Users of MIL-PRF-38534, “Hybrid Microcircuits, General Specification for,” will want to be aware that the DoD has released a letter with information of importance to hybrid microcircuit manufacturers. The letter addresses a legacy issue stemming back to the mid-1990’s. It clarifies the position of the DoD with regards to monolithic hybrids that are currently MIL-PRF-38534 class H or K compliant.
Monolithic hybrids are monolithic microcircuits built by hybrid microcircuit manufacturers using their certified and qualified lines. They are always documented by SMD’s (Standard Microcircuit Drawings). They were allowed because organizations that built monolithic microcircuits according to MIL-I-38535 (now MIL-PRF-38535) had declined and adequate supplies were a concern.
Over time, the DoD expectations of these monolithic hybrid supplies have not been met. For this reason, the DoD has determined that all future monolithic hybrid SMD’s will be issued using the requirements of MIL-PRF-38535, not the parameters of MIL-PRF-38534.
To follow up on the letter, you can expect that the wording of paragraph 3.9 of the MIL-PRF-38534 will be amended in the future. This means that the document will no longer allow for the development of monolithic hybrids according to it’s requirements.
If you have questions, you can certainly get a copy of the letter as a starting point. It’s available from Document Center Inc. Contact our staff and mention this blog posting, and they will provide you with a copy at no charge. Just send them an email at info@document-center.com. If you are still unsure about how this change will impact your business, there is a point of contact for the MIL-PRF-38534, Mr. Greg Cecil. Information on how to contact Mr. Cecil can also be provided by our staff. Remember, Document Center Inc. has been supporting U.S. government contract manufacturers since 1982. Make us your Standards Experts!
