What we source
Rad-hard and space-grade ICs
Space and high-altitude programs need radiation-tolerant parts, often in quantities of one to ten for evaluation boards and engineering models. Those are the orders large channels find hardest to fill, and the ones we focus on.
Where this comes up
Rad-hard parts have long lead times because they are built and screened in small lots, sometimes only to order. A New Space team may need a few units to prove a design before committing to a flight buy, or a lab may need a spare for an engineering model. We look for existing traceable units first, and tell you plainly when the only real option is the manufacturer's next lot.
What we find
- Radiation-hardened logic and interface
- Rad-tolerant power regulators and converters
- Radiation-hardened memory and processors
- Space-qualified versions of standard parts
Specifications buyers ask for
- MIL-PRF-38535 class V and Q
- QML space (V) and military (Q) levels
- RHA designators
- the radiation hardness assurance level in an SMD part number
- Total ionizing dose (TID) and single-event effects (SEE)
- the radiation ratings to state in an RFQ
What to put in your RFQ
- Part number or SMD number, including the RHA designator
- Required total dose and single-event ratings
- Quantity, and whether engineering or prototype units are acceptable
- End use and destination country
Export classification comes first
Many radiation-hardened parts are export-controlled, and some fall under ITAR. We classify every part before we quote and decline ITAR-controlled items. Telling us the end use and destination up front lets us answer faster.
How we source
- Authorized stock first. We buy from authorized distributors wherever they hold stock.
- Manufacturer and OEM excess, with purchase paperwork back to an authorized source.
- Qualified independent sources only after they pass our questionnaire. Their parts are tested at an independent lab before they ship, unless you tell us in writing not to.
What ships with your order
- Blue Horizon certificate of conformance, signed
- Manufacturer and supplier paperwork back to the source
- Manufacturer lot and date codes, plus our internal lot code
- The test report, when parts were tested
One line per part is fine. We screen every customer and classify every part before quoting.