Smartphones to Satellites: Compound Chip Revolution

Introduction

In the rapidly evolving landscape of electronics, semiconductors are the backbone of modern technology, powering everything from everyday devices like smartphones to advanced systems like satellites and electric vehicles. While silicon has long been the dominant material in the semiconductor industry, compound semiconductors are emerging as critical players, offering unique properties that make them indispensable for high-performance applications. This blog post explores the world of compound semiconductors, delving into their types, properties, applications, and challenges, while also highlighting their potential for shaping the future of technology.

As the industry accelerates adoption of these materials, Orbit & Skyline plays a key role in enabling scalable implementation through its Semiconductor FAB Solutions and Semiconductor Material Supply expertise.

What Are Compound Semiconductors?

Compound semiconductors are materials composed of two or more elements, typically from groups III, V, II, and VI of the periodic table. Unlike elemental semiconductors such as silicon (Si) or germanium (Ge), which are made from a single element, compound semiconductors combine different elements to achieve specific electrical, optical, and thermal properties. Common examples include gallium arsenide (GaAs), indium phosphide (InP), gallium nitride (GaN), and silicon carbide (SiC). These materials are often categorized as III-V (e.g., GaAs, InP), II-VI (e.g., CdTe, ZnSe), or IV-IV (e.g., SiC) compounds based on the groups of the periodic table from which their constituent elements are drawn.

Types of Compound Semiconductors

Compound semiconductors can be classified based on their chemical composition:

III-V Compounds: These include materials like gallium arsenide (GaAs), indium phosphide (InP), and gallium nitride (GaN). They are widely used in optoelectronics and high-frequency electronics due to their excellent electrical properties and direct band gaps.
II-VI Compounds: Examples include cadmium telluride (CdTe) and zinc selenide (ZnSe). These are often used in solar cells and light-emitting devices because of their ability to emit and absorb light efficiently.
IV-IV Compounds: Silicon carbide (SiC) is a notable example, known for its wide band gap and high thermal conductivity, making it ideal for power electronics and high-temperature applications.
Ternary and Quaternary Compounds: By combining three or more elements, such as aluminum gallium arsenide (AlGaAs) or indium gallium nitride (InGaN), it is possible to "tune" the properties of the material, such as its band gap or lattice constant, to suit specific applications. This precise tuning is enabled through advanced Process Engineering services, allowing custom compound structures to match high-performance needs.

Properties of Compound Semiconductors

Compound semiconductors exhibit several advantageous properties that make them superior to silicon in certain applications:

High Electron Mobility: Electrons can move faster in compound semiconductors than in silicon, enabling higher operating frequencies and faster switching speeds. For example, GaAs has an electron mobility about six times higher than silicon.
Wide Band Gaps: Many compound semiconductors, such as GaN and SiC, have wider band gaps than silicon, allowing them to operate at higher voltages and temperatures. This is crucial for power electronics and high-temperature environments.
Direct Band Gaps: Unlike silicon, which has an indirect band gap, many compound semiconductors (e.g., GaAs, GaN) have direct band gaps. This property enables efficient light emission and absorption, making them ideal for optoelectronic devices like LEDs, lasers, and solar cells.
High Saturation Velocity: Compound semiconductors can achieve higher electron velocities at saturation, which is essential for high-frequency applications.
Radiation Hardness: These materials are more resistant to radiation damage, making them suitable for space exploration and nuclear applications.
Thermal Conductivity: Some compound semiconductors, like SiC, have excellent thermal conductivity, allowing them to dissipate heat more efficiently than silicon.

The following table summarizes the key properties of selected compound semiconductors compared to silicon:

saturation velocity Source: Adapted from ScienceDirect

Applications of Compound Semiconductors

The unique properties of compound semiconductors make them essential for a wide range of high-performance applications:

Optoelectronics: LEDs, laser diodes, and solar cells rely on the direct band gaps of compound semiconductors. For instance, GaN is used in blue and white LEDs, while CdTe is a leading material for thin-film solar cells.
High-Frequency Electronics: Devices like microwave amplifiers, radar systems, and satellite communications depend on the high electron mobility of materials like GaAs and InP. These materials are crucial for 5G and future wireless communication technologies.
Power Electronics: GaN and SiC are transforming power electronics with their ability to handle high voltages and temperatures while offering lower energy losses. They are used in electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and high-efficiency power supplies.
RF and Microwave Devices: Compound semiconductors are essential for radio frequency (RF) applications, including wireless communication and defence systems.
Sensors and Detectors: Their sensitivity to light, temperature, and other physical phenomena makes compound semiconductors ideal for sensors used in medical imaging, environmental monitoring, and industrial applications.

Challenges and Future Prospects

Despite their advantages, compound semiconductors face several challenges:

Higher Production Costs: Compared to silicon, compound semiconductors are more expensive to produce due to the complexity of growing high-quality crystals and the need for specialized equipment.
Manufacturing Complexity: The production processes for compound semiconductors are more intricate, requiring precise control over growth conditions to minimize defects. This level of control is supported by Equipment Engineering, Process Engineering, and Tool Hook-Up Services offered by Orbit & Skyline.
Scalability: Scaling up production to meet growing demand while maintaining quality remains a significant hurdle.

However, ongoing research and development are addressing these challenges. Advances in growth techniques like molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) and metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) are improving crystal quality and reducing costs. Additionally, the increasing demand for energy-efficient devices, 5G technology, electric vehicles, and renewable energy systems is driving investment in compound semiconductor research. As these materials become more accessible, they are poised to play an even more significant role in future technologies.

Conclusion

Compound semiconductors are at the forefront of technological innovation, offering solutions to the limitations of traditional silicon-based electronics. Their unique properties—high electron mobility, wide band gaps, and direct band gaps—make them essential for next-generation devices, from high-efficiency LEDs to high-power electronics in electric vehicles.

As the market accelerates, Orbit & Skyline is driving innovation through integrated Semiconductor FAB Solutions, Global Field Engineering, and material supply capabilities—enabling faster, more efficient, and scalable compound semiconductor deployment.

While challenges such as production costs and manufacturing complexity remain, ongoing research and the growing demand for advanced technologies are driving progress in this field. As compound semiconductors continue to evolve, they are set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of electronics, enabling faster, more efficient, and more sustainable technologies.

With 15+ years of expertise and a global team of 500+ engineers, Orbit & Skyline is a trusted partner in the semiconductor industry. If you are looking for a semiconductor services and solution partner, reach out to us at hello@orbitskyline.com.