The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory awarded a $1.6 million contract Microsemi Corp., Irvine, Calif., to develop components for lighter, more efficient avionics, radar and communications systems. The contract was awarded to a Bend, Ore.-based Microsemi, known as the Microsemi Power Products Group. Under the contract, the division will help develop technology to make silicon carbide semiconductor components for radio frequency power conversion equipment. The company said the technology will give military aircraft more powerful and reliable networking capabilities. Microsemi said it will be able to sell the new technology in the commercial marketplace.