Innovative technologies to detect small objects at large distances and with high precision are increasingly demanded to fulfill the safety requirements in helicopter/aeronautics applications. In this context, the emerging technology of gallium nitride (GaN) can allow to develop more precise detection systems with respect to the commercial solutions, because of a higher power, efficiency and components robustness. GaN technology is strategic also for power electronics applications.
The main objective of the project EleGaNTe (Electronics on GaN-based Technologies) is to develop the GaN key enabling technologies for a radar FMCW sensor capable to detect small obstacles for helicopters operating in critical conditions. Meanwhile, the project will promote the creation of a National platform able to control the whole GaN supply chain, from material growth to device fabrication, to their potential integration within compact and low power consumption systems.
The project is coordinated by the Department of Physical Sciences and Technologies of Matter (DSFTM) of the National Research Council of Italy (CNR).
The Consortium is composed by the following partners:
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR)
- Catania site
- Baranzate Unit
- Catania Unit
- Roma site
- Catania site
In the project, the partners will develop the key enabling technologies needed for the fabrication of two demonstrators, a High Power Amplifier (HPA) working in the mm-waves range and a normally-off high power High Electron Mobility Transistor (HEMT). The activities will be implemented in five Work Packages, ranging from operative specifications definition, to material growth and development of technological processes, to demonstrators realization.
Project Coordinator: Corrado Spinella (DSFTM)
Scientific Coordinator: Fabrizio Roccaforte
Administrative Project Manager: Giovanna Leanza
