Failure Physics and Reliability of GaN‐Based HEMTs for Microwave and Millimeter‐Wave Applications: A Review of Consolidated Data and Recent Results

Abstract

Herein, the results are reviewed concerning reliability of high‐electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) based on GaN, which currently represent the technology of choice for high‐efficiency microwave and millimeter‐wave power amplifiers. Several failure mechanisms of these devices are extensively studied, including converse piezoelectric effects, formation of conductive percolation paths at the edge of gate toward the drain, surface oxidation of GaN, time‐dependent breakdown of GaN buffer, and of field‐plate dielectric. For GaN HEMTs with scaled gate length, the simultaneous control of short‐channel effects, deep‐level dispersion, and hot‐electron‐induced degradation requires a careful optimization of epitaxial material quality and device design.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Nov 19, 2022
Source ID
10.1002/pssa.202100722

Entities

People

  • Alessandro Chini
  • Carlo De Santi
  • Chandan Sharma
  • E. Zanoni
  • Fabiana Rampazzo
  • Gaudenzio Meneghesso
  • Giovanni Verzellesi
  • Matteo Meneghini
  • Nicola Modolo
  • Zhan Gao

Organizations

  • European Space Agency
  • Horizon 2020
  • Office of Naval Research
  • University of Modena and Reggio Emilia
  • University of Padua

Tags

Readers

  • Electronics Engineering
  • Semiconductor Device Technology
  • Theoretical Analysis.

Technology Areas

  • 5G
  • Microelectronics