Shows
Spirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 67: High-Rel Crystal Oscillators for Space and Military Applications with Q-Tech’s Fred WolffIn this episode, Marti speaks with Fred Wolff, Business Development Manager at Q-Tech, to discuss their industry heritage and advanced product roadmap as a leading U.S. manufacturer of high-reliability crystal oscillators for military and space applications.
Q-Tech was the first company to commercially manufacture hybrid crystal oscillators for the MIL-PRF-55310 QPL in 1972. Since then, Q-Tech has created a wide range of high-reliability oscillators used in multiple space and satellite missions, as well as defense avionics.
Hybrid crystal oscillators combine a quartz crystal with semiconductor devices for superior frequency control and timing. Q-Tech’s product ma...2025-03-2516 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 66: Micro-SEL Detection for Power Reliability and Data Integrity with Zero-Error SystemsIn this episode, Marti is joined by Rajan Rajgopal, CEO of Zero-Error Systems (ZES) to discuss their cutting-edge power reliability and data integrity products, including the Latchup Detection and Protection (LDAP) IC for unmatched micro-SEL protection, and how these solutions are revolutionizing the New Space industry.
From its origins at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Singapore and subsequent founding in 2019, to flight heritage with a series of launches 2021–2023 and three upcoming missions in 2025 with NASA, Kyutech, and COSPAR, ZES’ meteoric rise in the world of New Space can be characterized by two words: market disruptor.
At the...2025-02-1333 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 65: Spirit's Expanded CCA Line with SMT Engineering Manager Brendan CourtneyIn this episode, Marti sits down with Spirit SMT Engineering Manager Brendan Courtney to discuss the newly expanded CCA line.
Brendan brings over 30 years of experience in the field and has been instrumental in Spirit’s push to become a leader in high-quality, custom board builds for aerospace and defense. The newly updated automated CCA line opens the door to more challenging and complicated processes. Listen in on Marti and Brendan as they discuss the line’s new production capabilities and challenges, and the many exciting opportunities and projects Spirit is now ready to tackle.
To le...2025-01-2815 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 64: NOVI Space-Edge Onboard Computing Solutions for DOD & New SpaceIn this episode, Marti sits down with NOVI President and Co-Founder Amit Mehra and CEO Michael Bartholomeusz to discuss how NOVI onboard edge computing modules streamline satellite data analysis and transmission.
NOVI’s innovative computing solutions leverage advanced artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) algorithms to analyze and relay only essential and relevant data from the satellite to the ground user. On-board processing reduces massive data exchanges and streamlines data applications.
NOVI is Spirit’s first franchised module and subsystem line dedicated to advancing space and satellite programs. Spirit’s tailored engineeri...2024-12-1139 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 63: EPC's Alex Lidow: GaN Applications and Reliability from Ground to SpaceEPC's Gallium Nitride (GaN) products have transformed the industry since Spirit first partnered with EPC on franchised distribution 6 years ago. EPC CEO Alex Lidow returns to the podcast to talk with Marti about GaN's growth in space, automotive, and AI.
With space flight heritage and active products in all orbits from LEO to GEO to Mars, GaN has superior radiation resilience for satellites, data gathering, and exploration. For more info on EPC @ Spirit Electronics, visit SpiritElectronics.com/linecard/epc.
2024-12-0425 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 62: The Next Chapter in New Space: Jim Cantrell and the Phantom Space StoryIn this episode, Marti interviews Co-Founder and CEO Jim Cantrell on his history in the space industry and the trajectory of satellite and launch vehicle builder Phantom Space. Jim's backstory connects the industry's government space age heritage with the shift to Low-Earth orbit satellite launches and data collection applications among private and commercial launch companies.
Jim and Marti also discuss the value of the Arizona workforce, technology ecosystem and space industry. Phantom Space is headquartered in Tucson, AZ, making space more accessible through satellite manufacturing, their Daytona launch system, and space-data applications. Find out more a...2024-10-2333 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 61: State of the Semiconductor Industry with Spirit Electronics VP Zef MalikIn this episode, Spirit VP Zef Malik joins Marti for a conversation about the driving forces and trends to watch in the semiconductor industry.
Zef and Marti discuss:
Geopolitical influences on semiconductor manufacturing in the US
Domestic manufacturing goals & local impacts
Workforce & resources for semiconductor manufacturing
Manufacturing automation & impact of AI
For more information about Spirit's OSAT (Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly & Test) solutions, including foundry services, visit SpiritElectronics.com.
2024-09-1818 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 60: ISOCOM Optoelectronics and Solid-State Relays for Space Applications with Thomas BayatIn this episode, ISOCOM CEO and Managing Director Thomas Bayat shares background on the company's product offerings for commercial space and satellites.
From solid state relays that replace mechanical relays to optocouplers, ISOCOM products have a long running space heritage, including some products still functional on the International Space Station today.
Marti and Thomas discuss product design, radiation testing, and ISOCOM's innovative flexibility when it comes to designing products, including custom LED assemblies with nuclear energy and space applications.
ISOCOM is an optoelectronics and microelectronics design and man...2024-08-2119 min
DIB InnovatorsEP 19 — Spirit Electronics’ Marti McCurdy on Inspiring the Next Generation in STEMOn this week's episode of the DIB Innovators podcast, David speaks with Marti McCurdy, CEO of Spirit Electronics. Marti shares her remarkable journey from serving in the Air Force to leading an aerospace and defense company. She discusses the challenges she faced and overcame, the importance of fostering innovation within her industry, and her dedication to engaging the younger generation in STEM fields.
Marti emphasizes the value of a strong network and the critical role of teamwork in driving success. She also offers her strategies for creating a strong, collaborative company culture. Marti also touches on...2024-08-0120 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 59: Field Applications for High-Reliability Electronics with Purchasing Coordinator Travis IrelandSpirit's Purchasing Coordinator Travis Ireland has been a soldier in the Army National Guard for 11 years. In this episode, Travis talks with Marti about seeing components and end applications for microelectronics in the field. As a veteran-owned company, Spirit is often in touch with the impact our products have on our national defense missions and service members in the field. Travis's experience makes our supply chain logistics a personal connection to the mission, while purchasing and logistics work in the supply chain lets him offer a unique skill and perspective in the National Guard.
Learn m...2024-03-2011 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 58: Radiation Sample Preparation Services @ Spirit ElectronicsSpirit has managed and performed radiation testing, but with our addition of device analytical services such as DPA (destructive physical analysis), we also have the ability to prepare sample components.
In this episode, Marti and producer Alyssa discuss what is involved with sample preparation for radiation testing and how it fits into Spirit's end-to-end supply chain solutions.
2024-03-0611 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 57: Spirit Launches E-Commerce Cart for High-Reliability Components & Texas Instruments Store AccessMarti rolls out Season 4 with a new shopping cart feature for e-commerce on Spirit's website. Senior Director of Technology Megan Downie and Warehouse Associate Josh Rolin join her to discuss how e-commerce will work through the Spirit website.
Spirit's shopping cart integrates with the Texas Instruments store to offer both Spirit and TI stock to our customers online. The site will feature streamlined stock search, secure checkout, and streamlined delivery. Visit SpiritElectronics.com and click on the cart icon to start your high-rel component shopping spree.
2024-02-2110 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 56: Customer Relationships with Spirit’s Steve Kruse & Jason BrandsmaSpirit Account Rep Steve Kruse's perspective is that if you work to make someone's job easy, they'll want to work with you. You'll rise to the top among your customers. And as his fellow Spirit Account Rep Jason Brandsma shares, Spirit has been recognized for this high-touch support by some of our prime customers this past year.
Steve and Jason talk with Marti about Spirit's component distribution business and what has helped to build the best customer relationships this year. They look at trends in the supply chain, the importance of buyer support, and the b...2023-11-1512 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 55: Export Compliance for the Semiconductor Supply Chain with Quality Director Estefania RomeroThe Spirit Electronics Quality department manages all major compliance programs in support of business operations. So it's no surprise that Quality Director Estefania Romero is an expert in export control.
In this episode Estefania and Marti discuss Spirit's compliance and sales support for export controlled components under both ITAR and EAR. The program supports national security goals while protecting suppliers and coordinating with customer programs and end-use assessments.
With our expansion of services to include TI foundry access, Spirit continues to grow security and business programs to support American-based manufacturing.
2023-09-2612 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 54: Smarter Supply Chain: BOM Management & Automation with Purchasing Director Kelly KrallIn this episode, Spirit's Director of Purchasing Kelly Krall talks with Marti about supplier management and automation.
With lead times and prices constantly shifting in the post-covid supply chain, Kelly has found that the key to meeting customer requirements is communication and insight around delays and changes. Her purchasing team coordinates information between customers and the supply chain while looking for solutions like BOM management and drop-in replacements.
Kelly shares how Spirit's new AI automated reporting A.L.I.C.E. provides real-time data to customers with order status, expected delivery da...2023-08-3016 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 53: Inventory Management Trends: Above and Beyond SMI after AllocationAs an authorized distributor, Spirit has supported some award-winning SMI programs over the years, but Director of Technical Sales Sean Macdonald covers the major supply chain changes and service shifts we've seen in the past 5 years.
Supplier-Managed Inventory (SMI) has typically looked at materials forecasts and ordering in advance to make sure parts are available when you need them on the assembly line. But with allocation, supply chain disruptions, and inflation, Spirit has been able to adjust ordering and inventory services to:
Secure the product pipeline
Guarantee pricing amid inflation and increases
Ma...2023-07-2520 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 52: DPA & Construction Analysis: Spirit Electronics Acquires Insight Analytical LabsCEO Marti McCurdy and VP Zef Malik share the news that Spirit Electronics has acquired Insight Analytical Labs in Colorado Springs, adding the IAL team and services under the Spirit full-turnkey umbrella.
The move adds Destructive Physical Analysis (DPA) and broader construction and device analysis capabilities, crucial services in the military-aerospace industry. Not only does the team perform DPA to MIL standards, but they bring 30+ years of process and experience to Spirit Electronics.
Marti & Zef discuss the roadmap and positioning of DPA and device analysis, as well as how Spirit's testing se...2023-07-1020 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 51: Small Business Banking for Growth and AZ Economic Trends with Gary NaquinMarti shares her three MVPs as a small business CEO: her attorney, her CPA and her banker. In this episode, Marti talks small business banking with Gary Naquin, Senior Vice President of Corporate Banking at MidFirst.
Gary shares his outlook about bank stability, inflation and economic influences currently shaping the future of the economy in Arizona and the Phoenix Metro area.
Spirit Electronics is a veteran-owned, woman-owned small business. In the past 5 years, we have grown significantly in revenue, team and facility. Learn more about our corporate story here. For more ab...2023-06-2724 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 50: ASIC Qualification & Radiation Testing with Triad Semiconductor’s Jim KemerlingJim Kemerling, Founder and Chief Technology Officer at Triad Semiconductor, joins Marti for an episode about Triad's analog and mixed-signal ASICs and the process of qualifying them for radiation and harsh environments. Triad Semiconductor specializes in analog and mixed-signal ASICs. Marti and Jim discuss Triad's via-configurable arrays that offer flexibility in programming.
You can find out more about Spirit Electronics' ASIC and foundry services at spiritelectronics.com/services/asic.
2023-06-1317 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 49: EPC’s Progress in GaN Reliability in RadHard and New Space ApplicationsIn this episode, Marti chats with EPC's CEO Alex Lidow and Marketing Director Renee Yawger about the progress of GaN. They discuss GaN's performance under high radiation as well as the extensive testing, failure modes and device lifespan detailed in EPC's Phase 15 reliability report.
With the full potential of GaN still to be explored and new EPC products releasing frequently, including new half-bridge drivers, low-side drivers and full power stage, GaN is especially useful in New Space and commercial space applications.
Spirit Electronics is an authorized distributor for EPC GaN products. Fi...2023-05-3023 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 48: Brain Tumor Awareness Month with Catherine Ivy & the Ivy Brain Tumor CenterMay is Brain Tumor Awareness Month, and Catherine Ivy joins Marti to share her story and the Ivy Brain Tumor Center's work toward effective brain tumor treatment.
Catherine Ivy is the founder of the Ben & Catherine Ivy Foundation and the Ivy Brain Tumor Center at Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, AZ. The Ivy Brain Tumor Center has pioneered Phase 0 Clinical Trials to redesign the process around researching effective treatment for brain tumors.
Catherine shares the story of her husband's diagnosis and the devastating discovery that treatment was limited and challenging. The Iv...2023-05-0927 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 47: Sustainability Ideas for Small Business in Aerospace & DefenseIn celebration of Earth Day 2023, Spirit is highlighting all of the ways that we have been pursuing sustainable operations. Even as a small business, we believe that every little action adds up.
Green-minded Director of Technical Sales Sean Macdonald joins Marti for this episode on Spirit's Sustainable small business activities. From growing and harvesting an employee garden to automating our facility and composting paper towels, listen for ideas on how even small changes can support a sustainable supply chain and team well-being.
For more about Spirit's sustainability program, visit our sustainability pa...2023-04-1918 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 46: Bonus Episode with Spirit Gives: Basket Gifting FundraiserIn this bonus episode, Marti & Alyssa talk about the ongoing Spirit Gives Foundation basket fundraiser. Donations allow us to hold community building events and support local children year-round.
Spirit Gives has the perfect gift for your spring holiday. Whether it's Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day, graduation, teacher appreciation or your own special occasion, Spirit Gives is offering high-end pampering gifts baskets in appreciation for donations. You can preview baskets and donate today at https://spiritgives.org/form/.
2023-04-0406 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 45: ASIC Dive: How to Maximize Time to Market and Program Cost with ASIC Test ProgramsZef Malik returns for an ASIC dive discussing the process and benefits to electrical test programs for ASICs. With the design access and knowledge in already part of an ASIC program, testing and qualifying an ASIC can quickly deliver ASIC devices ready-to-use with reliability.
Listen to Zef and Marti discuss:
(2:24) Benchmarking an ASIC
(6:01) The System on a Chip Market
(7:10) How ASIC Electrical Test Fits in the Full-Turnkey Screen & Qual
(11:00) Burn-In, Qualification Challenges, and Simplifying Test Programs
(14:00) Cost Improvement with ASIC Testing and Wafer-Level Te...2022-10-1018 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 44: ASIC Dive: Managing Foundry Selection & Packaging to Maximize Your Program AdvantageSpirit VP Zef Malik remembers the early days of the ASIC industry. While the FPGA and international manufacturing moved aerospace and defense away from ASIC programs, Zef sees ASIC programming growing and changing as domestic manufacturing returns.
Listen to Zef and Marti discuss the technological ASIC advantages and how to maximize these benefits through foundry services and packaging selection.
(1:55) ASICs in the Early Years
(4:35) ASIC Design Compatibility & Foundry Selection
(8:25) Silicon Valley Memory Lane & Return to Domestic Design
(12:30) ASICs, Power & Performance Advantages
For...2022-09-2618 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 43: Basics of ASICs: How a Multi-Functional ASIC Shortens Lead Times and Secures Your Supply ChainApplication-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) can combine multi-functional components into a single chip. With long lead times and rising prices across the industry, you can own your custom IC, shorten lead times and reduce long-term costs.
Spirit's expertise helps you through the up-front design and engineering to make a full ASIC program possible. In this episode, Marti covers the steps and benefits to running an ASIC program.
Hear about:
(1:30) Types of ASICs
(4:57) Engineering & design support
(8:05) Foundry & fabrication
(11:10) Substrate & packaging
(11:50) Testing the...2022-09-1221 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 42: How the CHIPS Act Will Impact Services and Supply Chain Around Semiconductor ManufacturingThe CHIPS ("Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors") Act passed in July authorizes more than $200 billion in federal funds and incentives to encourage semiconductor manufacturing in the United States.
While the main goal is manufacturing, the CHIPS Act also addresses the services, labor and supply chain that support semiconductor production. Spirit CEO Marti McCurdy discusses in this episode what areas of the supply chain could see additional investment and support.
Also critical to supporting semiconductor manufacturing are resources like substrate manufacturing and testing services. Marti discusses how Spirit is positioned to he...2022-08-2916 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 41: Automating the Supply Chain: How to Develop an Enterprise Resource Planning SystemOur JD Edwards Oracle enterprise resource planning software is a big system for a small business. Used by Fortune 500 companies, it can manage manufacturing, materials, work, and finances. But when Spirit Electronics implemented it several years ago, our processes only used maybe 5-10% of the program's capabilities.
With investment and Megan's studied expertise, JDE has given Spirit's processes electronic automation above and beyond what most small business achieve. JDE touches all our departments and workflows and has been a cornerstone in Spirit's team and business growth.
In this episode, find out how Megan's programming has h...2022-08-1511 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 40: How Spirit Vertically Integrates Component Testing Under One Stop in the Supply ChainThe chambers are whirring and ovens firing in Spirit's on-site test lab. What's the buzz around adding so many options for testing under the same roof as authorized electronic component distribution and circuit board assembly?
Marti McCurdy covers the order flow at the Spirit Electronics facility, including:
(2:47) The "umbrella" of services Spirit offers
(6:00) Value-added test services compared to longer testing programs
(7:20) System-level testing
(8:10) Electrical and environmental testing
(8:50) Radiation testing
Marti explains the critical piece of managing complex test programs is u...2022-08-0116 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 39: Spirit Gives Foundation: Nonprofit Update and Upcoming Events Fall 2022Spirit Gives is our nonprofit foundation working to give local kids quality childhood experiences and support.
CEO Marti McCurdy covers our current mission and successes and the next big events lined up for this fall 2022.
Find out more about how to support through volunteering, gift basket purchases, and ticket teasers for our Halloween Boogie Bash.
For our calendar or opportunities, visit SpiritGives.org. Follow the action on Instagram and social media @spiritgivesfoundation.
2022-07-1805 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 38: State of the Union Summer 2022: Business Goals Review at Spirit ElectronicsIn early 2021, CEO Marti McCurdy and producer Alyssa recorded a summary episode outlining the achievements and growth opportunities for Spirit as a business. We made some major progress, but we never could have predicted the long-reaching supply chain effects of the pandemic.
This "State of the Union" episode looks at the major service achievements of the Spirit team in 2021 along with our growth plan for the rest of 2022 and beyond. We cover team growth, value-added testing services, circuit card assembly and what product lines and services we hear customers need in the current supply chain.2022-07-0524 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 37: How to Grow as a Sales Account Rep: Dan Jasinek on Training and Spirit’s Team GrowthIt's no secret that the Spirit business and sales team has grown by leaps and bounds in the last few years. Working in a small company offers many options for growth and cross-training experience.
But when it comes to scaling the team, host Marti McCurdy has found it necessary to target the team's growing pains. Enter our newly promoted Corporate Sales Team Lead Dan Jasinek.
Dan began with Spirit's pricing team, quoting microelectronics and services for our customer accounts, but challenged himself to become a dedicated sales account representative. After growing mu...2022-06-2008 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 36: Laser Marking for Microelectronic Traceability: What Can We Mark and WhyThis week Spirit's Lab Technician Corbin Pearson joins Marti to talk about our Epliog fiber laser machine.
The lab and warehouse have marked everything from name badges to phone cases, but real magic of fiber laser marking is in the ability to serialize and physically trace microelectronics and semiconductors through our value-added test programs.
Rather than relying on documentation and data, a physical serial part number, marking or logo lets us tie the physical component back to test data.
Corbin explains that the laser marker can be pro...2022-06-0608 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 35: Box Builds: Spirit’s System-Deliverable SolutionsSpirit offers authorized distribution, testing to MIL-STD-883, and circuit card assembly. Is that the full turnkey or can you deliver product even closer to ready-to-use?
Jeremy Rolin, Spirit's Warehouse Manager, returns to Behind the Screen to talk about running custom box build programs, where circuit cards and components are assembled into a final deliverable product. Our flexible services and assembly options even include interfacing with customer systems, serializing and barcoding, and programming box assemblies.
Jeremy also manages receiving, work orders, and shipping, directing components through our on-site lab and board assembly li...2022-05-2311 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 34: Handling ESD Class 0 Product in Spirit’s Warehouse with Jeremy RolinElectrostatic-discharge (ESD) is a universal experience as you walk across the floor and touch a door handle, but even an undetectable static discharge can damage an electronic component.
High-reliability electronics are particularly susceptible to ESD damage, which can often go undetected until it shows up as performance reductions or part failures.
Aerospace and Defense has largely moved to ANSI/ESD S20.20 as the ESD control gold standard method for protecting components during handling. Spirit has done daily, weekly and monthly monitoring and logging for years, but recently Jeremy Rolin put the Sp...2022-05-0912 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 33: How Automation Offers Precision in BGA ReballingMarti is back with Tracey Latham to discuss how high-tech automated assembly can change the game with BGA reballing. Spirit's new process starts with robotic ball removal, and then our in-house partner Latham Industries uses their advanced assembly line equipment to place the new balls on the BGA.
The power of automation to control the ball placement and inspect the BGA really shines throughout this process. Marti & Tracey discuss each step of the Latham line, including:
3S printer for solder paste application
10-nozzle pick-and-place of new balls
10-zone KIC-controlled oven reflow
Deionized wa...2022-04-2513 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 32: How Is Circuit Board Assembly Affected by Supply Delays? And What Are We Doing About It?Spirit's in-house circuit card assembly partner, Latham Industries, serves customers in aerospace & defense, but also in other industries.
Tracey is back on the podcast with Marti to talk about how the chip shortage is impacting board assembly specifically. After a year of supply constraints, delays, labor shortages and price increases, Marti and Tracey cover how the current supply is affecting business and what they are doing to help customers continue production.
This is a special bonus conversation before our next episode. Stay tuned for another chat with Spirit and Latham Industries on...2022-04-1808 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 31: Zef Malik on Securing Your Supply Chain with Stronger Partnerships, ASICs and Automated ReballSpirit's VP of Business Development Zef Malik is focused on the future movement of the aerospace and defense markets.
While this year has brought allocation, price increases, and supply chain disruptions, Zef shares a forward-thinking view of where and how advanced manufacturing and cutting-edge tech will be growing across the United States.
Zef's belief is that to really secure the supply chain, A&D companies need to grow closer partnerships with their suppliers. This is why Spirit has invested in bringing test services and circuit card assembly under our distribution umbrella to...2022-04-0429 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 30: Assembling a Circuit Card with Spirit’s In-House Partner Latham IndustriesTracey Latham and Latham Industries moved into Spirit's empty suite with a sweet automated pick-and-place line last summer. Spirit, and our customers, have started to see first-hand what this line can do.
Latham's assembly line includes solder paste application, pick-and-place, bake, wash and inspections every step of the way.
Hear Marti and Tracey talk about the highly technical placement of a column grid array (CGA) on a custom ASIC board, cameras that can inspect and detect chip flaws in seconds, and how valuable our communication with our customers is to the wh...2022-03-2115 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 29: Renesas High-Reliability Components: Production Excellence and Flight Heritage for New and Deep SpaceRenesas' (formerly Intersil) experience making components for the aerospace industry spans seven decades. Marti sits down with Josh Broline from Renesas's high-reliability unit to talk about what makes their rad-hard products such a cornerstone of space electronics.
Marti and Josh discuss:
(1:00) Renesas and the Intersil brand background
(2:40) Power management devices
(5:05) Power management for memory and variation
(6:19) Process technologies when designing devices for space
(8:57) Radiation testing, low- and high-dose rate TID
(10:20) Manufacturing, fab to qualification and out-the-door
(12:43) Testing, failure analysis and evaluation lab capa...2022-03-0717 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 28: Filling Your Pipeline During Shortages with Supplier-Managed Inventory (SMI)Spirit's Ivan Santana is now our Director of Program Management after 10 years supporting our long-term agreements and supplier-managed inventory (SMI) programs. He's an expert at materials and resource planning (MRP) and can manage ordering and projections years in advance.
SMI programs allow us to order parts and materials well ahead of production dates and stock components for just-in-time delivery. With the current microchip shortage, production lead times are pushing out weeks on some materials.
If you can plan ahead and work with suppliers who have strong relationships down the supply chain, it...2022-02-2112 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 27: Texas Instruments Space EP: Rad-Tolerant Products for New Space and LEO MissionsMarti speaks with Gary Reichmuth, Texas Instruments General Manager for Aerospace & Defense, about TI's approach to rad-tolerant products that meet the needs of New Space.
TI has a long history in the space industry, with parts currently hurtling into the unknown beyond our solar system on the Voyager missions. But "New Space," the recent shift from government space programs to commercial and private space launches and innovation, is exploring applications much closer to home.
When it comes to satellite constellations and low Earth orbit (LEO) missions, programs need to build and la...2021-10-0425 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 26: Our Team Member Laura Bowling Retires After 29 Years of Service at SpiritThis week, Spirit is bidding a fond farewell to our teammate Laura Bowling, who has worked with the company an impressive 29 years, starting in March 1992.
Many teammates have come and gone in that time, and the company has moved facilities, added services, and changed ownership. But Laura has always been there for us.
The most meaningful parts of her career that have kept her going when chip supplies were tight and lead times got long? The Mission. Laura explains that we support the military mission of our customers, and the people sh...2021-09-2714 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 25: Your 4 Pillars of Protection from EMP & HEMP with Transtector and PolyPhaser (Part 2)Whether you're concerned about facilities, high-reliability military equipment, or your local community networks, electromagnetic pulse (EMP) could disrupt your day-to-day capabilities. From leaving you without power to leaving you without data or sensitive equipment, having a plan to address EMP now protects you from equipment loss in the future.
Add in high-altitude electromagnetic pulse (HEMP), which can generate 3 separate strong EMP events, and our vulnerability becomes much more complicated.
We're returning for Part 2 this week around HEMP protections with Dan Rebeck and Adam Perone of Transtector and PolyPhaser. As Adam explains, el...2021-09-2030 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 24: Electromagnetic Pulse Risks and Protections with Dan Rebeck of Transtector and PolyPhaserHere's Part 1 of our HEMP interview. But no, we're not talking THAT kind of high! High-Altitude Electromagnetic Pulse is a special type of electromagnetic pulse (or EMP) that could easily smoke our infrastructure. This kind of HEMP could wreak havoc on our power grids, communication, and critical electronic operations, leaving us in the dark and vulnerable.
In this episode, Dan Rebeck from Infinite Electronics brands Transtector and PolyPhaser teaches us about the basic risks posed by EMP and HEMP. EMP is something many of us are more familiar with. Whether it's a lightning strike, a s...2021-09-1326 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 23: Customizing a Test Program with Spirit‘s Sean MacdonaldWhat does your component testing and qualification need to include? We've talked with experts about electrical testing, PEMs qualification, XRF, acoustic microscopy. But what your test program tests and how is going to depend on your product and its application.
Spirit team member Sean Macdonald has talked with customers big and small across multiple applications, for single parts all the way up to a full bill of materials, about how to put together the right tests in the right parameters. He helps customers consider requirements from MIL standards, source control drawings, and applications to make s...2021-09-0615 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 22: XRF Analysis with Hitachi's Matt Kreiner: What Is It Made Of?XRF, or X-ray Fluorescence analysis is a nondestructive compositional analysis, especially useful in the Aerospace & Defense industry for verifying lead composition and finishes. Hitachi produces several analyzers from handheld all the way up to bench analyzers that can identify elemental composition, measure coating thickness, and perform complex mapping.
In today's episode, product manager Matt Kreiner talks with Marti about Spirit's new Hitachi EA6000VX and what it can do. From coating analysis to component mapping, the EA6000VX can tell you what you need to know to inspect and qualify your component lot for production.2021-08-2325 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 21: Challenges of a Career in Service: Saying Farewell to Our Veteran Teammate for DeploymentSpirit's team includes several veterans who have served in our nation's military, some even still in reserve or Guard service. It's a major challenge to juggle a civilian career with the demands of military service. This week, Team Spirit is saying farewell to our teammate Zac who is headed out for a year of active deployment.
Zac joined Spirit only a few months ago for his first ever corporate job. In this episode, he shares with Marti what has made the biggest impact on him in his time with the company.
Be...2021-08-1608 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 20: (Replay) What Can GaN Do in Space? Rad Hard Products and Applications with EPC SpaceIn the replay of this popular episode, Marti and EPC Space's CEO Bel Lazar talk about GaN reliability and performance in extreme space environments.
With growing interest in public and private space ventures and our increased dependence on satellite networks and space tech, devices like EPC Space's GaN products must withstand radiation and extreme temperatures.
Jump to these times to hear about
(2:08) The story behind the move from Silicon to GaN
(3:24) The GaN market size
(5:40) Space applications and product portfolio
(8:07) Radiation tolerance in sp...2021-08-0913 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 19: Support Local Kids with Our Back-to-School Drive with Spirit GivesWhat does it take to send your child back to school prepared for success? Any parent can tell you, it takes more preparation and investment than you think!
Our Back-to-School Backpack & Suppliers Drive is collecting school supplies, backpacks, and donations to support 29 local children to start off the school year. You can make a donation at SpiritGives.org, drop off supplies locally at our office, or even ship to us through Amazon. The drive runs now through August 6.
We want to have some fun giving fun and useful supplies to our ch...2021-07-2610 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 18: (Replay) Zef Malik on Why to Perform Component and System Level Testing to Insure Your MissionCommercial manufacturers are already pushing toward the DDR5, but with the military transition to DDR4, memory's performance in the field is essential.
In this episode, Spirit VP Zef Malik talks with Marti about why memory speed needs to be faster and why it buys critical minutes in the military mission. In applications when multiple memory devices are used in tandem and you have one weak link fail, performance suffers to the speed of the slowest device.
Manufacturers are already experts in their product, but the supply chain will need to provide pro...2021-07-1914 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 17: Tech Jobs and the Housing Market Growth in Arizona with Preston TribbleWith TSMC moving to Phoenix, the tech industry is booming right in Spirit's back yard. This has meant rising demand for both experienced employees and houses for them to live in.
Buying and selling homes has been a challenge nationally, but Marti talks with local real estate investor Preston Tribble of the Ellens Team about the unique perks and challenges we're seeing in the Phoenix area.
From changes in the workforce to the benefits of desert living, Preston talks numbers and trends around what to expect if you're part of the po...2021-06-2817 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenPowering Up Spirit: Facility Design and Build-Out with Jerry Reyes"You think it, we build it," says Jerry Reyes of ALC Designers. Over the past year and a half, Spirit's Phoenix, AZ, facility has been expanded, upgraded, and powered up to the next level. What does it take to build infrastructure for value add services?
In this episode, Marti talks with Jerry about the planning and work needed to take our HUBZone building from dated to fully functional industrial test lab with a contract manufacturing line. This included a major power upgrade from 800 amps to 3,000 amps.
And this is only the be...2021-06-1412 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 15: Veteran Highlight: Transitioning from Military to Civilian with the Spirit TeamWherever you are this weekend, we hope you will join us in honoring our service members who have sacrificed their lives for our nation.
Our nonprofit foundation Spirit Gives also recognizes the family members that share in this sacrifice by supporting gold star families who have lost a loved member in service.
As a veteran-owned business, Spirit is deeply connected to our military background, and we are welcoming many new team members who have also served in the military. Today's episode is highlighting our Spirit veterans and their stories about their tr...2021-05-3121 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 14: The Roadmap to Zero Defects with Marco Paolucci of ELESELES is an Italian manufacturer of test equipment and systems that exercise and qualify semiconductors around the world. Marco Paolucci is the sales and business development director delivering the ELES zero defect goal to Spirit and the US.
ELES uses a process called "RETE," Reliability Embedded Test Engineering, which translates from Italian as "net." Marco explains how the ELES approach is a safety net to prevent dangerous product failures.
Listen to Marco and Marti discuss . . .
(2:08) The RETE approach
(5:42) ELES test platform flexible solutions
(7:53) Characterizing failure
(12:04) Failure analysis
(14:24) System level test ...2021-05-1722 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 13: Test Equipment and Services: How Is the Market Changing with Peter Hancock of Focused TestMarti sits down this week with Peter Hancock, president of Focused Test, a design and manufacturing company for automatic test equipment for power discrete devices and power management ICs.
With market changes to meet the growing use of GaN and SiC technology, on top of the impact of the pandemic, Peter discusses what challenges are facing the test equipment supply chain--along with opportunities.
Listen to Marti and Peter talk about:
(1:50) Focused Test and automatic test equipment gap for MOSFET market
(2:50) GaN market opportunity
(6:10) Test equipment an...2021-05-0314 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 12: Product Screening with Sonix Acoustic Scanning MicroscopesHow do you find a minute but costly void in wafer bonding when it may be less than 0.1 micron in size? Sonix has spent the past 3 decades developing ultrasonic testing equipment for nondestructive testing to achieve this level of inspection. Sonix acoustic imaging can analyze products to avoid failures with increasing efficiency and at smaller microscopic resolutions.
Marti talks with sales and applications engineering lead Shwetha Jakkidi about how Sonix is advancing in acoustic imaging technology and applications.
Jump to these times to hear Shwetha and Marti talk about . . .
(3:45) Wh...2021-04-1917 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 11: AS9100 Lead Auditor Certification: Taking Spirit Quality to the Next LevelSpirit's Quality Manager Estefania Altamirano recently completed Lead Auditor Certification for AS9100. As quality manager, she oversees many of Spirit's compliance programs, as well as functions like our business procedures, corrective action and continual improvement, and internal audit program.
Quality Analyst by day, Podcast editor by night Alyssa Marquez interviews Estefania about the training she completed and what her new skills mean for our customers and suppliers.
Spirit Electronics is certified to AS9100 and ISO9001 quality management standards, meeting aerospace and defense customer requirements. To learn more about our certifications and pr...2021-04-0509 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 10: EPC Space: What Can GaN Do in Space? Rad Hard Products and ApplicationsEPC Space is a joint venture company between EPC Corp and VPT Inc. focused on providing Gallium Nitride (GaN) power devices for space applications.
In this episode, EPC Space CEO Bel Lazar talks with Marti about the company's product lines and applications, as well as the ability of GaN devices to withstand radiation and harsh environmental conditions in space.
Can your device make a satellite go "chh chh"?
Jump to these times to hear about
(1:28) The story behind the move from silicon to GaN
...2021-03-2213 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 09: Latham Industries: Leading with Quality in Contract ManufacturingHow do you take the lead in a competitive market? Tracey Latham talks with Marti about what gives her company, Latham Industries, their competitive edge in contract manufacturing. Catch a preview of Spirit's new partnership with Latham Industries.
You can jump to these timestamps to hear about:
(1:10) Quality production and equipment
(4:13) Latham Industries team and experience
(6:00) Manufacturing tech in Arizona and the US
(7:40) Future for Latham Industries and Spirit Electronics
Latham Industries is an electronics contract manufacturer run by CEO and founder Tracey La...2021-03-0809 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 08: Micron Memory, Applications, and TrendsWhat's new for memory applications and trends in 2021? Micron memory products from DRAM to SSDs have a legacy of market leadership, but you need Micron's forward-thinking product quality and development to stay ahead of the explosive growth of data and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Marti talks with David Henderson and Scott Schaefer at Micron about the new market demands they see in industrial applications, including in aerospace and defense, and how Micron's products are innovating for new applications.
Tune in to a topic
(1:58) Changes in memory
(5:10) Au...2021-02-2222 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 07: EPC's Alex Lidow and GaN Reliability: How to Test to Failure for 100x PerformanceAlex Lidow discusses EPC's test-to-failure method in improving gallium nitride (GaN) devices.
According to Alex, testing to failure has allowed EPC to tease out the exact stressors that cause failure and improve EPC's GaN devices 10-100 times the reliability of commercial devices, and even 100 times reliability in space applications.
Alex and Marti discuss
(1:30) Why test to fail
(4:14) Learning from failure data and stressors
(11:38) Safe Operating Area
(14:30) Mechanical stressors
(17:45) EPC Space
EPC has recently published their Phase 12 Reliability Rep...2021-02-0820 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 06: Spirit Vision: Where Do We Grow from Here?This episode is truly "behind the screen" with Spirit. Marti shares some of our wins and lessons learned in 2020 as well as a preview for our facility expansion, test services coming soon, hiring openings, and what our customers can expect in 2021.
Want to jump to a topic?
2:15 Building Expansion
3:15 Lessons Learned
7:30 Team Growth and Hiring
11:00 New Testing Services Coming in 2021
15:20 Test Equipment Distribution
17:15 Micron and the DDR4
19:50 EPC Space
21:20 Cybersecurity
23:50 ERP System
25:15 What can our c...2021-01-2529 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 05: Spirit Gives Happy HolidaysSpirit Gives Foundation is a 501C3 charitable foundation created by Spirit Electronics in 2020. As a veteran-owned, woman-owned small business, Spirit wants to give back to our veterans and military families. During the holidays, Spirit Gives sponsored 5 military families who have lost a loved one in military service through Arizona Survivor Outreach Services.
This episode is a message of thanks from Marti for the support from our community and our team for Spirit Gives in 2020. You can find out more about Spirit Gives at spiritgives.org. We hope you had a happy holiday season and send y...2020-12-2802 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 04: Zef Malik and Bridging the Gap: How Testing Adds Value in the Supply Chain (Part 3)As a value-add distributor, Spirit supports a dynamic supply chain between the manufacturer and our customer. Zef describes how the manufacturer's goal is to build and design quality into their product, while the customer may have more demanding specs and tests to meet for military verification.
Our role as a distributor in product screening is to bridge that gap between manufacturer and customer. But it's not just making sure that the tests are run to the standard. Zef and Marti discuss how adding value includes the relationship and process knowledge we share with the manufacturer and understanding...2020-12-2119 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 03: Zef Malik and Advancements in Testing (Part 2)In Part 1, Marti and Zef talked about the DDR4 and the market's advancement toward the DDR5. But as memory and chips are making quantum leaps in innovation, the equipment used to screen and test these products also has to keep up. Zef dives into the challenge of staying current with rapidly evolving technology.
While buying the latest and greatest cutting-edge test equipment is important, Marti points out how important it is for a test engineer to have skill and experience. High-performance equipment needs a high-performance operator. Zef wraps up by explaining how a successful test p...2020-12-1413 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 02: Zef Malik and the DDR4: Can Your Product Perform?When you have the 40 years of industry experience Zef brings to the table, the DDR4 conversation is a technical treasure trove where experience meets innovation. Commercial manufacturers are already pushing toward the DDR5, but with the military transition to DDR4, memory's performance in the field is essential.
In this episode, Zef talks with Marti about why memory speed needs to become faster and why it buys critical minutes in the military mission. Memory is the backbone of a board, and technology is always pushing toward faster communication.
In applications where multiple me...2020-10-2613 minSpirit: Behind the ScreenEp. 01: Marti McCurdy "Leader in Highlight" with Women in Electronics RadioWhat should you do as a leader when your business is in a time of transition? Marti McCurdy sits down with Jackie Mattox of Women in Electronics Radio for an interview about how to double down and chase your goals. Whether during a company acquisition or the uncertain pandemic economy, Marti talks about why it’s important to invest in your team. Get to know Marti and what motivates her leading into the launch of her own podcast, Spirit: Behind the Screen.
Women in Electronics (WE) is a professional organization working to empower, develop, advocate, and ce...2020-09-0219 min
Women in Electronics RadioMarti McCurdy "Leader in Highlight" InterviewWE Founder and President, Jackie Mattox, talks with Marti McCurdy, CEO of Spirit Electronics, about progressive strategies in our changing world. Her leadership advice is to "massage our muscles" regularly so that when change hits, we're strong and ready. Marti believes in taking advantage of down times by doubling down on talent, marketing, and innovation. Listen in for more mentorship principals and strategies that will help you rise above in both good and challenging times. Support the show (http://www.womeninelectronics.com)2020-08-1119 min
WE Lead | Voices of InnovationMarti McCurdy "Leader in Highlight" InterviewWE Founder and President, Jackie Mattox, talks with Marti McCurdy, CEO of Spirit Electronics, about progressive strategies in our changing world. Her leadership advice is to "massage our muscles" regularly so that when change hits, we're strong and ready. Marti believes in taking advantage of down times by doubling down on talent, marketing, and innovation. Listen in for more mentorship principals and strategies that will help you rise above in both good and challenging times. Support the show2020-08-1119 min