In recent years, GaN-on-Si technology has captured significant attention within the connectivity community, emerging as a groundbreaking solution to address the inherent challenges associated with power generation and efficiency at higher frequencies. The wireless industry continues to be driven by the pursuit of higher data rates and enhanced capacity. The introduction of mm-wave, with its substantial feasible bandwidth, holds immense potential for enabling immersive communication with remarkable throughput, as the sub-6GHz spectrum becomes increasingly congested. But the deployment of mm-wave technology has encountered delays due to technical obstacles on both the infrastructure and user equipment fronts. Recognizing the current landscape, there is a strategic compromise being sought in the FR3 (6-24GHz) spectrum. This spectrum not only allows for achieving high coverage but also facilitates higher bandwidth, making it a viable middle ground. This presentation will delve into the advancements in RF GaN technology specifically tailored for infrastructure and handset applications. The focus will be on elucidating the progress made in navigating the challenges of higher frequencies, ultimately contributing to the evolution of wireless connectivity.
Nadine Collaert is imec fellow and director of imec’s advanced RF program. With a career spanning multiple decades, Nadine has contributed greatly to electronics research, and specifically innovated in the areas of semiconductor device design and technology. Throughout her career, she has worked on diverse projects, collaborated with various departments and groups, and made significant strides in advancing cutting-edge semiconductor technologies. She has a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the KU Leuven, (co-) authored more than 400 publications, and holds more than ten patents in device design and process technology.