As silicon technology is pushed to the limits of what it can achieve, semiconductor manufacturers are now looking to other materials in order to provide maximum performance whilst ensuring maximum efficiency and sustainability. One such material is Gallium Nitride (GaN), an emerging technology which is facilitating important advances in power electronics.

Combining gallium and nitrogen, gallium nitride (GaN) is a wide bandgap semiconductor material with a hard, hexagonal crystal structure. Bandgap is the energy needed to free an electron from its orbit around the nucleus, and thus the larger the bandgap, the greater the material’s ability to withstand electric fields. Wide-bandgap semiconductors allow electronic devices to function at much higher voltages, frequencies, and temperatures than conventional semiconductor materials such as silicon.

So how is GaN technology changing the production of semiconductors? GaN outperforms silicon as concerns power density, resistance to high temperatures, and operation at high switching frequencies, meaning that GaN can be used to provide unrivalled efficiency, density, and system cost advantages. By replacing silicon with GaN transistors, engineers can design systems that are smaller, lighter, more energy efficient, and less expensive.

Which applications might benefit most from the introduction of GaN technology? The commercial use of GaN-based devices is increasing rapidly, fuelled by demand for rising efficiency in applications including telecommunications, cloud systems, voltage converters and electric vehicles. In the motor control field, the high switching frequency (the switching speed of a GaN power transistor can reach 100 V/ns) allows engineers to use inductors and capacitors of lower value and, therefore, of smaller size. The low dynamic ON state resistance lowers the amount of heat produced, creating greater energy efficiency and permitting a more compact size.

With all these benefits in mind, you might now be tempted to ask why isn’t GaN technology more widely used? Price and reliability were previously sticking points, as GaN is more expensive to produce compared to silicon, but production costs are now decreasing as GaN is used to produce 6- and 8-inch (200-mm) wafers, rather than smaller 2- to 4-inch wafers. The future looks bright as the application of GaN technology becomes more extensive, and as performance continues to increase year on year.

Semiconductors are foundational to modern technology: without semiconductors, integrated circuits, transistors, solar cells, and many other aspects of computing simply would not function. Semiconductors impact on so many aspects of modern life, from data centres and smart homes to high-speed networks and the automotive sector. Although we cannot discuss the future of the industry with absolute certainty, here are our predictions for technology which will change the semiconductor industry in the year to come.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The global AI market is expected to increase to $390.9 billion by 2025, and it seems certain that developments in AI will affect semiconductor design and production. We have already witnessed a new wave of innovation in the semiconductor industry fuelled by developments in AI, in relation to the Internet of Things (IoT) in particular. Improvements in semiconductor architecture are required to tackle data use in AI-integrated circuits. Advances in design for AI will not concern overall performance so much as increase the speed of data moving in and out of memory resulting in higher power and memory systems with minimised inefficiencies.

Arm architecture

The x86 architecture has been used as standard throughout the microprocessor industry for the last half century. However, Arm architecture has been steadily growing in popularity. Whereas the impetus behind Arm was providing a solution for low-power microchips to be used with vertical applications, they are now emerging from this limited arena to compete with high-performance architectures and the established x86 players. As Arm keeps gaining new customers, they are expected to reach the tipping point that x86 experienced in the past. History demonstrates that the sector turns to where the volume is, and IT businesses are already starting to work on a range of apps and solutions specifically for the Arm architecture.  

Material innovation

As the second-most abundant element on Earth, silicon has been widely used in the production of semiconductors, but other elements such as cobalt and gallium were also previously recognised for their chemical and physical properties. These elements are now being reinvestigated in an attempt to develop more sustainable and efficient alternatives to silicon-based technology. The compound semiconductor gallium nitride (GaN) offers increased electron mobility and performance in comparison to silicon semiconductors, especially in high-power applications.

For jobseekers, it may be reassuring to hear that there is high demand for hybrid applicants with both a technical background and commercial acumen, particularly amongst SMEs in the semiconductor industry. However, making the leap from a technically focused role to one that is more commercial in nature can be intimidating from the candidate’s perspective. Here are four things to think about if you’re considering switching from a technical to a sales or business development role.

Use your strengths and transferable skills

People with a strong technical background are inherent problems solvers, a quality which will also serve you well in commercial roles. Those same problem-solving skills are needed but remember that the problems you face will be different to those encountered in a technical context.

Be prepared to let go of looking for one right answer

Whereas technical problems may have one unique or optimum solution, in the business world a variety of solutions are usually appropriate for any given problem. Waiting for the ‘right’ answer may mean that you hold off on taking action, but in most situations it would be better to make a wrong decision than to make no decision at all.

Demonstrate calculated risk taking

Your ability to manage risk gives an insight into how you would approach a business-focused role. Use any opportunities which come your way to tackle a tough challenge or problem, even if you feel outside of your comfort zone, in order to gain visibility.

Be aware of a bias for technical solutions

As someone with a technical background, it may be the case that when a problem arises, your first instinct is to look for a technical solution. This might not always be the best approach to take, however, so being aware of your bias is important.

Are you an employer looking for commercially focused team members with a technical background? Download our summary of candidate profiles here to see the candidates we have in our database who we can reach out to should an opportunity arise.

Are you a candidate looking to apply your technical knowledge within a commercial role? Upload your CV here and receive a call back from a search professional.

​Every job application can be daunting, but the process can appear especially difficult to navigate when you want to position yourself as a qualified candidate for senior management positions. However, this shouldn’t put you off making the leap to senior management. Here are three steps to follow if you’re planning on putting yourself forward for senior roles.

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1. Review your CV

The first step is to thoroughly review and update your CV, making sure that there is a focus on achievements, rather than simply roles and responsibilities. Keep in mind that senior management candidates are expected to be leaders, so you will want to showcase your leadership skills in your CV. Make sure that you give details of industry or career accomplishments and projects and activities that you managed or participated in, and don’t forget to include tangible results of your efforts.

2. Contact a specialist recruiter or executive search professional

 Not all senior management roles are advertised, so contacting a specialist recruiter or executive search firm will give you visibility of the roles that are currently available. Search professionals differ from traditional recruiters in that they work closely alongside their clients and actively search for talented candidates for executive and senior management positions or those requiring a niche technical skillset. These professionals will be able to advise you on the type of roles which would be suitable for your experience and skillset, provide you with techniques to showcase your skills, experience and qualities at interview, and discuss salary expectations for different roles in different industries.

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3. Learn how to lead other people

Although managing other people simply requires advancement to a role that involves managing others, there is a whole skillset to be acquired if you want to lead other people. Leading involves motivating others, pushing them to excel, developing their best qualities, encouraging them to work as a team to achieve common goals, and helping them discover their own leadership skills. If you see your future with the company you are currently working for, make your career goals known to HR to and your line manager, as there might be mentoring or training opportunities to help you progress.

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If you’re currently considering your career options, you can find current opportunities here, or reach out to a member of our team directly.