WAVEPIA
A High-performance, Cost-effective IC Design Line

Gallium nitride (GaN) is rapidly emerging as a game-changer in the world of semiconductors thanks to its superior electron mobility compared to traditional silicon-based materials. It can operate at higher frequencies and voltages while maintaining efficiency. This means GaN-based chips can offer reduced power losses, higher switching frequencies, and increased power density, making them a suitable replacement for traditional silicon-based power ICs. With these capabilities, GaN is finding its way into various devices and systems, ranging from power adapters and chargers to electric vehicles and renewable energy systems. WAVEPIA is here to fulfill this growing demand.

WAVEPIA is an IC design house specializing in developing high-performance, cost-effective semiconductor chips, including GaN, gallium arsenide (GaAs), silicon carbide (SiC), and some analog chips fabricated using CMOS technology. Its current emphasis is on crafting and developing bespoke RF GaN high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) Bare-Die and RF GaN transistors with high power density, efficiency, and high-frequency operation capacities. The company is also equipped to provide in-house high-power GaN phase-locked loop GaN PLL solutions as per client performance specifications.

“Our goal is to consistently maintain high-quality production with low defect rates. The bedrock of our development approach is understanding the client’s system and operational contexts. This helps prioritize risk mitigation through testing the operational software and design aspects pertaining to performance during operation,” says Sanghun Lee, founder and CEO of WAVEPIA.

WAVEPIA has engineered GaN technology specifically for microwave generator applications. These solid-state microwave generators (SSMWGs) aim to replace traditional magnetron technology with semiconductor-based power amplifiers. WAVEPIA's SSMWGs offer several competitive advantages:
1. Internal Transistors: Unlike competitors who rely on external sources for transistors, WAVEPIA integrates its own transistors within the SSMWG design. This eliminates external dependency, potentially reducing issues like lead times and price fluctuations.
2. High-Power GaN PLL Synthesizer (HPGP): WAVEPIA's flagship HPGP synthesizer significantly improves the efficiency of SSMWGs, which is crucial for SSMWGs to compete with magnetrons.
3. Synergy for Efficiency Gains: When combined with WAVEPIA's solid-state power amplifier block, the HPGP delivers tangible efficiency gains. This synergy represents a substantial leap forward in industry standards.

Needless to say, SSMWGs emerge as a strategic choice driven by cost considerations due to their maintenance advantages over conventional magnetron-based systems. Magnetrons necessitate frequent replacements due to their limited lifespan, whereas SSMWGs offer greater longevity, reducing the burden of recurring maintenance cycles. They excel at reducing downtime and enabling the adoption of additional cutting-edge technology to enhance operational efficiency and reliability.

WAVEPIA contributes to various industries with SSMWGs. It is currently promoting the use of SSMWGs in food processing, waste gasification, and industrial heating and drying processes as an alternative to magnetrons. Simultaneously, it is pioneering the development of an advanced plasma lighting system (PLS) for future applications like controlled environment agriculture (CEA). It is also engaged in advancing the clean hydrogen development business.

Transistors in power amplifiers typically generate considerable heat during operation, posing a challenge for market players who strive to precisely monitor and manage thermal temperatures to improve cooling systems and overall efficiency. WAVEPIA’s GaN transistors, however, are self-healing IPs. With their real-time temperature sensing capabilities, engineers can monitor real-time temperatures and design compact and efficient systems while implementing tailored cooling solutions, whether water-based or air-cooled. These advantages position WAVEPIA as a compelling choice in the industry.

Parallelly, the resilience of WAVEPIA GaN transistors extends to space applications, demonstrating their ability to withstand the harsh conditions of extraterrestrial environments, including radiation exposure.

In addition to designing IPs, the company collaborates with external foundry service providers for handling subsequent processes. After receiving the designed chip within the wafer, it proceeds with the packaging process, assembling transistors, and then selling the product. WAVEPIA's relative freedom from export restrictions allows customers to purchase with less burden of documentation. Its packaging solution, dubbed ‘one’ for Immunologically Sensitive Field Effect Transistor (IMFET) transistors, not only slashes packaging costs but also simplifies the implementation of matching circuits.

Currently, WAVEPIA is addressing a popular issue in the industry called ‘voids,’ which can adversely affect product performance. It leverages advanced technology and processes to reduce and even eliminate voids beneath the Bare-Die. This initiative improves product quality, enhances reliability, and ensures customer satisfaction.

A client success story better explains how WAVEPIA’s offerings positively impact its clients. For example, it replaced a magnetron generator for a company operating in the food processing field with a diverse product lineup. Initially, WAVEPIA produced a sample to replace the product for the 450MHz band, connected it to the customer’s system, conducted thorough testing, and received highly successful results. Building on these results, it designed products for the 915MHz and 2.45GHz bands, which were immediately promoted. These efforts brought great progress in the client’s project.

WAVEPIA, as a growing company, adheres to the AS9100 quality management process standards, ensuring product consistency and longevity in the market. Leveraging vacuum and silver sintering technologies in its product development processes, the company aspires to meet the industry's demands for high-frequency areas and exceed client expectations.