GaN-on-Silicon wafer supply deal targets mainstream breakthrough
As a first step, MACOM has announced a license and epitaxial (epi) wafer supply agreement which will enable IQE, the world’s largest supplier of compound semiconductor epi, to manufacture GaN-on-Silicon epi at 4, 6 and 8-inch diameters in high volume for RF applications. The move allows MACOM to deliver GaN RF products with breakthrough bandwidth and efficiency at mainstream 8-inch silicon cost structures.
MACOM is also in discussions to make GaN-on-Silicon technology available to select companies for use in RF applications. MACOM believes that establishing such large diameter wafer manufacturing sources will be a key factor in driving mainstream, commercial adoption of GaN technology. Surety of supply is of critical importance in power amplifier dependent markets such as cellular basestations.
“We are nearing a watershed moment for the RF & Microwave industry, promising breakthrough performance for compound semiconductors and leveraging large-scale silicon production facilities that operate at orders of magnitude greater economies of scale,” said John Croteau, President and CEO, MACOM. “We believe our recent acquisition of Nitronex and its portfolio of fundamental IP rights related to GaN-on-Silicon materials, process, and device technology for RF applications provides us with the foundation for a licensing program that will help bring our vision of GaN performance at mainstream 8-inch silicon cost structures a reality.”
As the world’s number 1 supplier of compound semiconductor epi, IQE today supplies more than 50% of the world’s RF epitaxial wafers. IQE possesses the largest independent manufacturing capacity of compound semiconductor epi worldwide, and as a result, is able to achieve enhanced economies of scale, helping to build wafer capacity and cost structure needed to grow the GaN market.
“We are beginning to see very significant traction for GaN occurring in the compound semiconductor industry, across a wide range of applications” said Drew Nelson, President & CEO, IQE. “Our agreement with MACOM allows us to further penetrate this new market by bringing decades of high volume production experience to create the necessary supply chain needed to accelerate GaN adoption. We look forward to a powerful ongoing relationship.”
Related articles and links:
News articles:
GaN-based power devices offer game-changing potential in power-conversion electronics
Silicon power devices soon to see serious GaN competition
Market for GaN and SiC power semiconductors set to rise by factor of 18 in next decade
European Commission repeats call for "Airbus of chips"
If you enjoyed this article, you will like the following ones: don't miss them by subscribing to :
