ECSEL 2017 RIA ”5G_GAN2” ”Ericsson AB”

Important results from the project

** Denna text är maskinöversatt ** The purpose of the project was to develop new GaN technology for higher frequencies (specifically for 5G applications on frequencies from 24 GHz to 42 GHz, as well as point-to-point radio communication in E-band) and to develop cost-effective encapsulation methods for the same. Together with project partners, Ericsson has developed GaN-MMIC amplifiers with high efficiency for 5G applications around 28 GHz. Evaluation of new cost-effective encapsulation methods has not been done due to delays in the project (technical and due to COVID-19).

Expected long term effects

** Denna text är maskinöversatt ** The project has led to increased understanding of the possibilities and limitations of advanced GaN technology for 5G mm-wave radio base stations. GaN provides increased performance in the form of higher efficiency and higher output but at the price of increased complexity and thus higher price. The problems with delays in the development of cost-effective encapsulation methods have led to increased activity around encapsulation internally at Ericsson as well as to new project applications in this area.

Approach and implementation

** Denna text är maskinöversatt ** The project was carried out in a large consortium with emphasis on French partners (UMS, Thales and CAE-LETI). The project covered the entire supply chain - from wafers, transistors, circuits, encapsulation to entire systems. The experience from the project shows challenges with large consortia and entire supply chains This easily leads to problems with late integration, which affects the participating system companies. Through a smarter project structure, the proportion of parallel work can be increased and late integration can be avoided.