Aerospace & Defense

The backbone of air traffic control are radio beacons that combine VHF omnidirectional range (VOR) and distance-measuring equipment (DME) to give air traffic controllers a very accurate understanding of where aircraft are as they depart. ATC systems rely on frequencies that are converted (switched) hundreds of times a second and Wolfspeed gallium nitride (GaN) RF power solutions enable incredibly high-frequency functionality that won’t blink an eye at the demands of ATC systems.

Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) is a radar-based technology that helps flight controllers communicate with aircraft, receive their unique signature, and determine their location and bearing. For aerospace command and control operators — both in civilian and military aviation — being able to properly identify incoming aircraft is of extreme importance. Being able to do so quickly, reliably, and accurately is paramount. With Wolfspeed GaN MMIC and transistor solutions, designers have the flexibility to optimize system performance.

As this moment there are over 9,000 aircraft in the air, each being tracked by a TCAS system. Traffic Collision-Avoidance System (TCAS) rely on robust RF signals to function — and the reliability of Wolfspeed GaN on SiC provides just that. Offering industry-leading power density, higher breakdown voltage, greater thermal conductivity and better object discrimination, all while consuming less energy.

Awareness of a storm before you can see it was breakthrough technology. Knowing the location, speed, size, density, and direction of that storm much sooner can be life changing. Wolfspeed’s next-generation GaN on SiC HEMTs provide radar systems and broadband engineers the capability to achieve greater efficiency and higher power density, to detect earlier and with more clarity; all with the best-in-class reliability for which Wolfspeed is known. Available as both packaged devices and bare die, these HEMTs bring advanced capability to weather radar systems.

Knowledge is power and knowing where other ships and objects are in relation to your vessel is key. The next generation of shipboard-based radar platforms must offer increased power performance and clarity; the RF solutions behind them must be up to the task for these advanced systems. Wolfspeed GaN on SiC offers lower losses, higher switching frequency, great thermal performance, and better overall performance and does so in a small, industry standard package.

Like its cousin, IFF, Secondary Surveillance Radar (SSR) was born in the 1940’s. It interfaces with primary radar to deliver supplemental data from on-board transponders to controllers of commercial, military and general aviation aircraft. The SSR and primary systems differ in frequency to eliminate clutter and interference, and when fitted with Wolfspeed devices, systems engineers can deliver on their promise to maximize safety and detection with the world’s most reliable GaN RF transistors and MMIC power amplifiers.

Like the VHF ATC, Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) functions by timing radio signal delays and allows aircraft to fly safe, accurate departure and approach paths. However, DME is a more precise UHF system which measures the craft’s distance from a ground station as well as its altitude to determine “slant angle”. The higher switching speeds enabled by Wolfspeed’s GaN on SiC technology deliver exceptionally efficient spacial multiplexing, the simultaneous signal switching (Multiple In, Multiple Out) that’s the Wolfspeed MMIC’s superpower.

Information is paramount for both commercial and defense applications. Wolfspeed’s long history of supporting these applications globally with the latest GaN transistor and power amplifier solutions has enabled end users to meet their critical requirements now and into the future.

To provide the next generation of communication and connectivity in the sky, aircraft rely on high-throughput satellites to deliver best in class defense related communications, streaming media, and also enable in-flight Wi-Fi. With Wolfspeed GaN on SiC solutions, design engineers can achieve a higher level of performance out of a small package, meaning weight is kept to a minimum.

The accuracy and security of information transfer is the new battle field. Wolfspeed has long been providing the solutions and design support required to be a step ahead in this ever changing environment. With a broad product portfolio and custom design services, we help bring your next RF system innovation to life.

In the aerospace and defense industry, the ability to communicate is essential. Voice communication technologies, ranging from handheld radios used by first responders and military personnel on the front lines that can perform reliably are an absolute necessity. Wolfspeed delivers a broad portfolio of high efficiency, rugged GaN HEMTs that offer high gain and low thermal resistance in standard packages proven to withstand extremes of heat, cold and moisture.