Powering the future with GaN on SiC HEMTs

In the relentless quest for energy efficiency and innovation, RF energy, powered by GaN on SiC HEMTs, is set to transform industries, from synthetic diamond production to beyond. While the cost-performance balance remains a consideration, the remarkable strides in GaN technology signal a bright future, writes Gallium Semiconductor’s Hansen Sy.

Hansen Sy

RF energy is traditionally known for its applications in telecommunications. It’s now also capturing the attention of engineers for its potential to revolutionize energy transfer and consumption across various industries, from RF heating to plasma lighting to synthetic diamond production. A pivotal aspect of this evolution lies in the continued development of gallium nitride on silicon carbide high electron mobility transistors (GaN on SiC HEMTs).

Because of their distinctive advantages, GaN on SiC HEMTs have become integral to engineering efforts. They offer precise control over frequency, which ensures that RF energy can be precisely tailored to suit the unique requirements of various applications. Another advantage is their exceptional lifetime. These attributes are instrumental in enhancing the efficiency of energy conversion, a critical consideration for the success of RF energy systems.

Gallium Semiconductor’s GTH2e-2425300P in an air cavity plastic package allows ease of use in 2.45 GHz ISM applications.

Efficiency gains

The quest for greater efficiency in RF energy conversion continues to be a driving force behind GaN on SiC HEMT development. The latest advancements in GaN technology have demonstrated impressive results. At Gallium Semiconductor, for example, we recently unveiled a 300 W GaN-based product operating in the 2.45 GHz ISM band with a 50 V power rail. In continuous wave (CW) mode, this product achieved an efficiency of 72-76 percent across the entire band, surpassing previous benchmarks. This not only signifies the potential of GaN but also underscores its suitability for high-performance RF energy applications.

Achieving efficiency gains in GaN on SiC HEMTs is also about optimizing die design and selecting the right package options. A recent advancement here is Gallium Semiconductor’s Super-CMC (ceramic matrix composite) flange technology with a thermal performance rating of 0.67 °C/W. By simplifying the integration into various systems, such technologies enhance the development process for RF engineers. They offer additional design flexibility while providing a socket-compatible device requiring minimal tuning.

Gallium Semiconductor’s GTH2e-2425300P achieves an efficiency of 72-76 percent across the entire band 2.4-2.5 GHz.

Economic sense

Although the advantages of GaN on SiC HEMTs in RF energy applications are undeniable, cost considerations remain a crucial factor. For RF module manufacturers to embrace GaN-based transistors, the cost-to-performance ratio must make economic sense. Manufacturers are continually evaluating the trade-offs between the superior performance of GaN components and the associated production costs.

As RF component manufacturing companies continue to push the boundaries of GaN on SiC HEMTs, however, the future of RF energy looks increasingly promising. The pursuit of better control, higher efficiency and superior thermal management is driving innovation in RF energy systems. GaN technology isn’t just breaking barriers; it’s redefining what’s achievable in the world of RF energy.