If I am understanding correctly GaN mainly used in power components since it can handle larger voltages. Is it possible that with GaN getting cheaper that it might start moving towards other component areas that Si dominates? Or is GaN's usefulness primarily in handling power?
GaN provides a couple of benefits compared to Silicon:
1. It offers a lower on-resistance for the same breakdown voltage as a silicon device [1].
2. It offers a lower gate charge which allows you to turn it on and off at a much higher frequency than Silicon devices [2]
(1) means you have lower losses in a power circuit with GaN vs Si (leading to more compact - smaller heat sinks - power supplies for example)
(2) means power supplies can run at much higher frequencies. At higher frequencies, you can use smaller inductors and capacitors which means more compact circuits.
A practical example of GaN in action is FinSix' Dart power supply [3]
That's what I am wondering. There was a mention of RF, but don't go into detail. If they can use this advancement in the CPU / GPU area, I think a new "golden era" might happen. New CPUs and GPUs each year would be nice. =)
