technology update
rhombus4
fewer, smaller connectors with longer, thinner cables to
deliver higher bandwidth and multiple input/output
protocols on a single cable.
Light Peak interconnects could replace copper links
between the PC and the screen, facilitate video
downloading from the network, transfer data from a
gaming machine to its display, and improve data transfer
within a PC. Intel’s Light Peak technology would
backward compatible to USB 1.0-3.0, and be capable of
data rates in the Gbit/s range. The cost-per-Gigabit is
relatively low – about one-tenth of 8G Ethernet.
Nakamura pointed out that cell phones could also benefit
from VCSEL-based optical links. He detailed the
advantages of an optical approach, which include the
removal of electromagnetic interference issues, the size of
IQE has a an increase in the proportion of the world where the cost the technology (the thin-film waveguides can have a
growth facility of this technology is viable. Shannon explained that today diameter of 0.1 mm, and pass through 3 mm diameter
at St Mellons, it only makes sense to consider CPV systems in areas hinges), and the opportunity to simplify design layout.
Cardiff, UK, where direct normal irradiance (DNI) is greater than 6,
which majors such as Spain, Australia and California. However, as
on the growth efficiencies improve, this technology can compete Wireless prospects
of epiwafers for financially in many other parts of the world, including all of One of IQE’s key growth sectors over the last few years
optoelectronic continental US, southern Europe, and India. has been the outsourcing of epiwafers to the wireless
devices, market, and Mario Rivas, the new CEO of Anadigics, the
including Opportunities for VCSELs US manufacturer of GaAs-based MMICs, gave the
VCSELs. A Japanese optoelectronics industry expert, Takeshi keynote wireless presentation.
Credit: R. Nakamura, provided an insight into the opportunities in
Stevenson the VCSEL market. He explained that datacoms is the Rivas is a firm believer in the outsourcing model. He
biggest market for VCSELs today, generating sales of pointed out that the silicon industry has adopted this
about 20 million units. approach over the last few years, and the only large in-
house manufacturers today are Intel, IBM and TSMC.
The light source for optical mice is the only other
significant market for VCSELs, and total shipments for Anadigics does not just outsource epiwafers. It also
this application are 10-20 million a year. Despite the small works with the Taiwanese firm WIN Semiconductors, a
size of this particular sector, competition is fierce with company that Rivas expects to become the TSMC of
about 10 manufacturers competing for sales, including the GaAs foundry business. This relationship with WIN
Finisar, Avago Technologies and JDSU. has helped Anadigics to increase its share of a GaAs
market that should be worth $5 billion in 2011.
Although the current market for VCSELs is relatively
small, Nakamura believes that volumes will go through the Just over four-fifths of this is wireless products, an area
roof over the next few years, thanks to the emergence of that accounts for 70 percent of Anadigics’ sales. Cable
this class of laser in consumer applications. He tips this TV is the other significant sector for the company, and
device for deployment in PCs and mobile phones, where Rivas describes the products for this market as “very
it will be used in conjunction with optical fiber to fulfill the profitable”.
demand for high speed routing of data. Intel is leading the
introduction of this technology, and last year it unveiled its He explained that the short-term goals for Anadigics
development of “Light Peak”, which is claimed to combine include operating at “cash-neutral”, and generating
quarterly revenues of $80-100 million. According to him,
the key behind the company’s recent success is its agility,
In the fall of 2009 IQE strengthened its substrate and this should help it to enjoy further success in
technology portfolio by acquiring NanoGaN, a spin-out emerging applications based on 4G/LTE, mobile WiMax
of Professor Wang Nang Wang’s group at the University and femtocells technologies. If it executes on these fronts,
of Bath, UK. This start-up produces a GaN platform for then Anadigics will enjoy the spoils. And if IQE can garner
device growth by using a variant of the epitaxial lateral powerful relationships with growing fabless companies,
overgrowth technique that is based on nanometer holes then it too shall reap rewards in years to come.
in a GaN template. Credit: R. Stevenson
ring6 Declaration: the author of this article, Richard
Stevenson, holds a small number of shares in IQE
18
www.compoundsemiconductor.net January/February 2010
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