onsemi and GlobalFoundries partner on 650V GaN power devices for AI data centers

onsemi has announced a collaboration agreement with GlobalFoundries to develop and manufacture advanced gallium nitride (GaN) power products using GlobalFoundries’ 200 mm enhancement mode (eMode) GaN-on-silicon process technology, starting with 650 volt devices. onsemi reports that the resulting GaN systems will combine its silicon drivers, controllers, and thermally enhanced packaging with GlobalFoundries’ process technology, targeting high-density, high-efficiency power systems for applications such as artificial intelligence (AI) data centers.

The companies say that their new 650 volt GaN devices are designed for high-density environments where power demand is increasing but available space is limited, including in the data center industry. Other reported target applications are electric vehicles, renewable energy infrastructure, and aerospace, defense, and security. Technical applications cited by onsemi include power supplies and DC-to-DC converters for AI data centers, onboard chargers and converters for electric vehicles, solar microinverters, energy storage systems, and motor drives.

The GaN devices developed through this partnership will utilize technical advantages cited by onsemi, such as high-frequency operation for reduced component count and improved system efficiency and thermal performance, as well as bidirectional capabilities to enable new power topologies and integrated functionality. According to onsemi, these characteristics enable system designers to develop next-generation power architectures offering higher power density in a smaller footprint, with performance and reliability maintained at high switching speeds.

onsemi states that it is on track to provide samples to customers in the first half of 2026 and intends to ramp production for volume availability thereafter.

“This collaboration brings together onsemi’s system and product expertise with GlobalFoundries’ advanced GaN process to deliver new 650V power devices for high-growth markets,” said Dinesh Ramanathan, Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategy at onsemi. “Paired with our silicon drivers and controllers, these GaN products will enable customers to innovate and build smaller, more efficient power systems for AI data centers, EVs, space applications, and beyond. We are on track to begin providing samples to customers in the first half of 2026, and scale rapidly to volume production.”

“By combining our 200mm GaN-on-Si platform and US-based manufacturing with onsemi’s deep system and product expertise, we’re accelerating high-efficiency solutions and building resilient supply chains for data centers, automotive, industrial, aerospace and defense, and other critical markets,” said Mike Hogan, Chief Business Officer at GlobalFoundries. “With onsemi as a key partner, we will continue to advance GaN semiconductors that meet the evolving demands of AI, electrification, and sustainable energy.”

Source: onsemi