Spirit Electronics

Ep. 68: Growing Semiconductor Talent Pipelines with Dr. Marcia Ballinger of LCCC

Episode Description:

In this episode, Marti McCurdy, CEO of Spirit Electronics, welcomes Dr. Marcia Ballinger, President of Lorain County Community College (LCCC), for a conversation about workforce development, advanced manufacturing, and the future of the semiconductor industry.

Dr. Ballinger shares insights into how LCCC built its nationally recognized programs in MEMS and advanced manufacturing to meet industry needs and led to the creation of its state-of-the-art facilities and SMART Microsystems. Together, Marti and Dr. Ballinger explore the how partnerships between industry and education are helping to inspire and prepare the next generation of talent.

Together, Spirit Electronics and LCCC are laying the foundation for a resilient, innovation-driven semiconductor future.

Spirit Electronics adds Kontron Ruggedized Products for Aerospace and Defense

PHOENIX, Ariz. (August 27, 2025) – Spirit Electronics today announced a strategic distribution agreement with Kontron, a leading global provider of IoT and Embedded Computing Technology (ECT). Under the agreement, Spirit will serve as an authorized distributor for Kontron’s line of rugged, mission-critical embedded computing products for the defense aerospace market.

This partnership combines Kontron’s leadership in high-performance avionics systems, mission computers, and rugged single-board computers with Spirit Electronics’ robust logistics network and deep relationships with prime defense contractors. By leveraging Spirit’s specialized distribution model and value-added capabilities, defense customers will gain more efficient access to Kontron’s commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) technologies—shortening development cycles and ensuring supply chain integrity for critical programs.

“Modern defense platforms are defined by their data processing and networking capabilities. Getting our advanced computing hardware into the hands of system integrators quickly and reliably is essential,” said Ted Christiansen, CEO of Kontron Americas. “We chose Spirit Electronics for their unwavering focus on the defense sector, their AS9100-certified quality processes, and their ability to manage the complex supply chain demands of this industry. This collaboration ensures that our customers have a trusted source for the foundational computing that powers their mission-critical applications.”

Spirit Electronics will now provide its customers with a more comprehensive system-level solution—pairing its traditional offerings of aerospace components with Kontron’s cutting-edge embedded computing solutions.

“Kontron’s embedded systems are the processing backbone for some of the most advanced avionics and mission systems in the world,” stated Marti McCurdy, Owner and CEO of Spirit Electronics. “It is an honor to be entrusted with their product line. This partnership allows us to provide a more complete bill of materials to our customers—from the airframe hardware to the mission computer inside. Our team is fully committed to delivering Kontron’s technology with the speed, quality, and traceability the defense industry demands.”

About Spirit Electronics

Spirit Electronics is an end-to-end supply chain services company headquartered in Phoenix, AZ. Spirit offers MIL-STD-883 testing, circuit card assembly, device analysis, ASIC programs, foundry services and franchised distribution of high-reliability electronic components. Spirit’s supply chain solutions have changed the definition of distribution by providing full-turnkey domestic OSAT (outsourced semiconductor assembly and test) services to deliver products to aerospace and defense customers fully qualified and ready for use. Spirit is a veteran-owned, woman-owned small business (VOWOSB) founded in 1979. For more information, visit http://spiritelectronics.com.

About Kontron

Kontron AG (www.kontron.com, ISIN AT0000A0E9W5, WKN A0X9EJ, KTN) is a leading IoT technology company that, for more than 20 years, has helped companies across diverse industries achieve their business goals with intelligent, future-ready solutions. From automated industrial operations and smarter, safer transportation to advanced communications, connectivity, medical, and energy systems, Kontron delivers technologies that create lasting value for its customers. Its GreenTec division focuses on solar energy and eMobility, driving sustainable innovation, and the company now employs around 7,000 people in over 20 countries worldwide. Kontron is listed on the SDAX® and TecDAX® of the German Stock Exchange.

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Media Contact:

Dana Curtis, Director of Marketing – dcurtis@spiritelectronics.com

Christine Shannon, Director of Marketing – christine.shannon@kontron.com

Spirit Electronics adds Vicor modular power solutions for satellite and space applications

PHOENIX, Ariz. (August 7, 2025) – Spirit Electronics is proud to announce the addition of Vicor Corporation to its curated portfolio of products and services developed especially to support the space industry. Spirit will be a channel partner for the Vicor Factorized Power Architecture (FPA™) line of radiation tolerant DC-DC converters that solve critical power delivery problems in satellites and other space applications.

Spirit is now offering evaluation boards for Vicor radiation-tolerant power modules that enable the ideal power delivery network (PDN) for today’s LEO and MEO satellites, providing high-efficiency, high-density, low-noise voltage conversion to power advanced network communication ASICs, FPGAs and processors. The growing trend toward leveraging AI and machine learning on orbit requires higher-performance processors with challenging power delivery requirements. Traditional intermediate bus architectures comprising an isolated DC-DC conversion stage, followed by a multi-phase buck array, cannot achieve the power density and low noise required for advanced processors. The patented Vicor FPA solution, which has achieved flight heritage, uses three power-dense modules to minimize I2R power distribution board losses, maximize efficiency and improve transient response.

“Spirit is continuously seeking innovative products that give our customers a competitive edge in the space race,” comments Spirit CEO Marti McCurdy. “Vicor is delivering a game-changing power solution with high reliability, a compact form factor and proven space heritage – a huge win for advanced satellite deployments.”

Vicor’s rad-tolerant modular approach to power delivery provides protection from radiation while still providing the highest power density in the industry, in addition to being ultra-flexible and scalable in their architecture and implementation. These features are especially important in applications such as on-board satellite processing, earth observation, disaster management, space debris retrieval and defense operations.

Along with its premier product catalog as an authorized distributor, Spirit’s full turnkey engineering and value-added services offer an invaluable advantage in the rapidly evolving space industry, with support at each step of the IC supply chain from foundry to chip packaging, testing for reliability, environmental and radiation, board and box build assembly.

About Vicor
Vicor Corporation designs, develops, manufactures and markets modular power components and complete power systems based upon a portfolio of patented technologies. Headquartered in Andover, Massachusetts, Vicor sells its products to the power systems market, including enterprise and high-performance computing, industrial equipment and automation, telecommunications and network infrastructure, vehicles and transportation, aerospace and defense. www.vicorpower.com

About Spirit Electronics:
Spirit Electronics is an end-to-end supply chain services company headquartered in Phoenix, AZ. Spirit offers MIL-STD-883 testing, circuit card assembly, device analysis, ASIC programs, foundry services and franchised distribution of high-reliability electronic components. Spirit’s supply chain solutions have changed the definition of distribution by providing full-turnkey domestic OSAT (outsourced semiconductor assembly and test) services to deliver products to aerospace and defense customers fully qualified and ready for use. Spirit is a veteran-owned, woman-owned small business (VOWOSB) founded in 1979. For more information, visit http://spiritelectronics.com.

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Media Contact:
Dana Curtis
dcurtis@spiritelectronics.com
(480) 998-1533

BAE Systems honors Spirit Electronics with a Gold Supplier Award

Spirit Electronics is proud to announce it received a Gold Tier Award from BAE Systems’ Partner 2 Win program. Spirit Electronics was selected from a pool of suppliers that delivered exceptional performance and contributions to support supply chain success for BAE Systems’ Electronic Systems sector in 2024.

“Spirit Electronics’ goal is to approach the supply chain with partnership and collaboration top of mind,” says Spirit CEO Marti McCurdy. “This award from BAE Systems represents the culmination of those efforts and years of diligent service and expertise from the Spirit team.”

BAE Systems’ Partner 2 Win program is designed to achieve operational excellence and eliminate inefficiencies in its supply chain by raising the bar of performance expectations to meet the demands of current and future customers. As part of the program, BAE Systems meets regularly with its suppliers to transfer best practices and ensure the components and materials that compose its products meet the highest quality standards.

“I want to sincerely thank Spirit Electronics and other winning suppliers for their exceptional support and groundbreaking solutions that have set new standards in our industry,” said Jennice Dearborn, vice president of Operations, Electronic Systems. “We look forward to our continued collaborations that push the boundaries of what’s possible.”

The award comes on the heels of Spirit Electronics winning a Silver Supplier Award at the 2023 BAE Systems Partner 2 Win Supplier Symposium. Spirit Electronics has been recognized as an award-winner by BAE every year since Marti McCurdy assumed leadership of the company in 2017.

Spirit Electronics serves as an authorized distributor for electronic components for BAE Systems, as well as offering value-added services essential to the defense supply chain. As a veteran-owned, woman-owned small business employing multiple veterans, supporting military and defense programs is particularly important to the Spirit team.

Spirit Electronics Expands U.S. Semiconductor Capacity with Acquisition of SMART Microsystems

PHOENIX, Ariz. (April 10, 2025) – As part of its strategic commitment to strengthening domestic semiconductor manufacturing, Spirit Electronics has acquired SMART Microsystems, located in Lorain County Community College (LCCC) in Elyria, Ohio. This expansion into Northeast Ohio marks a significant step in fostering academic and industry collaboration to accelerate innovation and workforce development in the U.S. semiconductor sector.

“This acquisition supports our mission to expand U.S. semiconductor capacity with secure, high-reliability solutions,” said Marti McCurdy, CEO of Spirit Electronics. “Partnering with LCCC allows us to invest directly in the future talent pipeline and emerging technologies that are critical to national security and domestic innovation.”

Located within the LCCC campus, SMART Microsystems will serve as a hub for advanced research and education in materials, MEMS, and advanced packaging technologies, including 2.5D and 3D integration.

“We are proud to collaborate with Spirit Electronics to bring new opportunities to Northeast Ohio,” said Dr. Marcia Ballinger, President of Lorain County Community College. “This partnership enhances our ability to prepare students for high-tech careers while contributing to the growth of a robust semiconductor ecosystem in our region and beyond.”

Together, Spirit Electronics and LCCC are laying the foundation for a resilient, innovation-driven semiconductor future.

About Spirit Electronics

Spirit Electronics is an end-to-end supply chain services company headquartered in Phoenix, AZ. Spirit offers MIL-STD-883 testing, circuit card assembly, device analysis, ASIC programs, foundry services and franchised distribution of high-reliability electronic components. Spirit’s supply chain solutions have changed the definition of distribution by providing full-turnkey OSAT (outsourced semiconductor assembly and test) services to deliver products to aerospace and defense customers fully qualified and ready for use. Spirit is a veteran-owned, woman-owned small business (VOWOSB) founded in 1979. Learn more at spiritelectronics.com.

About SMART Microsystems

SMART Microsystems works with design engineers who need high-quality, low volume microelectronic sub-assemblies for their innovative new products. As North America’s leading full-service microelectronic assembly supplier, SMART Microsystems takes complete responsibility for custom process development for your new design, taking it from prototyping through launch in less overall time and cost than other package assembly suppliers. SMART’s facilities boast 5,000 sq. ft. of world-class ISO 6 (class 1000) and ISO 5 (class 100) cleanrooms. ISO 9001:2015 certified.
Learn more about SMART at smartmicrosystems.us.

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Media Contacts:

Sam Matheson
smatheson@spiritelectronics.com
(480) 998-1533

Jason Knase
jknase@spiritelectronics.com
(480) 998-1533

Ep. 67: High-Rel Crystal Oscillators for Space and Military Applications with Q-Tech’s Fred Wolff

Episode Description:

In this episode, Marti speaks with Fred Wolff, Business Development Manager at Q-Tech, to discuss their industry heritage and advanced product roadmap as a leading U.S. manufacturer of high-reliability crystal oscillators for military and space applications.

Q-Tech was the first company to commercially manufacture hybrid crystal oscillators for the MIL-PRF-55310 QPL in 1972. Since then, Q-Tech has created a wide range of high-reliability oscillators used in multiple space and satellite missions, as well as defense avionics.

Hybrid crystal oscillators combine a quartz crystal with semiconductor devices for superior frequency control and timing. Q-Tech’s product manufacturing and testing support reliability with radiation testing, temperature testing, shock and vibe, and more.

With its impressive anti-obsolescence policy and supply chain security, Q-Tech offers long-term programs the support and stability they need for continued access to mission-critical parts, averting typical EOL concerns in the industry.

You can learn more about Spirit’s partnership with Q-Tech and their high-rel crystal oscillators at spiritelectronics.com/linecard/q-tech/.

Ep. 66: Micro-SEL Detection for Power Reliability and Data Integrity with Zero-Error Systems

Episode Description:

In this episode, Marti is joined by Rajan Rajgopal, CEO of Zero-Error Systems (ZES) to discuss their cutting-edge power reliability and data integrity products, including the Latchup Detection and Protection (LDAP) IC for unmatched micro-SEL protection, and how these solutions are revolutionizing the New Space industry.

From its origins at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Singapore and subsequent founding in 2019, to flight heritage with a series of launches 2021–2023 and three upcoming missions in 2025 with NASA, Kyutech, and COSPAR, ZES’ meteoric rise in the world of New Space can be characterized by two words: market disruptor.

At the heart of Zero-Error Systems lies an innovative portfolio of patents, each one presenting groundbreaking advancements in the fields of power management, error rate reduction in computing, and radiation protection for Commercial Off the Shelves (COTS) semiconductor devices for Space, Automotive and Power Management industries.

You can learn more about Spirit’s partnership with ZES and their innovative solutions at spiritelectronics.com/linecard/zero-errorsystems/.

Spirit Electronics and Partner NOVI Celebrate Successful Launch, Emerging Technological Advances in New Space and AI Infrastructure

PHOENIX, Ariz. (February 5, 2025) – Spirit Electronics recently hosted a launch party for NOVI in celebration of the successful in-orbit deployment and operation of its SP240 on-board computer and edge-processor. The event brought together industry partners and government representatives to recognize the accomplishment and to support expansive growth in new space and related industries.

NOVI joins Spirit’s slate of innovative partners in the emerging New Space industry, gaining access to engineering services from Spirit such as ASIC design, foundry access, testing and screening, component procurement and circuit card assembly, all in-house and U.S. based. Spirit also provides the agility and flexibility needed to quickly respond to and adopt emerging technological advances, including AI infrastructure.

“New Space technology is booming, and Spirit is perfectly positioned to be a reliable and vital partner to companies looking to enhance their flight heritage,” says Spirit CEO Marti McCurdy. “NOVI’s multi-sensor satellites and on-board processing technology is groundbreaking and will change the way small satellites are deployed and what they’re used for.”

NOVI recently joined Spirit’s linecard of suppliers, offering on-board processors and multi-sensor satellites that deliver near real-time data processing. Partnering with Spirit gives NOVI and other companies access to engineering expertise and manufacturing capability, which shortens the development time needed before launch.

“Spirit may have started as a distributor, but our services go far beyond that now,” says McCurdy. “Spirit services bring solutions to market with greater efficiency, lower cost and shorter development times.”

The partnership with Spirit also provides access to franchised OEM partners and expanded distribution and sales channels, offering greater reach and opportunity in military, aerospace, and new space markets.

Noteworthy among Spirit’s offerings is their special access to US foundries. Spirit Electronics is the only Texas Instruments (TI) authorized reseller to offer its customers access to TI’s 300-mm wafer foundries. Foundry services provide access to customers to share space on multi-project wafer (MPW) runs. MPW manufacturing is ideal for prototypes, low-volume projects, and custom ICs, especially those providing continuity for legacy technologies. Spirit also offers design support with access to an extensive digital, analog and mixed-signal IP library as part of its engineering services.

About Spirit Electronics

Spirit Electronics is an end-to-end supply chain services company headquartered in Phoenix, AZ. Spirit offers MIL-STD-883 testing, circuit card assembly, device analysis, ASIC programs, foundry services and franchised distribution of high-reliability electronic components. Spirit’s supply chain solutions have changed the definition of distribution by providing full-turnkey OSAT (outsourced semiconductor assembly and test) services to deliver products to aerospace and defense customers fully qualified and ready for use. Spirit is a veteran-owned, woman-owned small business (VOWOSB) founded in 1979. Learn more at spiritelectronics.com.

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Media Contacts:

Sam Matheson
smatheson@spiritelectronics.com
(480) 998-1533

Jason Knase
jknase@spiritelectronics.com
(480) 998-1533

Ep. 65: Spirit’s Expanded CCA Line with SMT Engineering Manager Brendan Courtney

Episode Description:

In this episode, Marti sits down with Spirit SMT Engineering Manager Brendan Courtney to discuss the newly expanded CCA line.

Brendan brings over 30 years of experience in the field and has been instrumental in Spirit’s push to become a leader in high-quality, custom board builds for aerospace and defense. The newly updated automated CCA line opens the door to more challenging and complicated processes. Listen in on Marti and Brendan as they discuss the line’s new production capabilities and challenges, and the many exciting opportunities and projects Spirit is now ready to tackle.

To learn more about Spirit’s CCA line and service offerings, visit http://spiritelectronics.com/services/.

Ep. 64: NOVI Space-Edge Onboard Computing Solutions for DOD & New Space

Get the inside scoop on industry news and technology!

In this episode, Marti sits down with NOVI President and Co-Founder Amit Mehra and CEO Michael Bartholomeusz to discuss how NOVI onboard edge computing modules streamline satellite data analysis and transmission.

Ep. 64: NOVI Space-Edge Onboard Computing Solutions for DOD & New Space

In this episode, Marti sits down with NOVI President and Co-Founder Amit Mehra and CEO Michael Bartholomeusz to discuss how NOVI onboard edge computing modules streamline satellite data analysis and transmission.

NOVI’s innovative computing solutions leverage advanced artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) algorithms to analyze and relay only essential and relevant data from the satellite to the ground user. On-board processing reduces massive data exchanges and streamlines data applications.

NOVI is Spirit’s first franchised module and subsystem line dedicated to advancing space and satellite programs. Spirit’s tailored engineering services support space customers from foundry to chip packaging to qualification (including radiation testing). For more information about NOVI @ Spirit, visit SpiritElectronics.com/linecard/NOVI.