Orlando, FL: Ozark Integrated Circuits, Inc. (Ozark IC) is working with nScrypt’s research arm, Sciperio, and an nScrypt 3D manufacturing system to create high temperature electronic systems, specifically, a RISC-V processor that would operate for extended times on the surface of Venus, where the temperature is ~932⁰F or ~500⁰C. The work was funded by a NASA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project and will be continued in a just-announced Phase II project.
Ozark IC worked closely with Sciperio in the Phase I project to 3D print custom high temperature metal traces onto high temperature substrates. These test coupons were printed on site at Sciperio using an nScrypt 3Dn-450 Factory in a Tool outfitted with a SmartPumpTM microdispensing tool head, Keyence laser, and in-process camera to monitor line width and other features. nScrypt’s Factory In a Tool systems go beyond 3D printing to manufacture finished products, not just parts. Ozark IC is buying its own 3Dn Tabletop system outfitted with a SmartPumpTM tool head and a surface mapping laser for conformal printing.
Ozark IC conducted a successful test at 500˚C of the substrate coupon printed by Sciperio, which contained silicon carbide integrated circuits fabricated in a process licensed from NASA.
According toDr. A. Matt Francis, Ozark IC’s CEO and founder:
“Additive manufacturing is a cornerstone of Ozark IC’s approach to high temperatures. Our adoption and adaption of AM, especially nScrypt’s products, is a game changer. Impressive performance (up to 800⁰C) has been achieved, all with the lower cost and fast turnaround metrics commonly found with AM. The unique quality and versatility of the nScrypt system has enabled Ozark IC to develop new processes and products and achieve amazing results in performance and turnaround time”.
Bringing together integrated circuits (ICs), packaging, and wiring into a module ready for use in a harsh environment is Ozark IC’s specialty. Ozark IC has used SBIR/STTR funding to develop its technology. It is now entering Phase III (manufacturing) with several of its product lines at 200⁰C and 250⁰C.
According to Dr. Ken Church, CEO of nScrypt and Sciperio:
“Ozark IC is doing some amazing stuff with extreme temperature electronics. Our high-precision 3D manufacturing systems are a perfect match for their applications and the engineering expertise in Sciperio, nScrypt’s research arm, is helping to bring them across the finish line.”
About Ozark
Ozark Integrated Circuits, Inc (Fayetteville, AR). was founded in 2011. Ozark IC’s mission is to “digitize” extreme environments by bringing best-in-class analog, mixed-signal and signal processing integrated circuits into the extreme conditions experienced in Energy Exploration, Aerospace, Space Exploration and Industrial Controls. Ozark IC’s solutions include hardware and software, integrated circuits and packaging. Ozark IC’s strategy and technology have led industry watchers to recognize Ozark IC as a disruptive player in the extreme environments/rugged electronics marketplace. https://www.ozarkic.com/
About nScrypt
Orlando, Florida-based nScrypt designs and manufactures award-winning, next-generation, high-precision microdispensing, 3D Manufacturing, and biomanufacturing equipment and solutions for industrial applications, with unmatched accuracy and flexibility. Serving the printed electronics, electronics packaging, solar cell metallization, communications, printed antenna, life science, chemical/pharmaceutical, defense, space, 3D printing, and bioprinting industries, our equipment and solutions are widely used by the military, academic and research institutes, government agencies and national labs, and private companies. The nScrypt BAT Series Bioprinter, which won the 2003 R&D 100 award, launched to the International Space Station in July 2019. www.nScrypt.com.
About Sciperio
Sciperio challenges the boundaries of traditional scientific disciplines, innovating at the interfaces between mechanical, electrical, chemical, optical, and biological sciences. This transdisciplinary engineering approach enables Sciperio to jump quickly from innovation to product realization. Through two decades of pioneering work for our manufacturing arm, nScrypt, in areas including bioprinting, 3D manufacturing (aka Direct Digital Manufacturing), and printed RF electronics, we seek to promote technology for the betterment of humankind. www.sciperio.com.
Source: nScrypt