News Article

$1 Million in Additional Funding Secured to Accelerate Production of Micro-Initiator Board Technology for Near-Term Use in Military Applications Such as MEMS-Based Safing Devices
Date: Oct 20, 2009
Source: Freshnews.com ( click here to go to the source)

Featured firm in this article: Tanner Research Inc of Duarte, CA



MONROVIA, CA -- (Marketwire) -- 10/20/09 -- Dr. John Tanner, President and founder of Tanner Research, Inc., announced today that the Defense Logistics Agency awarded a contract for $1 million in new funding to accelerate production of the patent-pending ICEPSTM-based micro-initiator board technology needed to ensure the cost-effective manufacturing of the Army MEMS-based Safing device. Upon being notified of the contract award, Congressman David Dreier (CA, 26th) commented, "Tanner Research is one of the San Gabriel Valley's leading innovators and they are using their expertise to help our troops." Dreier also said, "Having worked with them on a defense system to protect U.S. troops against incoming rocket, artillery and mortar threats, I am aware of how effective their technology is. The San Gabriel Valley is lucky to have such a great company working and creating jobs in our community."

Monrovia-based Tanner Research, Inc. had proposed to accelerate development of micro-initiator board technology based on two factors: an immediate need within the Army Safing program, and additional multiple identified uses, such as digitally controlled micro-thrusters being developed for Missile Defense Agency and the Navy. Taken together, these major thrusts will help to assure both the commercial success of the production program and expand the Monrovia labor base required to support them.

"Our country's technological prowess, ability to innovate and become increasingly more efficient will remain vital to our national defense and future success as a nation. We look forward to continue working with Defense Logistics Agency in providing the Army and other services with the devices needed in a cost-effective manner," said Dr. John Tanner.

Tanner Research, which has four divisions, provides advanced technology research with focus areas in image processing and micro machine design, and electronic design automation (EDA) software tools, consulting and engineering services for integrated circuits, and manufacturing services for integrated circuits. Customers include the U.S. Department of Defense, Department of Energy, NASA, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Microsoft, IBM, and Intel. Tanner Research is currently collaborating on technology development with Caltech, Stanford and Yale universities.