Direct comparison of GaN-based e-mode architectures (recessed MISHEMT and p-GaN HEMTs) processed on 200mm GaN-on-Si with Au-free technology

Gallium nitride transistors are going to dominate the power semiconductor market in the coming years. The natural form of GaN-based devices is “normally-on” or depletion mode (d-mode). Despite these type of devices can be used in power semiconductor systems by means of special drivers or in a cascode package solution, yet the market demands for normally-off or enhancement mode (e-mode) devices. In this work, we directly compare and analyze the two most common approaches to obtain GaN-based e-mode devices: recessed gate MISHEMTs and p-GaN HEMTs. Both approaches have their pro’s and con’s as well as their critical process steps.