Filtronic GaN project scores for UK semiconductor sector

Filtronic, which designs and makes advanced RF and microwave solutions, has completed a multi-year project to develop novel plastic QFN packaging for Gallium Nitride (GaN) devices – marking a significant milestone for UK sovereign capability in advanced semiconductor technology.

The project was part-funded through the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA), part of UK Defence Innovation, via its Defence Technology Exploitation Programme (DTEP). Supported by a major defence prime contractor, the project was completed in August 2025.

The programme saw Filtronic – which has a design facility at Cambridge Science Park – design, manufacture and qualify QFNs incorporating GaN-based MMICs. This included the procurement and commissioning of a QFN production line to enhance vertical integration.

Working closely with its customer and the awarding body, this creative, engineering-led work integrated developed the required processes and techniques to overcome some of the known issues of QFN technology particularly for high power density compound semiconductor devices.

More than 150 units were manufactured and subjected to extensive qualification testing under some of the most challenging conditions possible. This included high-moisture exposure at level five, thermal cycling across 500 ramps and rigorous electrical stress testing designed to push the devices to their limits.

Despite the extreme demands of GaN, which generates substantial heat, every device passed 100 per cent of electrical performance tests.

“This project demonstrates the UK’s ability to deliver advanced GaN technologies at scale, while also proving the robustness of novel packaging approaches,” said Tudor Williams, Chief Technology Officer of Filtronic.

“By pushing devices to their limits and validating their performance, we’ve taken a step forward in sovereign capability. This not only puts Filtronic at the forefront of GaN innovation but, crucially, strengthens the UK’s independence in critical semiconductor technology and secures its future in advanced defence, space and communication systems.”

GaN is recognised as a critical technology for next-generation defence and communications systems and this project highlights Filtronic’s expertise in bringing novel ideas from concept through to proven, production-ready solutions.