Los Alamos representatives refer to the experimental satellite as a “super computer in space,” since the FPGAs can be reprogrammed and are radiation resistant. SIX SIGMA removes solder balls from the FPGAs, or other LGA and BGA components, and repackages the component with the SolderQuik reinforced column grid array (CGA). Designed for harsh environments, particularly military and aerospace, these columns are constructed with a high-lead solder wire wrapped with copper ribbon then coated with solder. “When a column eventually begins to fail, the copper ribbon abates the cracks, maintaining an electrical connection,” explained Russ Winslow, president of SIX SIGMA. The expected life-cycle for FPGAs equipped with the reinforced circuits is about 20 years, though the CFEsat experiment will most likely be a shorter-term project.

(May 14, 2007) REDMOND, WA and MILPITAS, CA &#151 To develop a next-generation hardware and software solution for USB flash drives, Microsoft and SanDisk Corporation will collaborate and open an entity for licensing compatible hardware designs and intellectual property (IP). Revenues from the joint venture will be shared. Microsoft is discussing licensing software with third-party hardware vendors.