How will GaN change the world of electronics design in the next decade?

29 Aug 2019

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?

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Jan Cumps over 6 years ago

I've been validating GaN power FETS for a few years now.
Checking Out GaN Half-Bridge Power Stage: Texas Instruments LMG5200 - Part 1: Preview

I think they have a place together with silicon, won't replace it.
GaN has some very good attributes that help fast switching - perfect for digital switching and switch mode power applications - and for some RF solutions.
But GaN is several orders of magnitude more expensive to make than silicon (sand) - and that will be so forever.
It has disadvantages too compared to silicon, making the devices more sensitive for particular failure modes and not the best choice for use in the linear (non-switched) range.
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Jan Cumps over 6 years ago

I've been validating GaN power FETS for a few years now.
Checking Out GaN Half-Bridge Power Stage: Texas Instruments LMG5200 - Part 1: Preview

I think they have a place together with silicon, won't replace it.
GaN has some very good attributes that help fast switching - perfect for digital switching and switch mode power applications - and for some RF solutions.
But GaN is several orders of magnitude more expensive to make than silicon (sand) - and that will be so forever.
It has disadvantages too compared to silicon, making the devices more sensitive for particular failure modes and not the best choice for use in the linear (non-switched) range.
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clem57 over 6 years ago 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, Jan Cumps .
Clem
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