Diamond-cooled microchips boost power density 3.3x for military radar signals

interestingengineering.com Aug 28, 2026

Diamond-cooled microchips boost power density 3.3x for military radar signals

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Aug 28, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Northrop Grumman has secured a $7 million contract from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to develop diamond-enhanced microchips capable of handling significantly higher power densities without overheating. This initiative constitutes Phase 2 of DARPA’s Technologies for Heat Removal in Electronics at the Device Scale (THREADS) program. The project addresses a critical bottleneck in modern military electronics, where compact radio-frequency chips generate excessive heat, forcing engineers to limit performance to prevent damage. By integrating diamond directly into semiconductor devices, Northrop Grumman aims to leverage the material’s exceptional thermal conductivity, which is approximately five times faster than copper. This innovation allows chips to operate at higher power levels while maintaining safe temperatures. The technology specifically targets systems with strict size and power constraints, including military communications, radar, and satellite links. Ben Heying, director of microelectronics at Northrop Grumman’s Space Park Foundry, described the embedded diamond as a turbocharged cooling system that prevents burnout. The development seeks to overcome longstanding thermal restrictions, enabling more powerful and reliable electronic components for advanced defense applications without increasing the physical footprint of the hardware.

💡 Why It Matters

· Overcoming thermal limits allows defense systems to pack significantly more processing power into smaller, lighter packages.
· This breakthrough directly enhances the range and resolution of military radar and communication equipment without adding weight or bulk.

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Nvidia-powered Russian AI drones can select targets without human control; why that’s…

Russian military drones equipped with Nvidia Jetson Orin computer modules are reportedly utilizing onboard artificial intelligence to identify and select specific targets without direct human control, according to Ukrainian officials and forensic investigators. While human operators still program the broad mission parameters and general target areas, the drones independently determine the precise point of impact once they reach the designated zone. This capability was observed during a July 6 attack in Zaporizhzhia that killed three civilians, where the drone allegedly selected propane tanks as targets despite lacking a conventional communications link. The discovery has intensified global concerns regarding the deployment of lethal autonomous weapons systems. By shifting from remote operation to tactical autonomy, these systems allow machines to make lethal decisions at the battlefield edge. Investigators confirmed the presence of commercially available computing hardware capable of running AI software locally, marking a significant evolution in modern warfare technology and raising urgent ethical questions about accountability and control in armed conflict.

💡 The integration of commercial AI hardware into lethal systems lowers the barrier for autonomous warfare, potentially accelerating an arms race where machines make life-and-death decisions. This shift fundamentally challenges international humanitarian law by removing human judgment from the final moment of engagement.

cleantechnica.com · Aug 29

US Army Aims To Capture Energy From “The Environment”

Chariot Defense, a startup specializing in software-defined power distribution, secured a $7.6 million contract from the Defense Innovation Unit to deploy its Amphora microgrid system to the US Army this fall. The PRISM program aims to replace legacy diesel generators, which are criticized for noise, heat signatures, and inefficiency, with a modular solution that optimizes energy from diverse sources. Chariot, backed by $41 million in funding including a round led by Andreessen Horowitz, describes Amphora as a resource-agnostic tool capable of integrating existing battlefield power assets. While the company avoids explicitly labeling its technology as renewable energy, industry analysts note this phrasing navigates recent federal policy shifts regarding clean power. The system addresses operational shortcomings of current generators, which often run at low capacity and suffer from maintenance issues. By enabling seamless power for drones, electronic warfare kits, and edge AI compute, Amphora supports the electrification of modern warfare. The deployment marks a significant step toward reducing reliance on fuel convoys and enhancing tactical stealth through advanced energy management software.

💡 The Army’s adoption of software-defined microgrids decouples military logistics from volatile fuel supply chains while neutralizing the thermal and acoustic vulnerabilities of diesel generators. This shift enables distributed forces to power next-generation electronic warfare and AI systems without exposing their positions to enemy detection.

patch.com · Aug 29

Middlefield Aerospace Supplier Plans $5 Million Expansion, New Jobs, Amid Pratt, Collins…

Ramar-Hall Inc., a precision machining and assembly company serving the aerospace and defense sectors, announced a $5 million expansion of its Middlefield, Connecticut manufacturing facility. The investment coincides with the company’s 70th anniversary and aims to add 15,000 square feet of production space. This growth responds to increasing demand from major clients, including Pratt & Whitney and Collins Aerospace. While the project will enhance technological capabilities and production capacity, Ramar-Hall did not specify the exact number of new jobs to be created, though it confirmed the expansion supports workforce growth. President Dave Ferraguto described the initiative as the next chapter in the company’s long-standing relationship with Connecticut’s aerospace industry. The project is partially funded by a $700,000 award, enabling the firm to meet rising customer needs through improved infrastructure and operational efficiency.

💡 This expansion underscores the sustained strength of Connecticut’s aerospace supply chain, driven by major OEM contracts. It demonstrates how regional manufacturers are scaling infrastructure to meet specific, high-volume defense and aviation demands rather than relying on speculative market trends.

semiconductor-digest.com · Aug 27

Northrop Grumman Advances Microchip Tech with Diamond Cooling Innovation

Northrop Grumman has secured a $7 million DARPA contract for Phase 2 of the THREADS program to embed diamond cooling layers into microchips used in military radar and communications. The diamond‑based heat‑dissipation system conducts heat five times faster than copper, allowing chips to run at higher power densities without throttling. In Phase 1 the company achieved a 3.3‑fold power boost; Phase 2 aims to triple power density again, delivering far stronger RF transmitters in a smaller footprint. The technology involves growing microscopic diamond layers on the chip backside and channeling heat away from hotspots. Successful high‑power tests confirm the approach, and a partnership with Stanford University supports the manufacturing process. The effort positions Northrop Grumman at the forefront of defense‑grade semiconductor innovation.

💡 By breaking the thermal ceiling that limits current RF chips, diamond cooling unlocks unprecedented power and speed for mission‑critical defense systems.

thequantuminsider.com · Aug 27

Finland’s Defence Tech Hub Expands Quantum and Dual-Use Technology Ecosystem

The Defence Tech Hub in Espoo, Finland, now unites more than 100 companies and research bodies across quantum computing, space, sensors, AI, autonomous systems, software, and drone technologies. Most participants have consolidated operations in Otaniemi, gaining access to VTT’s research infrastructure, NATO DIANA’s accelerator, and advanced testing facilities. The hub includes leaders such as ICEYE, IQM, and VTT, and is supported by local government and NATO to accelerate dual‑use innovation. The initiative positions Finland as a key player in emerging defence technologies.

💡 By clustering deep‑tech firms and research institutions, the hub accelerates the development of dual‑use solutions that enhance national security and strengthen European technological sovereignty.

cbnc.com · Aug 27

Air Force Awarded Nearly $750,000 For AI-Powered DEI Training Tool Under Biden

Internal records reveal the Biden-era Air Force awarded nearly $750,000 to Smarter Reality LLC for developing an AI-powered virtual reality simulator. The contract, obtained via a Freedom of Information Act request by the Functional Government Initiative, funds the “Conflict Resolution Simulator” for Air Force Academy cadets. This tool combines virtual reality, natural language processing, voice recognition, and artificial intelligence to help cadets rehearse diversity, equity, and inclusion conversations with a virtual companion. The Air Force Research Laboratory issued the award. The Functional Government Initiative criticized the expenditure, arguing it demonstrates that the Biden administration prioritized progressive social agendas over essential military readiness. The simulator aims to train cadets in conflict resolution through immersive, technology-driven dialogue practice. These findings highlight ongoing debates regarding the allocation of defense funds toward social training initiatives versus traditional combat preparedness during the current administration.

💡 The expenditure underscores a strategic shift toward integrating social competency training into military education using advanced technology. It reflects broader institutional efforts to address interpersonal dynamics within the armed forces through immersive simulation rather than traditional instruction.