In a statement attributed to the Russian Academy of Sciences, domestic researchers announced the first monolithic integrated circuits in the Russian Federation that use gallium nitride and are engineered to operate in extreme environments, including space and areas with elevated background radiation. These GaN-based microcircuits mark a significant step in creating robust electronics capable of withstanding the harshest conditions without performance degradation.
Microcircuits built on gallium nitride offer notably higher specific power and superior performance at elevated temperatures. They demonstrate strong resistance to adverse factors such as radiation, heat, and electrical stress, which often limit the reliability of traditional semiconductor materials. By leveraging GaN, these circuits maintain faster switching, lower on-resistance losses, and improved efficiency in demanding settings, enabling more dependable operation in critical systems.
Experts note that deploying this gallium nitride component in microcircuits instead of silicon or gallium arsenide aligns with a global trend toward more resilient, high-performance electronics. Such chips are increasingly found in next-generation radar systems and other high-frequency applications where reliability under harsh conditions matters most, from aviation to space exploration.
The current focus includes developing transceiver models for short-range radar stations, with operational ranges around ten meters. This compact range is sufficient to manage robotic arms that operate in particularly radiation-rich or otherwise extreme environments, where rugged electronics are essential for safety, precision, and uninterrupted control.
In a related vein, Russian researchers have previously explored innovative biomedical approaches, including the concept of delivering medicines using stem cell technologies, illustrating the breadth of scientific exploration underway in the country. This diverse research portfolio underscores a broad commitment to advancing science across multiple disciplines, from advanced electronics to life sciences, underlining the continued pursuit of practical, high-impact innovations.