New workflow helps gallium nitride chips succeed on first fabrication - Interesting Engineering

Keysight Technologies and WIN Semiconductors have introduced an integrated workflow for gallium nitride (GaN) monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs) aimed at enabling successful first-time f... Read original →

The integrated GaN MMIC design flow from Keysight and WIN Semiconductor triggers a cascade across the RF technology stack by collapsing performance prediction gaps between chip, package, and board through co-simulation. This undermines the traditional tape-out-test-redesign cycle, pressuring foundries like TSMC in Taiwan, China to urgently enhance their GaN PDK ecosystems or risk losing share in 5G and LEO satellite markets. Geopolitically, while boosting efficiency, the workflow deepens reliance on U.S.-origin EDA tools—amplifying supply chain vulnerability under tightening export controls on GaN materials. System players like NVIDIA may accelerate in-house GaN integration to hedge against disruption. Within 18 months, a PDK standardization race will unfold: foundries offering open, high-fidelity model interfaces will capture ecosystem leadership, while those clinging to closed models face client attrition.