Gallium nitride (GaN) gaining traction in commercial apps

BOSTON, USA: Despite continuing dominance by military applications, gallium nitride (GaN) technology is also seeing widespread deployment in commercial applications.

The “GaN Microelectronics Market Update 2010-2015” report, recently released by Strategy Analytics to its GaAs and Compound Semiconductor Technologies Service (GaAs) and its Advanced Defense Systems Service (ADS) subscribers, forecasts that the overall GaN device market will grow at a CAAGR of nearly 29 percent, to reach $178 million in 2015. During this time, commercial applications, led by CATV and high power electronics will grow from less than one million dollars to reach nearly $58 million.

This Strategy Analytics report predicts that military applications will continue to lead the way, but the percentage of the total GaN revenue derived from military applications will shrink from 98 percent in 2010 to 67 percent in 2015. In addition, Strategy Analytics forecasts that revenue growth rates for GaN devices in wireless infrastructure, high power electronics and CATV/VSAT (very small aperture terminals) will all exceed 100 percent.

“Driven by performance advantages like efficiency, power dissipation and operating temperature, GaN is finally starting to generate interest in commercial market applications,” noted Eric Higham, director, Strategy Analytics GaAs and Compound Semiconductor Technologies Service. “GaN developments by device manufacturers like RFMD and Nitronex (for CATV applications) and International Rectifier and EPC (for power converter applications) are displacing other technologies. Operators and equipment manufacturers are recognizing the operating cost advantage that GaN can provide.”

Asif Anwar, director, Strategy Analytics Strategic Technologies Practice, added: “Military applications and government funding for semiconductor companies like TriQuint and Cree will continue to drive GaN development. Additionally, the overall GaN market will expand with demand for commercial applications.”