NSWC Crane holds ribbon cutting ceremony for new radiation-hardened microelectronics testing capability

NSWC Crane holds ribbon cutting ceremony for new radiation-hardened microelectronics testing capability

By Sarah K. Oh (ctr), NSWC Crane Corporate Communications

Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC Crane) held a ribbon cutting ceremony for a new radiation-hardened (rad-hard) microelectronics testing capability on July 31. The Short Pulse Gamma (SPG) system provides a prompt dose environment for microelectronics research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E).

"We are thrilled to have the ribbon cutting for the new Short Pulse Gamma system at NSWC Crane," said Dr. Angela Lewis, SES, the Technical Director at NSWC Crane. "This is a critical capability that will ensure continued resilience for the Department of Defense and the United States. Radiation-hardened microelectronics are a key enabling technology for Missile Defense, Nuclear Modernization, and Space missions. This new facility will provide important capacity to support testing for multiple, concurrent, and future nuclear modernization programs."

Crane has been doing radiation testing support for the Navy Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) for over 50 years. The Strategic Microelectronics Division provides subject matter expertise through test and evaluation capability for high-reliability, radiation-hardened microelectronics supporting our nation's Nuclear Deterrence, Missile Defense, and Space Systems. 

"I've been delighted with the technical expertise and dedication of our NSWC Crane teammates," said CDR Robert Blanchard, the Fire Control and Guidance Branch Head at SSP. "NSWC Crane's focus on extensive research, design, and test and evaluation equips the Navy with reliable real-world solutions to support the Navy's nuclear modernization efforts. Crane's dedicated team of experts is an essential contribution to SSP's programs."

Establishing the new SPG, also referred to as the "Bumblebee", capabilities at NSWC Crane will greatly enhance national ability to provide critically important strategic RDT&E data to systems designers and manufacturers and will substantially increase the national capability in this area. Additionally, this facility will provide important capacity to support testing for multiple, concurrent, and future nuclear modernization programs.  

"We are committed to develop the technologies and components necessary to meet our national requirements and to fund the qualification and production of these devices," said Dr. Dev Shenoy, the Principal Director for Microelectronics and Microelectronics Commons Executive Director at OUSD (R&E)/ASD(CT). "The development and standing up of the SPG facility are an important step toward validation and verification of this critical technologies in radiation environments. NSWC Crane has a strong understanding of radiation effects and expertise required in order to ensure proper execution of these deliverables."

The SPG system has several special features, including concrete to encase and provide a safe testing area, a test table that can hold up to 1-ton, electrical grounding options, Electro-Static Dissipative (ESD) interior floor to test cell, ESD certified workstation, and test cell and RF shield room that are environmentally controlled. The SPG is a compact, "second generation" Inductive Voltage Adding (IVA) technology, where the Pulse Forming Lines (PFLs) are charged directly instead of by intermediate stage of pulse compressions. This improved design makes it more compact.

"A capability like this is important and essential because it really does make us safer," said George Rumford, (SES), the Director of the Test Resource Management Center. "I'm ecstatic to have a partnership with Crane. We will continue to make improvements, modernizations, and add capabilities."

This new capability is the first phase in a multi-phase, $100M radiation modernization effort at NSWC Crane. The effort also includes an irradiator, flash x-ray, and a combined environment consisting of a 14-meV Fusion Neutron Source with a new Linear Accelerator. The radiation modernization effort will provide the full suite of strategic radiation environment requirements for microelectronics.

"Crane is important to the state of Indiana," said Chris Jeffers, the Vice President for Defense Business Development at the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. "All of the scientists, engineers, staff, and contractors, the incredible work Crane does here protecting our nation, the industry and impact at WestGate…there's momentum really happening. But it really comes down to the people that are here. There's a legacy here."

About NSWC Crane | NSWC Crane is a naval laboratory and a field activity of Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) with mission areas in Expeditionary Warfare, Strategic Missions and Electromagnetic Warfare. The warfare center is responsible for multi-domain, multi- spectral, full life cycle support of technologies and systems enhancing capability to today's Warfighter.

Join Our Team! NAVSEA employs a diverse, highly trained, educated, and skilled workforce - from students and entry level employees to experienced professionals and individuals with disabilities. We support today's sophisticated Navy and Marine Corps ships, aircraft, weapon systems and computer systems. We are continuously looking for engineers, scientists, IT and cyber specialists, as well as trade and other support professionals to ensure the U.S. Navy can protect and defend America. Please contact NSWC Crane Human Resources at [email protected].