STARKVILLE, MS (USA) - Oct. 4, 2004 – SemiSouth Laboratories, Inc., a leading developer of silicon carbide discrete transistors, diodes, circuits, and merchant epitaxy, announced today that it began a new two year contract effort to transfer and further develop SiC integrated circuit technology developed at Mississippi State University for space based power and sensor integrated circuit defense applications.  The $ 0.5 M contract will pave the way for a new class of rugged, temperature and radiation tolerant solid state circuits in SiC be developed for use in key space systems.  SiC is well known as a radiation and temperature tolerant semiconductor, ideally suited for harsh environment operation.  However, the level of integration in SiC has been limited by the immature state of the technology, which is something the new work will address.

Dr. Jeff Casady, President of SemiSouth, added that “SemiSouth continues to experience strong growth in the company as a result of maturing this technology so that it can be ready for utilization in the marketplace. Our relationship with MSU continues to be a great partnership in moving SiC forward from basic university research into key defense applications with defense system primes.”

Dr. Colin Scanes, Vice President of Research at Mississippi State University commented on the award by stating “I am delighted to see the continuing success of SemiSouth - a start-up company built on Mississippi State technology.  The company is increasingly contributing to economic development in North East Mississippi and particularly of the Mississippi State Research Park in Starkville."