Gallium nitride development booming

International Microwave Symposium, BOSTON, USA: The performance capabilities of devices made from gallium nitride (GaN) material are drawing attention from compound semiconductor manufacturers for applications in defense, wireless infrastructure, CATV, satellite and power electronics markets.

The Strategy Analytics GaAs and Compound Semiconductor Technologies Service (GaAs) viewpoint, “Compound Semiconductor Industry Review June 2011: Microelectronics,” captures product, technology, contract and financial announcements for companies such as RFMD, Skyworks Solutions, ANADIGICS, Agilent, Hittite Microwave, TriQuint Semiconductor, Avago, NXP Semiconductors and Freescale Semiconductor.

“Based on product announcements and company displays at the recently concluded International Microwave Symposium trade show in Baltimore, it is clear that GaN is really gaining a foothold in the compound semiconductor market,” noted Eric Higham, director of the Strategy Analytics GaAs and Compound Semiconductor Technologies Service. “Manufacturers are finding that the superior power handling and “green” capabilities of GaN technology enable them to develop some compelling products.”

Asif Anwar, director, Strategy Analytics Strategic Technologies Practice added: “GaN products have been used in defense products for some time. They are now gaining acceptance in commercial wireless infrastructure, CATV, satellite and power electronics markets.”