IFOS Joins Prestigious Microelectronic Hub
IFOS is proud to announce our membership in the ASU Southwest Advanced Prototyping (SWAP) Hub, one of the eight strategic hubs of the Microelectronic Commons established under the 2023 CHIPS and Science Act. This national network is dedicated to advancing onshore microelectronics hardware prototyping, facilitating lab-to-fab transitions of semiconductor technologies, and enhancing workforce training within the semiconductor industry. With this membership, IFOS also continues our affiliation with the California-Pacific-Northwest AI Hardware Hub at Stanford University and the Silicon Crossroads Microelectronics Commons (SCMC) Hub.
A Regional Ecosystem for Innovation in Microelectronics and Defense
Led by Arizona State University (ASU), the SWAP Hub is a critical component of the Department of Defense’s Microelectronics Commons. This initiative aims to accelerate the development and production of microelectronics technologies crucial for U.S. security and defense. The SWAP Hub was launched with an initial DoD investment of $39.8 million, making it one of the pioneering projects funded under the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, designed to rejuvenate America’s semiconductor manufacturing capabilities and competitiveness.
SWAP Hub’s Role and Capabilities
ASU spearheads the SWAP Hub’s efforts by bringing together stakeholders from various sectors. With over 130 regional and national partners, the SWAP Hub aims to accelerate the transition from research and development to production and to develop a future-ready microelectronics workforce through comprehensive curriculum development, learning opportunities, and job pathways. ASU coordinates these activities and optimizes the human, physical, and digital capabilities of its partners to deliver maximum value to the DoD and advance national security priorities.
Strategic Focus Areas
The SWAP Hub encompasses six key capability areas and focuses on developing prototypes for national defense in three priority areas:
Priority Areas:
- Artificial Intelligence Hardware
- 5G/6G Wireless Technology
- Commercial Leap-Ahead Technologies
Other Capability Areas:
- Electromagnetic Warfare
- Secure Edge Computing and IoT
- Quantum Technology
Partnering with the SWAP Hub
The SWAP Hub’s partners include leading semiconductor manufacturers, defense firms, national laboratories, top academic institutions, and numerous innovative startups. Partners benefit from access to state-of-the-art facilities, advanced equipment and tools, and expert support from ASU and the broader SWAP Hub network. Additionally, the Hub offers opportunities for collaboration on DoD-funded projects and access to unique proposal calls.
High Fidelity Execution and Innovation
ASU brings sophisticated, mature management systems for working with industry and DoD clients to the SWAP Hub. The university’s extensive experience in managing large-scale federal projects and complex sub-awards ensures the rigor and quality of SWAP projects. ASU’s capabilities include classified work execution, enabling the Hub to handle projects requiring security clearance.
Split-Fab Innovation
A distinctive feature of the SWAP Hub is its “split fab” relationship between ASU and Sandia National Laboratories. Sandia specializes in the fabrication of radiation-hardened CMOS wafers, while ASU manages the back-end processing customized for CMOS+X at its MacroTechnology Works semiconductor fab. This synergy enhances the Hub’s ability to develop and optimize new materials and processes, supported by over $500 million in private sector and state investments, including a significant contribution from ASU, Applied Materials, and the Arizona Commerce Authority.
Key Facilities and Expertise
ASU Key Capabilities:
- MacroTechnology Works (MTW) facility
- Materials-to-Fab Center (MTF) partnership with Applied Materials
- ASU Core Facilities for advanced research and project execution
- Industry-scale operations with 300 mm tools
Sandia Key Capabilities:
- Microsystems Engineering, Science, and Applications (MESA) Complex
- Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies (CINT)
- Secure, export-controlled facilities capable of handling classified materials
- High flexibility and agility in low volume, high mix work environments
Driving National Security and Innovation
The SWAP Hub leverages cutting-edge tools and world-class expertise across its workflow—from prototype design to demonstration. By driving performance in six unique capability areas and focusing on three cross-cutting themes, the Hub ensures the trust, reliability, and development of microelectronics tailored to the needs of the DoD.
Cross-Cutting Themes:
- Trusted and Assured Microelectronics
- Rad-Hard/Extreme Environment Reliability
- Workforce Development
Engagement Benefits
Membership in the SWAP Hub provides access to ASU Core Facilities, faculty experts, and collaboration with over 130 diverse Hub members. Partners can engage in exclusive networking events, leverage teaming and funding opportunities, and benefit from workforce development and employee upskilling initiatives.
Stronger Together
IFOS’s membership in the ASU SWAP Hub underscores our commitment to advancing microelectronics technology and contributing to national security. By partnering with the SWAP Hub, IFOS joins a prestigious network dedicated to innovation, collaboration, and excellence in the semiconductor industry.