Hip Chip Yes, Boeing is now producing silicon chips—but not for personal computers By David Sidman and photos by Bob Ferguson 22 BOEING FRONTIERS / JULY 2013 The fighter streaks to its target, pilot and navigator ready to complete their mission. Suddenly, the aircraft is under attack. Incoming “ones and zeros” penetrate the airframe. It’s an electronic attack against the jet’s systems, the enemy seeking to disable or steal critical flight systems information. It can be as deadly as a missile strike. In today’s rapidly evolving cyber age, scenarios like this are increasingly possible. “Whether it’s in the air or down on the ground, an adversary seeks to either acquire our technology or be able to access it electronically so they can then build or reverse-engineer it without having to invest in research and development as we did,” said Chris Wedewer, director of Special Programs within the Global Strike division of Boeing Military Aircraft. “Because of that, our military customers continue to increase security requirements for our products.” That’s why Boeing, in February, acquired the maker of the Acalis microprocessor. That’s right: Boeing now produces computer chips. But these chips aren’t going in a personal computer any- time soon. Acalis and the 40 now-Boeing employees who design and engineer the chips near Silicon Valley in California provide a key deterrent against electronic information attacks. It’s a growing need and requirement from customers around the world. Boeing Defense, Space & Security is focused on growing revenues globally, and a unique technology such as Acalis furthers that growth, said Debbie Rub, vice president and general manager of Global Strike. “Our strategy is to integrate Acalis into a range of current and future systems as a critical enabler.” Measuring 31 millimeters by 31 millimeters, or just over an inch long on its sides, the chip weighs a little more than a quarter. Acalis chips are very small at a company where very large—think commercial airplanes, tankers and strike aircraft—is the norm. “It’s amazing to be a part of ‘big Boeing,’ said Lisa Treat, a staff analyst in Pleasanton, Calif., where the chip is engineered. “I picture the assembly floor when I think of Boeing, and we’re now a part of that, producing a small part—this really tiny microprocessor.” That tiny microprocessor, also known as a silicon chip, began
Frontiers July 2013 Issue
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