Radio Frequency Gallium Nitride (RF Gan) Market Size, Share, Opportunities, And Trends By Type (GaN-on-SiC, GaN-on-GaN, GaN-on-Diamond, GaN-on-Si), By End-User (Aerospace, Communications, Automotives, Military And Defense), And By Geography - Forecasts From 2023 To 2028

The integration of semiconductor compounds like gallium nitride with radio frequency applications increases the efficiency of power density and enhances thermal conductivity. The relative advantage of utilizing gallium nitride is providing it a competitive edge over other conventional semiconductor materials encouraging its consumption across different industries including telecommunications, aerospace, military, and automotive sectors. Depending on the types of RF GaN products, gallium nitride in the silicon products sector is the most consumed and hence contributes vastly to the development of the RF GaN market. Therefore, the emerging modifications in network technology and the extensive use of RF GaN-based devices for satellite communication purposes are expected to increase the demand for the radio frequency gallium nitride market over the forecast period.

Market Drivers

• The demand for effective communication tools in the aerospace and military sector

In the military sector, RF GaN technology is recently being used to produce radars that use phased array modules and electronically scanned arrays to be integrated with monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs) comprised of GaN-on-SiC. In addition, the aerospace sector is employing RF GaN technology to strengthen space communications and enhance the quality of data transmission. For instance, the Proba-V satellite launched by the European Space Agency used an RF GaN-based amplifier to fortify its communication platform. In addition, the development and research made by the European Space Agency in GaN technology made in recent years are promoting the increased consumption of RF GaN products. The radar satellites product line, Copernicus Sentinel-1, and Biomass satellite to be launched by the European Space Agency will be manufactured by adopting RF GaN amplifiers and modules. Therefore, the need for efficient radars and communication systems in the aerospace and military sector is driving the demand for the radio frequency gallium nitride market.

• The development of 5G and 6G infrastructure

The advancement of 5G technology and the research into 6G network infrastructure employ RF GaN technology to facilitate their functioning. The implementation of RF GaN-based tools in 5G base stations and other network components aids in enhancing the quality connection, speed, and efficient reliability of 5G networks. The increasing consumption of 5G networks across the world will result in an increased demand for the RF GaN market. For example, according to a report generated by Ookla, approximately 49.2% of US citizens and 43.8% of South Korean citizens using 5G devices have switched to using the 5G network. The rapid adoption of 5G networks by consumers is resulting in further research into building 6G infrastructures. For instance, Nippon Telegraph and Telephone, Fujitsu, and NTT DOCOMO announced a collaboration to manufacture wireless devices that integrate semiconductor compounds such as gallium nitride and high radio frequency waves. Therefore, the evolution of network technology by new introductions such as wireless devices, 5G networks, and 6G network infrastructure is expected to prominently boost the consumption of RF GaN products over the forecast period. 

The high amount of prices associated with RF GaN could restrain the growth of the market. 

The components and wafers used for the production of RF GaN semiconductor tools are scarcely available in the market which results in high manufacturing costs and prices for both the manufacturing companies and consumers. The silicon-based components used for manufacturing RF solutions are relatively cheaper compared to gallium nitride-based parts. However, the radio frequency gallium nitride market is newly emerging and further research could improve the maturity of RF GaN technology and lead to efficiency in production activities lowering the costs of RF GaN products.

Key Developments

• In June 2022, Qorvo, a company specializing in the manufacture of RF-based solutions introduced two new power amplifier products integrated with gallium nitride, QPA3810, and QPA3908 to improve the 5G network infrastructure in Europe and US.
• In June 2021, Microchip Technology Inc. launched a new power amplifier, GMICP2731-10 GaN MMIC, which is its first gallium nitride MMIC device to be manufactured for use across different communication systems used in defense and commercial aerospace satellites. 
• In May 2021, Globalfoundries Company, a leading company in the semiconductor industry, and Raytheon Technologies, a company extensively dedicated to innovating defense and aerospace technology announced their collaboration to generate and commercially manufacture a new GaN-on-Si tool to enhance the radio frequency quality in wireless network technology.

 North America has a significant share of the radio frequency gallium nitride market and is expected to grow in the forecast period.

North America contributes vastly to the radio frequency gallium nitride market due to the constant evolution in its defense, aerospace, and telecommunications technology. The presence of major commercial satellite communication companies such as Iridium Communications, SpaceX, Kratos Defense and Security Solutions, and Boeing in the US are promoting the RF GaN market in North America. The constant research projects and the release of new satellites by these companies are expected to generate more demand for RF GaN products. For instance, Boeing Company announced its plan to contrast a network of satellite constellations to expand the width of data-based services provided to its clients in the private and public sectors. In addition, the military and defence sector of the US is collaborating and investing its funds to improve RF GaN technology and products to be used for military purposes. For instance, the US Department of Defense will be allocating funds worth US$30 million through the Defense Microelectronics Activity to Globalfoundries to advance the gallium nitride on silicon technology to be used on wafers. Hence, the research projects being conducted to improve the RF GaN products and the expansion of the satellite network are expected to significantly grow the North American radio frequency gallium nitride market.

Key Market Segments:

• By Type

• GaN-on-SiC
• GaN-on-GaN
• GaN-on-Diamond
• GaN-on-Si

• By End-User

• Aerospace
• Communications
• Automotives
• Military and Defense

• By Geography

• North America

• USA
• Canada
• Mexico

• South America

• Brazil
• Argentina
• Others

• Europe

• United Kingdom
• Germany
• France
• Italy
• Spain
• Others

• Middle East and Africa

• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Others

• Asia Pacific

• China
• Japan
• India
• South Korea
• Taiwan
• Others