A European GaN transistor supply chain

Technical Objective

Devices will be designed, produced, tested for radiation effects, thermal effects, structural effects and reliability performance and will be demonstrated in an application to verify the desired performance. The end goal will be to proceed with a space evaluation leading to a space qualification of the produced devices.

Revolutionizing Power for Space with GaN Technology

ESGAN is developing a 200V enhancement-mode GaN transistor (normally off) for space power management systems—offering key advantages like reduced mass, higher efficiency, and superior radiation resistance.

Supply Chain Objective

To achieve the goals of the project a strong consortium has been established in which the members cover each of the stages of the supply chain. The consortium is composed of the following companies.

European Autonomy in Space Electronics

A key goal of the ESGAN project is to eliminate reliance on non-European suppliers by establishing a robust, end-to-end European supply chain for GaN transistor technology. This is made possible through a committed consortium of leaders in materials, design, manufacturing, and system integration.

Develop a space-qualified 200V enhancement-mode GaN transistor

Test for radiation, thermal, structural, and reliability performance

Demonstrate the device in a real space application

Establish a fully European, end-to-end supply chain

Enhance European strategic independence in space technology

Collaboration by Industry Leaders

Our four companies join their complementary strengths

The ambitious EsGaN goals are possible thanks to the cumulated expertise of our members in all the involved technologies. The consortium is composed of a company devoted to space level GaN transistors.

AIXTRON, a company dedicated to the design and manufacture of equipment to grow advanced substrates for GaN transistors. SEMI ZABALA, a company dedicated to the design, test and packaging of GaN transistors and integrated circuits. X-FAB, a semiconductor foundry company that has developed and offers processing services for GaN transistors. AIRBUS DEFENCE & SPACE, are one of Europe´s leading companies dedicated to the design and manufacture of satellite equipment and systems.

The consortium covers an end to end supply chain from materials, design, processing, packaging and test through to end users.

Development Phases

Design & Fabrication of GaN devices

At the heart of ESGAN lies the development of a 200V enhancement-mode GaN transistor, also known as a normally-off device—critical for safety and reliability in power management systems. This phase includes:

• Device architecture and modeling to optimize performance under extreme conditions

• Material growth and substrate preparation, using advanced metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) techniques

• Wafer processing and device fabrication in cleanroom facilities

• Packaging solutions tailored for thermal management and radiation shielding in space

Testing for radiation and environmental resilience

Given the harsh environment of space, the developed devices must be thoroughly tested for robustness against:

• Radiation Effects – Total Ionizing Dose (TID), Single Event Effects (SEE), and Displacement Damage

• Thermal Cycling – Performance at extreme temperatures from -150°C to +125°C

• Mechanical Stress – Including vibration and shock tests

• Electrical Reliability – Long-term performance under voltage and current stress

Demonstration in space application

Once the GaN devices have passed lab testing, they are integrated into a functional power management system for real-world demonstration. This stage focuses on:

• Building a prototype power converter using ESGAN devices

• Verifying system-level benefits: increased efficiency, reduced volume and weight

• Simulating or conducting testing under space-representative conditions

• Preparing data to support the space qualification process

The final goal is to achieve space evaluation and qualification, allowing the technology to be deployed on actual space missions. This phase includes:

• Compiling a complete reliability and qualification report

• Demonstrating compliance with European Space Agency (ESA) standards

• Final review by space qualification authorities

• Transfer to industrialization for future commercial applications

Evaluation & Qualification for space missions

Innovative Semiconductor Solutions

We design and manufacture high-performance semiconductor devices for power electronics applications.

Demanding missions

As the industry advances, satellite platforms and payloads require power systems to become lighter and more energy efficient.

Advanced technology

Enhanced transistors made of gallium nitride (GaN) offer superior performance over traditional silicon components.

We are creating the first European supply chain of gallium nitride transistors to be used specifically in space applications.

Made in Europe