MACOM Technology Solutions has signed an agreement with HRL Laboratories to license and manufacture HRL’s proprietary 40nm T3L GaN-on-silicon carbide (GaN-on-SiC) process technology. The collaboration will transfer production from HRL’s research facilities to one of MACOM’s U.S. Trusted Foundries, giving MACOM an exclusive license to produce devices using the advanced T3L process.
Developed under U.S. defense research initiatives including the OUSD’s State-of-the-Art Radio Frequency Gallium Nitride (STARRY NITE) and DARPA’s Dynamic Range Electronics and Materials (DREaM) programs, HRL’s T3L process integrates a proprietary epitaxial structure and advanced gate design for high performance and reliability at millimeter-wave frequencies. The process supports both commercial and defense applications, strengthening MACOM’s existing RF, microwave, and millimeter-wave product lines.
“T3L is one of the most advanced high frequency semiconductor processes in the industry, which we anticipate will enhance our existing portfolio and accelerate execution of our roadmap,” said Stephen G. Daly, President and CEO of MACOM. HRL CEO Rob Vasquez added, “This new relationship with MACOM demonstrates HRL’s expertise at developing and proving technology concepts and then transitioning them into production.”
• MACOM gains exclusive manufacturing rights to HRL’s 40nm T3L GaN-on-SiC process
• The transfer will occur to a U.S. Trusted Foundry under a rapid collaboration framework
• HRL’s T3L technology originated from DARPA and OUSD-funded defense programs
• The process targets both commercial and defense millimeter-wave applications
🌐 Analysis: This collaboration deepens MACOM’s GaN capabilities at a time when U.S. defense and telecom sectors are seeking domestic, trusted semiconductor production. The deal positions MACOM alongside firms like Qorvo and Wolfspeed that are scaling GaN-on-SiC for radar, 5G, and high-power RF systems, while strengthening HRL’s role as a key innovation pipeline from federally funded R&D to industrial manufacturing.
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