From The Editor | June 17, 2024

Uses Of GaN, GaAs, And SiGe

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By John Oncea, Editor

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The compound semiconductor market, including GaN, GaAs, and SiGe, is poised for substantial growth. This expansion is driven by advancements in telecommunications, defense, automotive, and consumer electronics, with each technology carving out its niche based on its unique strengths and applications.

We’ve looked at GaN, GaAs, and SiGe, trying to determine which one is the best semiconductor material. For those who missed it, the winner was … cubic boron arsenide. Go figure.

But even if you’re on board with the potential of cubic boron arsenide, you can’t deny GaN, GaAs, and SiGe are still important materials in the RF industry. Let’s take a look at the latest gallium nitride (GaN), gallium arsenide (GaAs), and silicon germanium (SiGe) news.

A Look At GaN

The use of GaN is rapidly expanding into various innovative applications showcasing their versatility and high performance across. For example, LiDAR systems in autonomous vehicles, robots, and drones are taking advantage of GaN’s fast switching speeds.

GaN is increasingly vital in 5G telecom infrastructure. GaN-on-SiC (Silicon Carbide) has gained prominence due to its superior power, efficiency, and bandwidth capabilities, making it a key component in base stations, remote radio heads, and massive MIMO (Multiple Input, Multiple Output) systems.

This technology is now a mainstay in the sub-6 GHz and mmWave bands in 5G networks, with GaN-on-Si (Silicon) offering a cost-effective alternative that is also gaining traction. Furthermore, GaN’s high power density and efficiency make it a promising candidate for power amplifiers in 5G handsets and small-cell deployments, which are essential for dense urban areas.

GaN power electronics are increasingly used in electronic vehicle powertrains and charging systems, offering higher efficiency and reducing energy losses compared to traditional silicon-based devices. GaN is proving critical in satellite communications and defense applications and is used in lightweight transmit/receive modules for AESA radar systems and high-power amplifiers for satellite communication systems.

According to Efficient Power Conversion, GaN is enabling single-stage 48V to point-of-load conversion in data centers, eliminating an entire power conversion stage for improved efficiency. This is facilitated by GaN’s high switching speeds. Wireless charging solutions for consumer devices like smartphones and tablets are leveraging GaN’s high power density and efficiency, the same reasons solar microinverters, optimizers, and energy storage systems are increasingly GaN as well.

A Look At GaAs

GaAs continue to play a crucial role in RF applications, particularly in power amplifiers for smartphones and Wi-Fi technology, according to the Yole Group​. Despite competition from GaN and SiGe, GaAs remains a preferred choice for sub-6 GHz bands in 5G handsets due to their established performance and reliability. The demand for GaAs is further bolstered by the increasing adoption of Wi-Fi 6 and 6E standards and the ongoing expansion of automotive connectivity technologies like C-V2X (cellular vehicle-to-everything). GaAs manufacturing capacity is also expanding, with companies increasing their wafer production to meet growing demand.

Faster Capital adds photonics and optoelectronics applications including VCSELs (Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers) are taking advantage of GaAs’ direct bandgap and low optical losses for high-speed data transmission in data centers and fiber optic networks​ and are also being explored for microLED displays, which offer higher brightness and energy efficiency compared to OLEDs. This technology is promising for next generation displays in TVs, AR/VR devices, and smartphones.

High-frequency RF applications such as satellite communications and microwave devices, leveraging GaAs’ high electron mobility and advanced packaging techniques are utilizing GaAs for their small size, low weight, high thermal stability, and ability to handle high power levels.

A Look At SiGe

SiGe is gaining attention in the realm of mobile connectivity and System-on-Chip (SoC) solutions. It offers a competitive edge in integrating high-frequency and mixed-signal components, making it suitable for 5G and future 6G applications. The transition to higher data rate standards, driven by advancements in AI and photonics, is also pushing SiGe technology forward.

SiGe is widely used in high-frequency and high-speed integrated circuits for telecommunications, automotive radar, and aerospace applications, leveraging its superior electron mobility and integration capabilities. In addition, SiGe photonics are used in AI accelerators and high-speed optical interconnects, facilitating rapid data processing and transmission in AI and machine learning systems. Finally, SiGe technology is being integrated into advanced medical imaging systems, such as MRI and CT scanners, improving image quality and diagnostic capabilities.

In summary, GaN is rapidly advancing across power electronics, RF/wireless, automotive, and energy applications, while GaAs excels in optoelectronics, high-frequency RF, and specialized packaging. SiGe complements silicon by enhancing RF/analog performance in highly integrated solutions. These applications highlight the growing importance of GaN, GaAs, and SiGe technologies in driving innovation and enhancing performance across multiple industries. The continuous advancements in these materials promise to unlock new possibilities and transform various sectors in the coming years.