What is gallium nitride?

Gallium nitride (GaN) is a crystal-like semiconductor material with special properties. The compound is a very hard material that has a Wurtzite crystal structure. GaN can be used to make semiconductor devices such as diodes and transistors. GaN has been used in electronics for decades, starting with LEDs in the 1990s, where it was used to emit light to TVs and computer displays before later finding its way into solar panels, where it was used to convert light into electricity. Now GaN has found its way into transistors and is replacing the industry's previous favorite semiconductor material - silicon. Traditionally, the most common material used in semiconductor production has been Silicon (Si) due to its abundance and affordability. However, semiconductor manufacturers can use many other materials. Plus, most of them afford additional benefits, such as Silicon Carbide (SiC), Gallium Arsenide (GaAs), and Gallium Nitride (GaN). Out of these potential materials, Gallium Nitride is becoming widely recognized and preferred.

What is a transistor, and why is GaN better?

A transistor is a tiny electronic switch that opens and closes really fast, and GaN has several advantages over silicon when used in transistors. Not only are GaN transistors smaller than silicon transistors, but they can carry more power, switch faster, and they are much more power efficient. While silicon transistors have a power efficiency of around 87%, GaN transistors boost this efficiency to over 95%. Because they’re more efficient, GaN transistors reduce the energy and operating costs of the technologies they’re used in. Less energy is expended when they’re powered for longer periods because they are good with thermal conductivity-heat. GaN transistors also can operate at much higher temperatures and work at much higher voltages than other transistors, they make ideal power amplifiers at microwave frequencies. They produce more power in a smaller overall size, with a much low propensity for failure.

What is GaN technology used for?

Due to high power density and voltage breakdown limits GaN is also emerging as a promising candidate for 5G cellular base station applications. Since the early 2020s, GaN power transistors have come into increasing use in power supplies in electronic equipment, converting AC mains electricity to low-voltage DC. With the development of GaN technology, it is increasingly used in the switch-mode power supplies, charger and power adapters. GaN chargers are about three times as efficient as silicon-based chargers in converting power to electricity, and they’re much smaller and more portable.

KELIC was established more than 20 years ago, specializing in the development and production of AC/DC Power Adapter, Battery Charger and Industrial Power Supply. Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has helped us build a  good reputation in the international market.