Northrop Grumman has built a new Gallium Nitride (GaN) chip that sets a new standard of performance for military and commercial use. The chip fully leverages the W-Band spectrum, a range of very fast radio waves that help microchips send and receive more detailed information. Developed and market-ready in under six months, this breakthrough lets military radar systems send secure data wirelessly and quickly through satellites, while also supporting the next generation of 5G/6G connectivity.
The chip acts like a tiny, superefficient “brain” that strengthens wireless signals—making them clearer and faster—providing the military with secure communications and letting everyday devices enjoy quicker, more reliable connections. Its compact and low-cost design replaces bulky, power-hungry gear and helps keep the country ahead in next-generation wireless technology.
Manufactured at Northrop Grumman’s semiconductor facility in California, this chip was developed quickly through a project with the Microelectronics Commons California DREAMS hub, where Northrop Grumman is a leading partner. This program is funded by the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering (OUSW(R&E)) as part of a unique industry-government-academia partnership designed to keep the nation at the forefront of microchip innovation and deliver breakthrough technology to the field faster.
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