Akash debuts GaN-on-Diamond technology for satellite communications

Wafer of GaN-on-Diamond for RF devices.

San Francisco, California – With worldwide data demand outpacing the frequency, bandwidth, and power capabilities of current communications infrastructure, Felix Ejeckam and Ty Mitchell, experts in gallium nitride (GaN)-on-Diamond technology, have joined forces to create satellite communications company Akash Systems Inc.

Through the application of GaN-on-Diamond materials, Akash’s technologies can enable smaller, lighter, and higher performing satellites with lower launch costs, reduced cost-per-bit, more launch cycles, and increased communications access and throughput.

“There is a great need and demand for new satellites that are lower-cost and allow for faster downlink data rates,” said Co-founder, CEO and GaN-on-Diamond Inventor Felix Ejeckam. “Our technology will also create opportunities not envisioned today, including deep space communications, faster data links between spacecraft, and higher-density information access between human communities, no matter where they are in the universe.”

Creating this future begins with Akash’s high-performance components which include GaN-on-Diamond hybrids and MMIC power amplifiers currently on the market. Akash plans to work with satellite system makers to design small satellite (Cubesat) systems and subsystems by 2019.

Ejeckam, who invented the GaN-on-Diamond technology in 2003, and Akash Co-founder and COO Ty Mitchell, entered into an agreement with RFHIC Corp. in 2016 to jointly negotiate the repurchase of the GaN-on-Diamond intellectual property (IP), with Akash acquiring all patents and other IP rights related to GaN-on-Diamond technology for use in satellite communications and related markets.

Mitchell, who prior to forming Akash was at Cree Inc., which produces technologies and products based on GaN-on-SiC, said, “Akash is excited to acquire this IP to serve our customer base of satellite system makers around the world. We want to redefine what people believe are limitations in satellite communications.”

Source: Akash Systems Inc.