Northrop Grumman has unveiled its new FORTITUDE radio-frequency chip, built on gallium nitride (GaN) technology. The device is designed to integrate multiple signal processing functions, replacing dozens of individual components typically found in radar and communication hardware.
The chip features a proprietary superlattice architecture consisting of ultra-thin semiconductor layers. This design allows the component to handle approximately ten times the charge density of standard GaN chips, while maintaining a physical size comparable to a grain of rice.
According to the manufacturer, FORTITUDE delivers three times the power and up to 20 times cleaner signal quality than traditional solutions. The chip operates across a frequency range from kilohertz to 20 GHz and can switch signals in less than a nanosecond.
The architecture is engineered to reduce energy losses and manage heat dissipation more effectively. These capabilities make the chip suitable for applications in radar systems, GPS equipment, satellite communications, electronic warfare, and future 6G networks.
Northrop Grumman intends to market the technology to both commercial and defense customers within the United States. The company has not yet disclosed the pricing or the timeline for the commencement of mass production.
