Recent #Fraunhofer IAF news in the semiconductor industry

13 days ago

➀ The W-Cube mission led by ESA successfully validated W-band (75 GHz) and Q-band (37.5 GHz) frequencies for next-gen satellite broadband, enabling high-capacity feeder links while maintaining user compatibility with existing Ka/Ku-band equipment;

➁ Achieved the world's first transmission of a 75 GHz dual-polarized beacon from a Low Earth Orbit satellite, with ground stations in Graz and Finland capturing critical atmospheric propagation data over four years;

➂ The 3U CubeSat concluded its mission with a controlled atmospheric reentry in October 2025, while paving the way for future W-band experiments in Geostationary Orbit to enable 24/7 high-throughput satellite systems.

ESAFraunhofer IAFSatellite Communications
13 days ago

➀ The W-Cube mission, initiated by ESA, successfully tested W-Band (75 GHz) and Q-Band (37.5 GHz) frequencies as feeder links for next-gen LEO satellite broadband systems, maintaining compatibility with existing Ka/Ku-band user devices;

➁ The CubeSat, developed by a European consortium, conducted four years of atmospheric impact studies and published key results, advancing the design of high-frequency satellite systems;

➂ The satellite will safely deorbit in October 2025, paving the way for future GEO-based W-band missions to enable high-capacity, continuous satellite broadband.

Fraunhofer IAFHPCsemiconductor
about 1 month ago

➀ Fraunhofer IAF developed 70nm GaN HEMT transistors with 58.6% power-added efficiency at 38 GHz, setting a record under satellite conditions;

➁ The technology enables compact active antennas for high-bitrate data transfers in Ka/Q/W-bands, supporting global satellite communication networks;

➂ Achievements validated under ESA standards and presented at EuMW 2025, highlighting applications in GEO/LEO satellites and 6G systems.

Fraunhofer IAFGaNsemiconductor
4 months ago

➀ Fraunhofer IAF showcases a compact diamond-based quantum magnetometer with high sensitivity and robustness at World of Quantum 2025;

➁ The sensor enables precise measurements for applications in biomedicine, navigation, and geology, including GNSS-free positioning and underground resource detection;

➂ Future goals include further miniaturization, sub-picotesla sensitivity, and scaling diamond wafers to 4 inches for industrial production.

Fraunhofer IAFsemiconductor
4 months ago

➀ Fraunhofer IAF has deployed Quantum Brilliance’s QB-QDK2.0 quantum accelerator, the first in Europe based on nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond, enabling hybrid quantum-classical computing without cryogenics;

➁ The compact system integrates quantum processors with classical co-processors (NVIDIA GPUs/CPUs) in a server rack, supporting real-world quantum applications like machine learning;

➂ Quantum Brilliance’s diamond-based technology offers long coherence times and environmental stability, positioning it as a key platform for industrial quantum advancements at room temperature.

Fraunhofer IAFQuantum Computing
4 months ago

➀ Fraunhofer IAF developed a semi-automated process for manufacturing MOEMS-EC-QCL modules, reducing costs and accelerating production through collaboration with Fraunhofer IPMS;

➁ The technology enables rapid, broad spectral tuning (4-11 µm) for real-time spectroscopy in pharmaceuticals, security, and semiconductor industries;

➂ A multi-core system with four QCL modules will be showcased at Laser World of Photonics 2025, supported by the BMFTR-funded AIRLAMet project for inline semiconductor metrology.

Fraunhofer IAFHPCsemiconductor
4 months ago

➀ Fraunhofer IAF developed a semi-automated manufacturing method for MOEMS-EC-QCLs, reducing production costs and enabling scalable multi-core systems for high-speed spectral measurements;

➁ The technology's broad spectral tunability (4–11 µm) and high brilliance support real-time spectroscopy in industries like semiconductor metrology, pharmaceuticals, and security;

➂ A demonstration multi-core system will be showcased at Laser World of Photonics 2025, highlighting advancements from the BMFTR-funded AIRLAMet project.

Fraunhofer IAFHPCsemiconductor
6 months ago

➀ Fraunhofer IAF developed a monolithic bidirectional 1200 V GaN switch with integrated free-wheeling diodes using GaN-on-insulator technology, enhancing efficiency in EV chargers and renewable energy systems;

➁ The institute also demonstrated a single-gate GaN HEMT as a bidirectional switch for low-voltage 3-level converters, simplifying control in multi-level topologies;

➂ These innovations, along with advancements in GaN power electronics across 48 V to 1200 V classes, will be showcased at PCIM Europe 2025, highlighting Europe's progress in energy transition technologies.

Fraunhofer IAFGaNpower electronics
9 months ago

➀ Fraunhofer IAF has developed a virtual application lab for quantum sensing to promote the use of quantum sensors in industry.

➁ This platform offers comprehensive information about quantum magnetometers, applications, and measurement scenarios, allowing users to interactively perform example measurements.

➂ The virtual lab also provides access to expert knowledge and professional contacts for exchange and consultation, enhancing the transfer of research results into industrial innovations.

Fraunhofer IAFQuantum Sensorsindustryresearch
10 months ago
➀ The Fraunhofer IAF is enhancing its technology capabilities in III-V compound semiconductors for the APECS pilot line, contributing to the EU Chips Act.➁ The project is receiving €4.35 million from Baden-Württemberg's Ministry of Economic Affairs.➂ APECS aims to expand European R&D infrastructure and enhance semiconductor competitiveness.
ChipletFraunhofer IAFHeterogeneous IntegrationResearch and Developmentsemiconductor
12 months ago
➀ The SPINNING project has made significant strides in developing diamond spin-photon quantum computers with lower cooling requirements and longer operating times.➁ The project demonstrates entanglement of qubit registers over long distances with high fidelity.➂ Advantages over superconducting Josephson junction quantum computers include lower error rates and longer coherence times.
Fraunhofer IAFQuantum ComputingQuantum SensorsQuantum Technology