Gallium nitride processors – next generation digital technology for space technology

Gallium nitride (GaN), a semiconductor material commonly used to make LEDs, semiconductor lasers and power devices, could be the basis for next-generation electronics for space applications. As part of the Hot Operating Temperature Technology (HOTTech) program of the American space agency NASA, researchers from the University of Arizona (ASU) have begun the development and creation of the first prototype gallium nitride microprocessor, the “descendants” of which will operate research vehicles operating in extreme conditions. outer space.

Gallium nitride has a high electronic conductivity, a thousand times higher than that of silicon. In addition to conductivity, semiconductor devices based on gallium nitride are ahead of their silicon counterparts in terms of speed, operating temperature, and a number of other parameters. In this regard, gallium nitride has long been considered as an alternative option in the case when silicon electronics has completely exhausted all its reserves.

“The use of gallium nitride will allow electronic devices to be created that work more efficiently, have smaller dimensions and can operate at high ambient temperatures,” said Yuji Zhao, research team leader.

In accordance with the objectives of the HOTTech program, a group from the University of Arizona must develop a gallium nitride microprocessor capable of operating at temperatures of about 500 degrees Celsius. This processor will be based on one of the types of high-temperature gallium nitride, and will use physical and electrical effects and phenomena that are not used in technology operating under normal conditions.

Note that the creation of electronics that can function at high temperatures and other extreme conditions will allow NASA to conduct research on the hottest and most inhospitable planets in the solar system, including Venus and Mercury. However, building a gallium nitride microprocessor is expected to be a complex and lengthy endeavor. And now it is even difficult to estimate when NASA will be able to send into space a mission equipped with high-temperature electronics based on gallium nitride.

“However, given all the projected difficulties, it will be good luck if fully functional gallium nitride electronics appear within the next ten years,” says Yuji Zhao, “NASA management understands all this very well and agrees to wait as long as it can. required. “So

urce: www.dailytechinfo.org