Call Misiones PERTE Chip – CDTI:
The GIGaNTE project, framed within the mission “Capacity Building for Strategic Autonomy in Security and Defence”, aims to research, evaluate, and develop advanced radiofrequency (RF) technologies based on gallium nitride (GaN) Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuits (MMICs), as well as technologies and systems designed using advanced packaging. The goal is to provide Spain with its own technological capabilities in the field of high-frequency and high-power semiconductors, reducing dependence on third parties in a domain that is critical for national and European security and defence.
In this context, SPARC Foundry adopts as its specific objective the promotion of several research and collaboration pathways aimed at strengthening national capabilities in the design and manufacturing of devices based on III-V semiconductors, as well as advanced integration technologies, with the following capabilities:
- Develop GaN-based MMIC integrated circuits enabling high-power and high-frequency RF architectures for applications such as radar, electronic warfare, and advanced communications.
- Develop a national Process Design Kit (PDK) that will serve as the technological foundation for the future operation of a III-V semiconductor foundry in Spain.
- Research and develop advanced Transmit-Receive Modules (TRM) and Antenna-in-Package (AiP) solutions using advanced packaging technologies, including flip-chip integration with copper pillar, LTCC (Low Temperature Co-fired Ceramics) substrates, and mixed-signal control ASICs.
These technologies will enable progress towards modular, scalable, and configurable AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) architectures, capable of operating in demanding environments while delivering more compact, efficient, and sustainable systems for security and defence applications.
GIGaNTE is led by INDRA, in collaboration with Televés, SPARC Foundry and RBZ, and also includes the participation of leading academic institutions and technology centres such as the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), the Universidad de Salamanca (USAL), the Universidad de Vigo (UVigo) and the national technology centre GRADIANT.
