication, design, and test procedures.<>