Spirit: Behind the Screen

Marti McCurdy
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  • TECHNOLOGY

Spirit Electronics CEO Marti McCurdy talks with aerospace and defense experts about high-reliability components and industry-rocking topics affecting the supply chain.

  1. 09/09/2025

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

    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, which led to the creation of its state-of-the-art facilities and SMART Microsystems. Marti and Dr. Ballinger explore 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. #SpiritElectronics #BehindTheScreen #Semiconductors #MEMS #AdvancedManufacturing #SmartMicrosystems #WorkforceDevelopment #LorainCountyCommunityCollege #STEMCareers #CHIPSAct #Innovation #Technology

    34 min

  2. 03/25/2025

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

    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/.

    16 min

  3. 02/13/2025

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

    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/.

    33 min

  4. 01/28/2025

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

    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 https://spiritelectronics.com/services/.

    16 min

  5. 12/11/2024

    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.

    39 min

  6. 12/04/2024

    Ep. 63: EPC's Alex Lidow: GaN Applications and Reliability from Ground to Space

    EPC's Gallium Nitride (GaN) products have transformed the industry since Spirit first partnered with EPC on franchised distribution 6 years ago. EPC CEO Alex Lidow returns to the podcast to talk with Marti about GaN's growth in space, automotive, and AI.   With space flight heritage and active products in all orbits from LEO to GEO to Mars, GaN has superior radiation resilience for satellites, data gathering, and exploration. For more info on EPC @ Spirit Electronics, visit SpiritElectronics.com/linecard/epc.

    26 min

  7. 10/23/2024

    Ep. 62: The Next Chapter in New Space: Jim Cantrell and the Phantom Space Story

    In this episode, Marti interviews Co-Founder and CEO Jim Cantrell on his history in the space industry and the trajectory of satellite and launch vehicle builder Phantom Space. Jim's backstory connects the industry's government space age heritage with the shift to Low-Earth orbit satellite launches and data collection applications among private and commercial launch companies.   Jim and Marti also discuss the value of the Arizona workforce, technology ecosystem and space industry. Phantom Space is headquartered in Tucson, AZ, making space more accessible through satellite manufacturing, their Daytona launch system, and space-data applications. Find out more at PhantomSpace.com.   Spirit Electronics is an end-to-end supply chain partner, offering engineering services, MIL-STD testing, assembly, and franchised component distribution to the New Space market. Learn more about New Space at SpiritElectronics.com/New-Space.

    34 min

  8. 09/18/2024

    Ep. 61: State of the Semiconductor Industry with Spirit Electronics VP Zef Malik

    In this episode, Spirit VP Zef Malik joins Marti for a conversation about the driving forces and trends to watch in the semiconductor industry.   Zef and Marti discuss: Geopolitical influences on semiconductor manufacturing in the US Domestic manufacturing goals & local impacts Workforce & resources for semiconductor manufacturing Manufacturing automation & impact of AI   For more information about Spirit's OSAT (Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly & Test) solutions, including foundry services, visit SpiritElectronics.com.

    19 min
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About

Spirit Electronics CEO Marti McCurdy talks with aerospace and defense experts about high-reliability components and industry-rocking topics affecting the supply chain.

Information

  • Creator
    Marti McCurdy
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    67
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Spirit: Behind the Screen