The U.S. Navy’s F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jets faced potential decommissioning due to the unavailability of a crucial semiconductor. To address this, the Navy turned to Phoenix Semiconductor, led by CEO Ryan Hatcher. The company specializes in repackaging readily available semiconductors to replace obsolete chips, ensuring the continued operation of high-value aircraft. Phoenix’s innovative approach involves designing interposers that connect chips within an electronic package, allowing for seamless integration without the need for board, software, or firmware updates.
Phoenix Semiconductor, established in 2023 in Austin, Texas, targets the niche market of high-mix, low-volume semiconductor demand, which traditional large-scale manufacturers avoid. With a team of 15, the company develops prototypes in-house and outsources production to specialized companies. The defense sector constitutes the largest portion of Phoenix’s business, alongside medtech, industrial applications, aerospace, and oil and gas industries. The company plans to invest in automation to enhance production capabilities and meet the growing demand for legacy chips.
