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Transitioning Problem | Transitioning Solution | Technology Readiness
Levels
PA1 Research Demonstration (Lab demo)
New,
one-of-a-kind device operating in a lab environment with support
from precision lab electronics and / or a probe station.
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Operational environment — lab
environment, minimal temperature / pressure / humidity variation.
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Percent functionality —
partial.
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Packaging — not addressed.
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Reliability — not addressed.
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Design — technology driven test
structures.
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Deliverable — functional data under
limited conditions for one or two devices.
PA2 Research Prototype (Demo Unit)
Functional device operating in a lab environment with support from printed
circuit board electronics similar to end user electronics.
- Operational environment — lab environment, some temperature /
pressure / humidity variation.
- Percent functionality — partial.
- Packaging — Issues identified and initial plan developed on how
to address issues
- Reliability — not addressed. If customer is interested
reliability analysis can be started at this time.
- Design — technology driven but includes product elements
- Deliverable — device with PC board electronics similar to end
user electronics (1 or 2 units). Demo boxes may be considered at this stage for
devices that are well understood.
PA3 Engineering Prototype (Alpha Unit)
Functional device operating in test environments similar to the
operational environments of the end application.
- Operational environment — simulated operational variation of
temperature / pressure / humidity, etc.
- Percent functionality — > 90% (may not work over complete
environments or may have a minor functional fault).
- Packaging — Issues addressed and resolved.
- Reliability — Issues identified and initial plan
developed on how to address issues. Some reliability testing begun. Results of
reliability analysis and prediction in hand if started at PA2.
- Design — User driven product design.
- Deliverable — device in final package, 5 to 10 units,
applications information / documentation for ease of use.
PA4 Flight / Field Prototype (Beta Unit)
Final product design with stable technology. Only final qualification and
acceptance testing remains.
- Operational environment — Fully functional over complete
operational environment.
- Percent functionality — 100%
- Packaging — All known packaging issues have been
addressed.
- Reliability — Lab testing to establish reliability has
been completed or is well on its way with high probability of success.
- Design — Final product design.
- Deliverable — Fully functional device, expectations are
for operational success. Quantities are negotiable (< 100 units).
PA5 WR / High Reliability (Production Unit)
Final product with qualification, acceptance testing, and certifications in
place.
Please address comments or questions to products@sandia.gov.
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