This proposed investment would support the construction of RVM’s pure play microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and sensor foundry facility in Palm Bay, Florida, and it is estimated that would help to nearly triple RVM’s manufacturing capacity.
MEMS are microscale devices and RVM is one of the only US-based pure play MEMS foundries which specialises in the high-mix, low-volume wafer and MEMS foundry services that are important to the defence industrial base and to the biomedical industry.
This proposed investment would see the US administration supporting a reliable, domestic supply of MEMS devices manufactured on 300mm wafers, further strengthening the country’s supply chain resilience.
“The proposed investment in RVM is another example of how the Administration is making targeted investments across the semiconductor supply chain to reignite US leadership in semiconductor manufacturing,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “Because of President Biden’s CHIPS and Science Act, we are working to secure US-based companies a stable, domestic supply of MEMS technology when demand is increasing across the globe.”
“As one of the only US based MEMS foundries, RVM is positioned to support the US semiconductor ecosystem with its 300mm MEMS foundry services. The CHIPS and Science Act is ensuring the United States continues to lead in technological leadership and RVM’s facility in Florida will support this effort,” said Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and National Institute of Standards and Technology Director Laurie E. Locascio.
The proposed CHIPS investment would support the construction of the facility including the renovation of the clean room and equipment installation. RVM’s first wafers produced at the Palm Bay, Florida, facility are expected to ship in early 2025, with final completion of the facility to be completed by mid-2025.
“As the first MEMS foundry to secure proposed CHIPS and Science Act funding, Rogue Valley Microdevices is deeply committed to the onshore manufacturing of advanced microelectronics. We plan to use this capital infusion to increase production of the miniature, intelligent sensors that are critical to markets for which a robust supply chain is essential, including automotive, biomedical, and industrial. We’ll also ramp expansion from our west coast foundry in Oregon to our new location on the Space Coast of Florida, which will soon become the industry’s first MEMS pure-play foundry to offer 300mm capability,” said Rogue Valley Microdevices Founder and CEO Jessica Gomez.
