A review of GaN RF devices and power amplifiers for 5G communication applications
Hao Lu, Meng Zhang, Ling Yang, Bin Hou, Rafael Perez Martinez, Minhan Mi, Jiale Du, Longge Deng, Mei Wu, Srabanti Chowdhury, Xiaohua Ma, Yue Hao
Abstract
In the emerging 5G and beyond 5G (B5G) era, the spotlight is sharply focused on the power amplifier, a critical component with stringent specification requirements that dictates the performance of the transmitter. The gallium nitride (GaN) device, with its superior inherent properties, is surfacing as a front-runner for power amplifier applications. The increasing demand for high frequency, high linearity, and cost-effective GaN power amplifiers is driven by anticipated traffic surges and the need for extensive 5G deployment. This paper offers a thorough review and future perspective on research developments in RF GaN device technology. It encompasses critical issues in advanced device and circuit technology, with a focus on high frequency, high linearity, cost-effective GaN-on-Si high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs), and compact modeling. This work aims to serve as a guide for the utilization of GaN HEMTs in 5G communication applications.