X-FAB, a leading analog/mixed-signal and specialty foundry, has significantly bolstered its portfolio of wide bandgap (WBG) materials by introducing a Gallium Nitride-on-Silicon (GaN-on-Si) technology service for dMode (depletion-mode) devices at its state-of-the-art 8-inch fabrication facility in Dresden, Germany. This strategic move solidifies X-FAB's position as a pure-play foundry specializing in WBG materials, including Silicon Carbide (SiC) and Gallium Nitride.
The integration of Gallium Nitride-on-Silicon is a game-changer for reducing the cost of Gallium Nitride devices. By utilizing mature, large-diameter Silicon substrates instead of more expensive specialized substrates, X-FAB is leveraging economies of scale inherent to the Silicon industry. This makes the technology more accessible for a wider range of high-power and high-frequency applications, driving down the overall production cost. Furthermore, Gallium Nitride-on-Silicon technology offers high-frequency switching capabilities and low $R_{\text{DS(on)}}$ (resistance between drain and source terminals) in the "on" state, which are critical for enhancing energy efficiency.
This new capability distinguishes X-FAB by allowing customers to select the most suitable WBG material for their specific energy-efficient solution, whether it's for the power grid, automotive battery systems, or high-performance computing components like Graphics Processing Units (GPUs). Gallium Nitride-on-Silicon is particularly suited for lower voltage applications, typically below 650 volts, such as consumer fast chargers and power supplies, where its high switching speed and cost advantage over Silicon Carbide are pronounced. The broader WBG market, which encompasses both Gallium Nitride and Silicon Carbide, is projected for robust growth, driven by the rapid adoption of electric vehicles and the increasing global demand for energy-efficient electronics. X-FAB's move with their 8-inch platform ensures a secure supply chain and scalability for customers looking to commercialize next-generation power management and conversion products.
