Definition

gallium arsenide field-effect transistor (GaAsFET)

Part of the Hardware glossary:

Also see metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor .

Next Steps

A gallium arsenide field-effect transistor (GaAsFET) is a specialized type of field-effect transistor ( FET ) that is used in amplifier circuits at very-high, ultra-high, and microwave radio frequencies. This spans the electromagnetic radiation spectrum from approximately 30 MHz up to the infrared band. The GaAsFET is known for its sensitivity, and especially for the fact that it generates very little internal noise. This is because gallium arsenide has exceptional carrier mobility. The electron s and hole s move through the semiconductor material easily and fast. The GaAsFET is a depletion-mode device. This means that it conducts when no voltage is applied to the control electrode (gate), and when a voltage appears at the gate, the channel conductivity decreases.

In weak-signal wireless communications and broadcast reception, GaAsFET devices perform better than most other types of FET. Some types of GaAsFET are used as radio-frequency ( RF ) power amplifiers. GaAsFETs are employed in space communications, in radio astronomy, and in experiments conducted by amateur radio operators.

This was last updated in March 2011
Posted by: Margaret Rouse

Related Terms

Definitions

Glossaries

  • Hardware

    - Terms related to computer hardware, including definitions about cables, connectors and power supply units and words and phrases about computing peripheral devices including the keyboard, mouse, au...

  • Microprocessors

    - Terms related to microprocessors, including definitions about silicon chips and words and phrases about computer processors.

  • Electronics

    - Terms related to electronics, including definitions about electrical components and words and phrases about computers, laptops parts, digital cameras, televisions and home appliances.

Ask a Question. Find an Answer.Powered by ITKnowledgeExchange.com

Ask An IT Question

Get answers from your peers on your most technical challenges

Ask Question

Tech TalkComment

Share
Comments

    Results

    Contribute to the conversation

    All fields are required. Comments will appear at the bottom of the article.