According to Semiconductor Today, MACOM Technology Solutions has entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with HRL Laboratories for their proprietary 40nm T3L gallium nitride-on-silicon carbide process technology. The deal involves rapidly transferring this semiconductor process from HRL’s Malibu facility to one of MACOM’s US Trusted Foundries. T3L technology was matured under the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense’s STARRY NITE program and DARPA’s DREaM program, along with additional HRL funding. MACOM President & CEO Stephen G. Daly calls T3L “one of the most advanced high-frequency semiconductor processes in the industry” and says it will accelerate their roadmap execution. Interestingly, MACOM wasn’t part of the original defense programs but will now industrialize the technology for commercial and defense applications. HRL President & CEO Rob Vasquez says this demonstrates their expertise in transitioning technology concepts into production.
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<h2 id="defense-tech-goes-commercial”>Defense tech goes commercial
Here’s what’s really interesting about this deal. We’re seeing top-tier military research making its way into commercial hands. The T3L process wasn’t developed in some academic lab – it came straight from programs funded by the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense and DARPA. That’s serious pedigree. And now MACOM gets to commercialize technology that was essentially paid for by taxpayer dollars. Pretty smart move on their part.
MACOM’s CEO basically admitted they’re getting the benefits without having done the heavy lifting. “We were not part of the STARRY NITE or DREaM programs; however, MACOM and our customers will soon be the beneficiaries of the results.” That’s quite the understatement. They’re getting proven, defense-grade technology that’s already been vetted for reliability at millimeter-wave frequencies.
Market implications
This exclusive license is a huge win for MACOM in the competitive RF semiconductor space. GaN-on-SiC is becoming increasingly important for 5G infrastructure, defense systems, and satellite communications. By locking up exclusive rights to this 40nm process, MACOM just created a significant barrier to entry for competitors.
Think about it – they’re getting technology from HRL Laboratories, which is co-owned by Boeing and General Motors. That’s not your average research lab. HRL has been working on GaN-on-SiC for years, and now MACOM gets to capitalize on that R&D investment. For defense contractors and commercial customers needing reliable millimeter-wave components, MACOM just became the go-to supplier.
The timing couldn’t be better either. With the push toward higher frequency communications and more sophisticated defense electronics, having an exclusive on advanced GaN technology positions MACOM perfectly. Their competitors are probably scrambling right now to figure out their response. This could reshape the competitive landscape in RF semiconductors for years to come.
