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Establishing a UK sovereign supply chain for 5G devices

Date: 12.12.2024

Topics: Future telecoms, Photonics

Technology acceleration
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ORanGaN

Compound semiconductors such as gallium nitride (GaN) are in high demand for the development of new 5G communication devices.

GaN offers superior efficiency and performance compared to traditional silicon semiconductor technology.

Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit (MMIC) chips are a key 5G component and help boost signals before they are transmitted from a base station to our smartphones and computers.

Radio frequency (RF) power amplifiers present one of the biggest market opportunities across the 5G network, with the global market set to grow to $9 bn by 2025.

Devices built using compound semiconductors – specifically gallium nitride (GaN) – are expected to occupy 25–35% of that addressable market, with a value of between $2.5 bn and $2.7 bn.

The challenge

Currently, there are no commercial RF-GaN devices fully developed and manufactured in the UK that can be used in 5G applications.

The supply chain is dominated by US and Asian suppliers, which creates supply chain risks from logistics, IP leakage and device security that must be carefully managed. Due to the global manufacturing capacity shortages in the semiconductor industry, lead times are currently long.

Developing a UK supply chain will provide more security for UK manufacturers, more export opportunities for hardware manufacturers, and will enhance 5G infrastructure and resilience within the UK, helping to grow the UK economy.

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The approach

The ORanGaN project brought together Inex Microtechnology, Custom Interconnect Ltd (CIL), Viper RF and CSA Catapult to develop a new sovereign supply chain for RF-GaN products and devices to be used in 5G communications.

The project was funded by the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology as part of the Future RAN Competition.

The outcome

Developed a UK sovereign supply chain

The project has successfully established and extended a UK sovereign 5G RF-GaN MMIC design and manufacturing supply chain. The ORanGaN project has led to the development, investment and enhanced capabilities of all partners, enabling them to deliver a wider range of products including compound semiconductor devices for radar, satellite and other communications systems.

Creating new opportunities

16 new jobs have been created by the project whilst four individuals have been upskilled in new design and manufacturing processes. Off the back of the project, ten new customers have been acquired for 5G packaged devices because of increased capabilities developed by the partners.

Additional income generated

An estimated £369,499 worth of additional income was generated through new projects, specifically the 5G SWaP+C project which will develop high-frequency and energy-efficient, ultra-wide bandgap power amplifiers.

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