Gallium nitride (GaN) devices for satellite communication are in great need however there are problems with efficiency, thermal management, and linearity that must be solved. SweGaN has addressed these technical issues in the sme instrument phase 1. Furthermore a detailed verification of the market for GaN materials and devices has been made and an understanding of why GaN devices are important for satellite communication.
Mobile data is growing at an explosive pace and building out the network using existing technology will lead to an enormous increase in energy consumption with associated CO2 emissions and an enormous cost as well. Furthermore, it is mainly the urban parts of the developed countries that can fully enjoy a high capacity of the network. In less populated areas the network is not as good. There is also 4 billion people in the world that do not have any internet at all. To solve these issues satellite communication must be used and high power, energy efficient devices operating at high frequency must be developed to reduce the energy consumption/bit and increase the capacity. Such devices can be made of GaN making this an urgent societal need both with respect to supplying a higher network capacity but also by reducing the CO2 emissions.
The overall objectives are:
Technical verification/development of SweGaN's material
Verification of the market
Investigate cost structure and willingness to pay
Develop a goto market strategy
Investigate the organizational and strategic changes within the company
