Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • BAE Systems advancing USAF developed GaN semiconductor tech

Defence

BAE Systems advancing USAF developed GaN semiconductor tech

BAE Systems is working to transition short-gate gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductor technology developed by the US Air Force (USAF) to its open foundry service.

Above: GaN six-inch wafer.

BAE Systems has successfully completed a Phase 1 effort to transition short-gate gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductor technology developed by the US Air Force to its Advanced Microwave Products (AMP) Center.

BAE Systems were also selected by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) for Phase 2 of the programme.

Advertisement
ODU RT

The GaN semiconductor technology comes in the form of a wafer that provides high efficiency and broad-frequency bandwidth capabilities in a compact form that can be integrated into a variety of systems to enable next-generation radar, electronic warfare, and communications.

As part of Phase 2, the BAE Systems FAST Labs research and development team and the AMP Center will collaborate to further develop and advance the readiness of the technology. Specifically, the project will scale the 140-nanometer GaN monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) technology to six-inch wafers and increase its manufacturing level of maturity as part of the validation process, which will include optimising performance, ensuring process stability and maximising wafer-to-wafer uniformity and wafer yields. ENGIN-IC, a custom MMIC design company, will support the design activities, including process design kit validation.

This technology will transition to a foundry service product, available through our open foundry service, at the end of Phase 2, where the technology can be leveraged more broadly across different government initiatives.

"Our foundry is a trusted partner to the defence community because it is dedicated to the design, creation, and implementation of vital technologies such as short-gate GaN," said Chris Rappa, product line director for Radio Frequency, Electronic Warfare and Advanced Electronics at BAE Systems FAST Labs. "GaN technology fills a unique need for the Department of Defense for low-cost, high-performance amplifier technology and Phase 2 of this effort brings us one step closer to successfully manufacturing and bringing AFRL's technology to market."

BAE Systems is researching and advancing microelectronic technologies, including GaN, in our 70,000-square-foot Microelectronics Center (MEC) located in Nashua, New Hampshire. The MEC has been an accredited DoD Category 1A Trusted Supplier since 2008 and fabricates integrated circuits in production quantities for critical DoD programmes.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025


 

 

Advertisement
Babcock LB
Royal Navy establishes autonomous minesweeping capability

Defence

Royal Navy establishes autonomous minesweeping capability

4 July 2025

The Royal Navy has - for the first time - established an autonomous minesweeping capability, after new systems were delivered to help combat the rapidly evolving threat of naval mines.

Serco appoints Keith Williams as Chair

Aerospace Defence Security Space

Serco appoints Keith Williams as Chair

4 July 2025

Serco has appointed Keith Williams to the Board as a Non-Executive Director and Chair designate.

BAE Systems to continue developing AFRL

Defence

BAE Systems to continue developing AFRL's BATDOK

4 July 2025

The US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has selected BAE Systems to continue development and support deployment of the Battlefield Assisted Trauma Distributed Operations Kit (BATDOK) via the new Force Optimization through Rapid-prototyping, Gear Enhancements & Innovative Technology (FORGE-IT) programme.

Boeing appoints Stephen Parker as CEO of BDS

Defence Security Space

Boeing appoints Stephen Parker as CEO of BDS

3 July 2025

Boeing has appointed Stephen (Steve) Parker as president and chief executive officer of its Defense, Space & Security (BDS) business, effective immediately.

Advertisement
Gulfstream RT
Lancashire aims at advancing cyber-enabled defence and security

Defence Security Events

Lancashire aims at advancing cyber-enabled defence and security

3 July 2025

Over 200 senior business leaders, investors, policymakers and academics from across the UK gathered this week at the Lancashire Cyber Festival to discuss Lancashire’s opportunity to become a global leader in cyber-enabled defence and security.

Airframe Designs aligns with US NCAMP standards

Aerospace Defence Security

Airframe Designs aligns with US NCAMP standards

3 July 2025

Airframe Designs has aligned its material systems with the US National Centre for Advanced Materials Performance (NCAMP) which works with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and industry partners to support its existing testing processes.

Advertisement
Leonardo RT