Source/Type: CompoundSemi Online -- Compound Semiconductor Supply Chain News - Reported News

Raytheon Demonstrates Advantages of Gallium Nitride in Radar Components
Author: CompoundSemi News Staff

April 16, 2008... Raytheon of Tewksbury, Massachusetts USA, is developing gallium nitride-based transmit-receive modules for use in future radar upgrades. According to the company, the development is part of an on-going 42-month, $11.5 million Next Generation Transmit Receive Integrated Microwave Module (NGT) contract from the Missile Defense Agency's Advanced Technology Directorate. Raytheon says it is demonstrating that transmit-receive modules using GaN-powered monolithic microwave integrated circuit amplifiers (MMICs). GaN MMICs reportedly have a significant performance advantage in that they provide significantly higher radio frequency power with greater efficiency than current modules, the company said. The NGT program leverages GaN technology being developed under the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's Wide Bandgap Semiconductor program as well as company-funded efforts.

Russell indicated that GaN technology can increase radar ranges, sensitivity, and search capabilities. He also said that the technology enables reduction in the size of the antenna, which improves transportability and reduces acquisition and lifecycle costs without sacrificing performance. "The NGT program is important because it is the first significant government-funded contract to address the use of the more capable GaN semiconductors in a relevant environment," said Steve Bernstein, IDS' program manager on NGT. "This recent demonstration shows that GaN technology performs better in transmit-receive modules representative of those used in modern radars." Raytheon News Release