The process of designing and producing high reliability (Hi-Rel) military/aerospace (Mil/Aero) and space-grade RF and microwave active devices has historically been a long and expensive endeavor focused on small or medium quantity manufacturing. Adding to this, the cost of ensuring the highest standards of reliability for these applications requires stringent qualification and verification, which increase costs on a per unit basis. This process, however, is not ideal for many emerging Mil/Aero and space use cases, which are pushing for shorter design/production cycles and much higher volume deployments.
This whitepaper aims to provide the reader with an overview of the general trends of COTS products used in Mil/Aero and space applications, and what requirements RF/Microwave COTS active devices may need to meet to find themselves in the next government or New Space project.