Introduction
Gallium nitride (GaN) is anticipated to be the next-generation power semiconductor. With a higher breakdown strength, faster switching speed, higher thermal conductivity and lower on-resistance, power devices based on GaN significantly outperform Si-based power chips. The first-generation GaN-based power devices will play a key role in the power conversion within battery chargers, smartphones, computers, servers, automotive, lighting systems and photovoltaics. Today, GaN is grown on a variety of substrates, including sapphire, silicon carbide (SiC) and silicon (Si).
Imec takes today’s gallium nitride-on-silicon (GaN-on-Si) technology to a higher level of maturity and reliability, and explores new concepts for next-generation GaN technology.
We have been pioneering GaN technology for more than 15 years, evolving 200mm/8-inch wafers to realize GaN-on-Si devices at lower costs while maintaining world-class performance. Our research covers GaN epitaxy as well as device engineering and processing technology.
Anticipate what will be next by joining our GaN industrial affiliation program and become a member of our partner ecosystem to explore and de-risk next-generation GaN epitaxy, integration and device technologies (substrates, isolations and novel devices) with the possibility of extending the application voltage range of GaN beyond 650V.
We also provide a dedicated package for technology transfer to shorten your time-to-market, or help you to develop a solution tailored to your needs using our state-of-the-art Au-free CMOS compatible 200mm GaN-on-Si technology platform for 200V and 650V (e-mode) power devices. Our platform is also available for low-volume production.
Imec's GaN offering
Imec has been pioneering GaN technology for more than 15 years – covering GaN epitaxy as well as device engineering and processing technology.
We have proven, state-of-the-art epi-capabilities up to 200mm GaN-on-Si, with more than 3,000 200mm GaN-on-Si wafers/year being dedicated to our activities.
Imec’s 200mm/8-inch GaN-on-Si epi recipes are available on 3 different reactors from 2 vendors (Veeco K465i & Veeco Propel, Aixtron G5+ C). Our proprietary recipes can be transferred to partners quickly, and are available for licensing.
Imec has built up an 8-inch/200mm CMOS-compatible GaN power device platform to develop state-of-the-art normally-off/e-mode (VTH>2V) and Schottky diode technology. Partners can engage with us to absorb this technology. Alternatively, we can tune the technology to specific partner needs – and even possess low-volume manufacturing capabilities for 200mm GaN-on-Si e-mode or Schottky diodes.
In the framework of its GaN industrial affiliation program, imec explores and de-risks the next generations of GaN epitaxy, integration and device technologies.
Imec platform
Imec has built a 200mm/8-inch Au-free CMOS-compatible platform, with a major focus on e-mode and Schottky diodes for power-switching applications. With the same platform, however, we can also make NO2 sensors and, thanks to a 200mm/8-inch GaN-on-Si substrate with low RF losses, enable GaN-based RF devices.
Epitaxy
200mm/8-inch GaN-on-Si epitaxy is challenging and requires a carefully-designed buffer for stress engineering to enable high-breakdown voltage and avoid formation of cracks and slip lines. Next to this, the buffer needs to be dispersion free. Imec has been exploring and optimizing several buffer architectures for 200mm/8-inch GaN-on-Si epitaxy.
Our latest 200mm/8-inch GaN-on-Si epitaxy shows excellent surface morphology and good reproducibility. Moreover, it is dispersion-free and has low vertical leakage current both at RT and at 150C.
Our 200mm/8-inch GaN-on-Si epi recipes are available on 3 different reactors from 2 vendors (Veeco K465i & Veeco Propel, Aixtron G5+ C). Imec’s proprietary recipes can be transferred to partners quickly, and are available for licensing.
Normally-off (e-mode)
Imec has been exploring several normally-off/e-mode device technologies.
Our latest e-mode device technology shows large threshold voltage (VTH>2V), combined with low on-resistance (7 ohm mm for 200V device).
This technology can easily be absorbed by our partners and can also be tuned to their specific needs.
Schottky diode
Imec has developed a 200mm GaN-on-Si diode technology with our proprietary Gate Edge Termination (GET) technology.
The main challenge that comes with developing power diodes is to obtain devices that simultaneously show low leakage current and low turn-on voltage – and exactly that can be realized with imec’s GET diode device architecture. Imec’s Schottky diodes meet forward and reverse specifications across the full temperature range (from 25˚C till 150˚C) with a tight distribution.
Imec’s technology can quickly be absorbed by our partners and can also be tuned to their specific needs.
Next-generation technologies
200mm GaN-on-Si technology will dominate the market in the coming years. Yet, imec is already investigating the next generations of GaN technologies – including how to extend the voltage range of GaN toward 1200V and beyond.
Our research stretches along three main paths:
- Exploring novel epi architectures on Si substrate as well as novel substrate technology with a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) matched to GaN or with interlayers between GaN and Si.
- Exploring novel isolation technologies for a higher level of integration of GaN transistors (high-side/low-side switches on the same chip).
- Looking into novel device architectures (quasi-vertical and vertical device) on 200mm substrates that would extend the current and voltage range of GaN devices.
Imec has already explored several novel substrate and epi technologies, and has proven that high breakdown voltage (>1100V) can be obtained by growing GaN on CTE matched substrates and with a thinner buffer than on Si.
Moreover, imec has already demonstrated GaN-on-SOI substrates with trench isolation technology to enable a higher level of integration – while quasi-vertical 200mm GaN devices are being processed in imec’s pilot-line.
Our GaN technologies include:
Dispersion-free GaN buffers
Imec develops 200V and 650V GaN buffers on top of 200mm/8-inch substrates and qualifies them on the power device level
State-of-the-art GaN power devices
Next-generation GaN technologies
Explore imec’s innovation in next-generation GaN technologies with extended voltage ranges.
Hoe kunnen we u helpen?
Some examples of what we have done
At imec bright people build a bright future.
You could be one of these builders. Whether you are an engineer or an operator, a consultant or PhD student, we need a versatile group of people to help us create positive change.
Join the forward thinkersJobs
Workplace Manager - Project lead campus transformation
Key in this mission is an innovative and sustainable workplace.
PhD researcher – Speech & Audio Processing
Within the context of several national and international projects on speech and audio processing conducted at IDLab (http://www.ugent.be/ea/idlab/), we are looking for several junior researchers.
Copy writer - tijdelijke functie
Als copy writer kun je ons baanbrekend onderzoek vertalen in kwalitatieve en commerciële teksten gericht op verschillende doelgroepen en kanalen. Dit is een tijdelijke opdracht ter vervanging van een vaste collega tem eind 2018.
Content Marketeer
Als content marketeer kun je ons baanbrekend onderzoek vertalen in kwalitatieve en commerciële teksten gericht op verschillende doelgroepen en kanalen.
Meer jobs bekijkenWhat can we do for you?
-
We have unique cleanroom facilities including a state-of-the-art, Au-free, CMOS compatible, 200mm GaN-on-Si technology platform for 200V and 650V power devices.
-
Our industrial affiliation program (IIAP) connects you with imec’s global partner ecosystem, enabling you to share costs and lower risk through collaborative and precompetitive research.
-
Our expertise enables us to develop a solution tailored to your needs. We also accommodate the low-volume production of your device.
Why work with us?
- Our research is based on a strong synergy between epitaxy, process integration, device technology and simulation
- We have an excellent track record in GaN-on-Si power devices with state-of-the-art d-mode (depletion mode) and e-mode (enhancement mode) power devices.
- Our research is founded on high-quality 200mm/8-inch wafers with GaN power electronics featuring buffer layers with a high-breakdown voltage.