What are GaN Transistors?
GaN (Gallium Nitride) Transistors are transistors that are ideal for High Power RF applications. These are usually High-Electron-Mobility Transistors (HEMT) that exhibit significant advantages over silicon and GaAs transistors and provide this high-performance in very competitive size and weight. GaN is a wide band-gap (WBG) semiconductor material and is used to construct semiconductor devices such as diodes and transistors.
Though there are several competing technologies that can match some of the capabilities of Gallium Nitride (GaN), GaN has several advantages over legacy RF technologies:
- High Breakdown Voltage
- Enhanced Carrier Density and Saturation Velocity
- High operating Junction Temperatures
Further, since most GaN is Grown on semi-insulating substrates, parasitic losses are diminished, compared with other technologies.
GaN transistors are widely integrated into many communications devices like radio transmitters, radars, satellites, and electronic-warfare equipment of all types.
Important Parameters of a GaN Transistor:
- Technology: There are two types of GaN Transistors
- GaN on SiC - In this case the substrate is Silicon Carbide
- GaN on Si - In this case the substrate is Silicon
- Operating Frequency: This is the frequency range at which a GaN transistor is fully functional or provides the best performance.
- CW/Pulsed: This is the operation mode of the transistor. CW means that it is optimized for regular amplification applications and Pulsed means that it is optimized for applications like radars which require pulses of power to be generated. In the case of pulsed operation, the pulse width and rise/fall times are of high importance.
- Output Power: It is the magnitude of power that the transistor will provide at the output after amplifying a signal.
- Gain: The gain of a transistor is the ratio of output to input power or amplitude. This is measured in dB.
- Power, or Drain Efficiency (%): It is the overall efficiency of the GaN transistor that includes the input power, gain and their subsequent effect.
everything RF lists GaN Transistors from the leading manufacturers. Use the parametric search tools to narrow down on products based on your requirement. Once you find parts that meet your specification, download the data sheet, compare products and request quotations. Inquiries sent via everything RF are directed to the manufacturers who get back to you with a quote or information.
GaN transistors can also be used for Power Electronics. The properties of these transistors are very different from RF GaN Transistors. Click here to learn about GaN Transistors for Power Electronics.
