This is a microelectronic hybrid designed for the power regulation system of a Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS) spacecraft.
Inside the casing is a sequence of conducting and nonconducting layers arrnaged on top of an alumina wafer. The topmost layer contains the critical electronic components; sublayers provide additional pathways for connecting the devices on the top layer. The completed hybrid is an ingenious puzzle in which tens of chips and devices are integrated through hundreds connections.
This artifact is flight ready equipment, hermetically sealed to protect the electronics inside.
This design represented the state of the art in miniaturization for such hybrids as of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Lockheed Martin donated this artifact to the Museum in 1998.
Display Status
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
EQUIPMENT-Electronics
Manufacturer
General Electric Space Systems Division
Dimensions
Overall: 3/8in. x 1 1/4in. x 1 1/4in. (1 x 3.2 x 3.2cm)
Materials
Overall: Alumina, gold, aluminum, glass, copper, plastic, steel, ink, paper, adhesive
Inventory Number
A19980315000
Credit Line
Gift of Lockheed Martin
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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