Project Info

Multiphysics Design of GaN Transistors for 5G and 6G applications

Peter
paaen@mines.edu

Project Goals and Description:

High-frequency power transistors are an essential component of fifth-generation (5G) communications. As operational frequencies increase well past  30 GHz (a factor of ten over current mobile phones), the efficiency of the transistor significantly degrades. In this project we will examine the, the design of the transistor using a multiphysics simulation methodology where electromagnetic simulation results (through S-parameters), thermal models (through a thermal impedance matrix), and nonlinear electrothermal transistor models are coupled in the netlist of a circuit simulator. This provides a comprehensive description of the transistor for computationally efficient simulation. Using this approach, the voltages and currents at all nodes of interest within the packaged device are available, and they can be interrogated to develop a better understanding of its internal operation and then improve its efficiency.

More Information:

Grand Challenge: Not applicable.

several publications and for work in process: https://people.mines.edu/paaen/

Primary Contacts:

Peter Aaen, paaen@mines.edu

Student Preparation

Qualifications

The student should have a basic knowledge of circuits and electronic devices.

TIME COMMITMENT (HRS/WK)

3-5 hours per week

SKILLS/TECHNIQUES GAINED

The student will gain significant experience using several commercial software packages for electromagnetic simulation including: Sonnet, and ADS.   In addition, they will develop program management capabilities , presentation, and their technical writing.

MENTORING PLAN

At the beginning of the project, the student will meet weekly with the supervisor so that they arrive at a joint agreement on the tasks involved and the schedule.  Afterwards, meetings will be help approximately every 2 weeks (or more if required by the student) additionally, they will be added to the slack server for my research team to contact me instantly.    In addition to the technical mentoring on electromagnetic simulation, the student will learn how to develop a research project definition, how to implement specific project management skills to ensure that their work is successful.

In addition to the direct mentoring by the supervisor, graduate students will be part of the mentoring team as they help to train the student on various technical skills needed for the project.

PREFERRED STUDENT STATUS

Junior
Senior
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