Mitsubishi Electric Develops Gallium Nitride High-Electron Mobility Transistor (GaN HEMT) for 4.0 GHz Band Satellite Applications
Mitsubishi Electric Develops World’s First GaN HEMT Amplifier Exclusive to Satellite Applications
Use of gallium nitride achieves high output of up to 100 W
TOKYO, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (TOKYO: 6503) announced it has
developed four models of gallium nitride high-electron mobility transistor (GaN HEMT) for 4.0 GHz band satellite applications, with output ranging from 2W to 100W. With these products, Mitsubishi Electric will become the first company in the world to market GaN HEMTs engineered exclusively for these particular applications. Sample shipments are scheduled to begin in March 2010
Aim of Sale
As more and more satellites are meeting the end of their operational lifespan, demand for new microwave communication satellites has recently been growing. While transmitter devices in these communication
satellites have traditionally utilized gallium arsenide (GaAs) amplifiers, gallium nitride (GaN) HEMT amplifiers offer higher efficiency, as well as high-filed electron velocity and high breakdown fields. These characteristics help make transmitter devices smaller, lighter and more durable.
Product Features
1) GaN HEMT with high output power of up to 100 W (MGFC50G3742S)
To gain 100W output with GaAs amplifiers, it is necessary to combine an additional amplifier with an output of approximately 25 W in the final stage. Mitsubishi Electric’s new GaN HEMT amplifier, the MGFC50G3742S, achieves 100 W output with a single device, while retaining the same size as 25 W GaAs amplifiers, and offering a very high efficiency (power added efficiency) of 60%.
Mitsubishi Electric has also developed GaN HEMT amplifiers with 40 W, 20 W and 2 W outputs, suitable for use in first- and mid-stage amplification. These lower output amplifiers are smaller, lighter and consume less energy.
2) High reliability for satellite applications
Designed for use in satellites, which are usually used for approximately 10 years, Mitsubishi Electric’s GaN HEMTs can operate for as long as one million hours given a chip temperature of 175 degrees C and an operation voltage of 45V, and are fit to operate in severe conditions found in space.
About Mitsubishi Electric
With over 85 years of experience in providing reliable, high-quality products to both corporate clients and general consumers all over the world, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (TOKYO: 6503) is a recognized
world leader in the manufacture, marketing and sales of electrical and electronic equipment used in information processing and communications, space development and satellite communications, consumer electronics, industrial technology, energy, transportation and building equipment. The company recorded consolidated group sales of 3,665.1 billion yen (US$ 37.4 billion*) in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009.
For more information visit http://global.mitsubishielectric.com
