In a significant milestone at the forefront of technological progress, Raytheon, a business under RTX, has secured a notable four-year, $15 million contract from DARPA. This marks a pivotal moment in the enhancement of electronic capability for radio frequency sensors, and the key player in this transformative development is the adoption of high-power-density Gallium Nitride transistors.
1. Unleashing Power: Evolution in Gallium Nitride Transistors
Raytheon's advancements in Gallium Nitride transistors signify a breakthrough in electronic engineering. These transistors boast 16 times higher output power compared to their traditional counterparts, promising a substantial improvement in the capabilities of radio frequency sensors. Importantly, this enhanced power comes without any increase in operating temperature, setting Raytheon's innovation apart.
2. Military-Grade Excellence: Raytheon's Leadership in Gallium Nitride Technology
Raytheon stands as a significant manufacturer of military-grade Gallium Nitride, a cutting-edge semiconductor technology critical in advancing radar systems. The integration of Gallium Nitride in these systems significantly improves range and radar resource management handling, solidifying Raytheon's position as a key player in defense technology.
3. THREADS Program: Propelling Prototyping for Future Technologies
The DARPA contract is part of the Technologies for Heat Removal in Electronics at the Device Scale program, known as THREADS. Under THREADS, Raytheon's engineers are leading the way in Gallium Nitride production, eliminating thermal management as a limiting factor. Colin Whelan, President of Advanced Technology at Raytheon, notes, "These new system architectures will result in sensors with enhanced range," highlighting the transformative potential of this prototyping work.
4. Collaborative Excellence: Integrating Diamond for Thermal Enhancement
Raytheon is not navigating this path in isolation. In collaboration with the Naval Research Laboratory, Stanford University, and Diamond Foundry, Raytheon is pushing boundaries by integrating diamond, renowned as the world's best thermal conductor, with military-grade GaN transistors and circuits. This strategic alliance aims to enhance thermal efficiency, further optimizing the performance of these cutting-edge transistors.
5. Legacy of Dedication: Raytheon's Journey in Gallium Nitride Technology
With nearly 25 years of steadfast dedication to Gallium Nitride research and development, Raytheon has seamlessly incorporated this technology into defense systems such as the Patriot®, LTAMDS/GhostEye family of radars, APG-79(v)4, and SPY-6 family of radars. The ongoing work on this DARPA contract is centered in Andover, Massachusetts, a hub of innovation and technological advancement.
6. RTX: Advancing Aerospace and Defense
Raytheon, as part of RTX, a prominent aerospace and defense company, boasts a global workforce exceeding 180,000 employees. Their commitment to advancing technology and science is evident through industry-leading businesses such as Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and, notably, Raytheon. This collaboration propels aviation, engineers integrated defense systems, and develops technology solutions to address critical challenges.
Advancements in Electronic Capability
Raytheon's advancements in Gallium Nitride transistors are reshaping the landscape of sensor technology. With unprecedented power, temperature resilience, and collaborative efforts, Raytheon is at the forefront of advancing electronic capability for radio frequency sensors. This journey underscores Raytheon's dedication to redefining how we connect and safeguard our world.
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