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  • Author Author: rscasny
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How will GaN change the world of electronics design in the next decade?

rscasny

Silicon has been the kingpin of the semiconductor industry for a long time. And it should be: it has an ideal crystal structure for use as a semiconductor, But in today's world where ultra-low power and an extremely small package are two important factors in electronics design, maybe silicon has sort of reached its limits. What's the alternative?

 

As a semiconductor material, gallium nitride (GaN) is getting the attention that silicon once had. GaN works will in high voltage and high temperature applications. Plus it has high switching frequencies than silicon and attractive for its high energy efficiency.

 

So, how will GaN change the world of electronics design in the next decade?

  • in reply to Jan Cumps

    I put my hands up and surrender. I haven't investigated the properties of GaN in comparison. Your commentary caused me to recall germanium diodes lower voltage drop compared to silicon.

    I seem to think the label was crystal diodes. With one of those suckers and a coil of wire you could hear AM radio.

     

    Sean

  • in reply to colporteur

    I also think it's a great technology. From germanium/glass to silicon was a clearer case though - except where a low forward drop is important and germanium is still used.

    It's somewhat different with GaN I think, because it's not (going to be) better at a similar cost  in the majority of the applications. It's an additional toolbox with great attributes and some overlap.

  • Establish a panel of long tooths, those individuals around when glass transistor were the norm and silicon replacements were coming out of the wings, and ask them the same question regarding silicon?

     

    As one of the long tooths, I sometimes sit in awe at the opportunities silicon introduced.

     

    GaN offers a chance to improve the way some things have been done but also those things never been attempted because of silicon limitations. The formula for development just got more expansive by adding another variable.

     

    Hurts my head to think about it.

     

    Sean

  • in reply to clem57

      wrote:

     

    Well the cost factor may be a little overrated. This is due to the process not being as mature as silcon manufacturing. But take a look at this article and set me straight,   .

    Clem

    The article is stating costs specific for power applications. They don't specify why they mention lower prices, but it may be because you can use smaller or no heatsinks due to lower switching loss and capacitors and inductors can be smaller due to the higher switch frequency.

     

    Inherently, you can't source the base component GaN cheaper than Silicium. Even with improved processes. The cost of GaN wafers will very likely come down if the technology catches on. But silicon will still be simpler and easier to source - and is abundantly available.

  • in reply to Jan Cumps

    Well the cost factor may be a little overrated. This is due to the process not being as mature as silcon manufacturing. But take a look at this article and set me straight, .

    Clem