A Strategic Partnership for U.S.-Based GaN Excellence
Polar Semiconductor is collaborating with IC-Link by imec to bring their advanced GaN technology into high-volume U.S. manufacturing. By combining Polar’s 200mm production capabilities, power semiconductor manufacturing, and technology expertise with imec’s leadership in GaN process and IC-Link’s design-to-manufacturing services, the collaboration creates a scalable path from early development through high-volume production. These advanced power devices will serve AI data centers, automotive, aerospace and defense, and industrial applications.
Polar brings a U.S.-owned and operated 200mm pure-play power semiconductor foundry in Bloomington, Minnesota, along with decades of differentiated power and sensor manufacturing experience in high-reliability markets. And imec brings more than 15 years of GaN innovation across process, device, and epitaxy technologies, along with an industry-leading enhancement-mode GaN technology base spanning 24V to 1200V.
Key GaN Markets
Power GaN represents one of the fastest-growing markets in power electronics because it enables higher switching frequency, superior efficiency, and lower cooling requirements compared to legacy power architectures. These benefits can improve Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) performance, making GaN especially valuable for applications where efficiency, density, and reliability are critical.
Polar’s GaN technology roadmap supports the following high-growth markets:
AI Data Centers
- 48V distribution and 48V-to-sub-1V accelerator rails
- 400V–800V DC power architectures
- GPU and AI accelerator point-of-load regulation
- UPS, grid-tied conversion, renewables, and battery backup
Aerospace & Defense
- Satellite power distribution and conversion
- Spacecraft propulsion and reaction wheel power
- Compact high-voltage conversion and actuator drives
- DC-DC conversion, silent propulsion & portable power
Automotive
- EV and hybrid onboard chargers
- Traction inverter architectures
- 800V EV systems and 48V power domains
- DC-DC conversion for ADAS, infotainment, AI/vision, and radar
Industrial
- Motor drives for automation, pumps, compressors, and HVAC
- Robotics, AGVs, AMRs, and warehouse automation
- Solar, microinverters, ESS, backup, and industrial UPS
- Solid-state transformers and grid circuit breakers
GaN Technology Offerings
Gallium Nitride is reshaping what’s possible in power electronics. As engineers and manufacturers push for higher efficiency, smaller system footprints, faster switching, and improved thermal performance, GaN power semiconductors are becoming an essential technology for the next generation of high-performance applications.
Polar’s GaN technology offering is designed to support a range of voltage classes, device configurations, and customer requirements. Through its collaboration with imec and its own manufacturing capabilities, Polar is helping build a pathway for GaN power semiconductor programs that require technical depth, production readiness, and trusted U.S.-based manufacturing support.
U.S.-Based GaN Manufacturing for What’s Next
As demand grows for more efficient power conversion, GaN power semiconductors will play a critical role in supporting the next generation of AI infrastructure, electrified transportation, aerospace and defense systems, industrial automation, and resilient energy infrastructure.
If you’re evaluating GaN foundry services, look for more than process capability. You need access to strong design enablement, deep manufacturing expertise, reliable technology transfer, and a clear pathway to scalable production.
Polar combines power semiconductor manufacturing experience, U.S.-based 200mm foundry operations, and advanced technology collaboration to help bring high-performance GaN devices to market with confidence.