6. Glossary

SSPA

Transistor-based radio-frequency or microwave amplifier. This term covers not only the amplification stages, but also the ancillary functions (low-level stages, linearization, etc.) and power supply.

FET

Field-effect transistor. Generic name for unipolar transistors whose current between drain and source is controlled by a voltage applied to a gate. There are many variations in terms of architecture (MESFET, MOSFET, MISFET, JFET, HEMT...) and materials (silicon, gallium arsenide, gallium nitride, silicon carbide or indium phosphide).

Grand gap; wide gap

Semiconductor materials whose gap is such that they can withstand high electric fields (> 2 MV/cm). These materials are crystals made from atoms in columns III, V or IV, at least one...