RAMP Awareness Days Brings Together DIB and Government to Secure Future Microelectronics Systems

The Rapid Assured Microelectronics Prototypes (RAMP) program, administered by the Department of Defense (DoD), aims to foster the development of secure and trusted microelectronics technologies for defense applications. As proud recipients of the Phase II RAMP prototype project, awarded through the Strategic and Spectrum Missions Advanced Resilient Trusted Systems (S²MARTS) Other Transaction Agreement (OTA), Microsoft and Qualcomm have worked together to address the critical challenges faced by the defense industry in achieving rapid and reliable microelectronics prototypes.

To expand collaboration within the microelectronics ecosystem and highlight the RAMP program, the S²MARTS OTA hosted a two-day RAMP Awareness event in Washington D.C. on May 10 – 11.

During this event, RAMP performer Microsoft was able to give key insights on the progress of the RAMP project. Hearing from Microsoft’s Mujtaba Hamid – GM, Silicon & ModSim, event attendees were able to obtain key insights on what’s to come for the future of secure microelectronics, and how to sustain U.S. leadership in advanced technology. Mr. Hamid noted the RAMP program builds upon secure hardware design chambers, Intellectual Property (IP) Controls, and Microelectronics Quantifiable Assurance (MQA) and is key to secure and scalable computing systems.

Also speaking during RAMP Awareness days on the impact and significance of secure and scalable microelectronics were key government leaders within microelectronics technology area. These included:

• David Honey – Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (DUSD(R&E))
• Dev Shenoy – Principal Director, Microelectronics, OUSD/R&E, Director, Defense Microelectronics Cross Functional Team (DMCFT)
• Linton Salmon- Senior Technical Advisor (OUSD(R&E)
• Cody Wagner – Design Assurance Chief Engineer, Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane

With over 185 attendees during this two-day event, industry and government leaders were able to join breakout sessions, technical panels, and roundtable discussions with panelists from Microsoft, BAE Systems Inc, Raytheon, Intel, Cadence, Siemens, Synopsys, GlobalFoundries, Zero ASIC, Battelle, Cycuity, Booz Allen Hamilton and other organizations. These partnerships bring together expertise in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and secure software development as well as cutting-edge semiconductor and wireless technologies. By leveraging their combined strengths, the companies are poised to deliver innovative solutions that enhance the security, performance, and resilience of microelectronics components utilized in defense systems.

S²MARTS Deputy Director Tony Kestranek expressed his enthusiasm for the event stating, “The commitment to advancing secure and trusted microelectronics was apparent from all organizations involved in RAMP Awareness Days. It’s through the partnerships that [S²MARTS] facilitates that enable the U.S. to build on our collective expertise and develop microelectronics prototypes that meet the rigorous requirements for the Department of Defense.”

Under Phase II of the RAMP project, Microsoft and Qualcomm will undertake collaborative research and development activities to design and manufacture advanced microelectronics prototypes. By contributing to the RAMP program, Microsoft and Qualcomm are actively supporting the DoD’s mission to enhance the security and resilience of microelectronics components that form the backbone of modern defense systems. Through their joint efforts, they aim to accelerate the deployment of reliable and secure microelectronics technologies, enabling the defense industry to stay ahead in an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving threat landscape.