What are Radio Frequency Filters (RF Filters) and Why are They Important in the 5G World?

In communication systems, a filter is a device which decides on the frequency to pass the associated signal. However, the selection process of a frequency is not as easy as it appears. It includes intricate circuitry to attain a competent performance, and also has to suppress undesirable signals. Filters are essential while filtering out undesirable signals from going into the radio spectrum. They are used in combination of numerous electronic devices. Nevertheless, their utmost vital use comes in the radio frequency arena.

What is a Radio Frequency (RF) Filter?

RF filters are an imperative component in the wireless technology arena, which are used with the radio receivers to filter out unwanted frequencies and pass the right type of frequencies. A RF filter is designed in a manner that it can easily work on frequency ranges that range from medium to very high frequency, i.e. megahertz & gigahertz. Owing to the operating characteristics of a RF filter, it is very often used in devices like wireless communication systems, broadcast radios, televisions, etc.

Generally, most of the RF filters are developed using coupled resonators, whose quality aspect can decide the filtering level within RFs. Depending on the application as well as size of the wireless device, there are numerous types of RF filters such as high pass filter, low pass filter, band pass filter, and band reject.

In this high-tech era, RF filters are widely being used in the wireless communication sector to securely supply multi-markets in the world, including 5G applications, aerospace, drone systems, military, automatic vehicles, satellite, etc. Temwell Brand, which is a leading player in the RF filter market, has been focusing on designing and developing all types of RF filter for more than 25 years. Apart from Temwell, Broadcom, Analog Devices, Inc., Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Anatech Electronics, Inc., NXP Semiconductors N.V., K&L Microwave, Broadcom Inc., API Technologies, RS Microwave Company, Inc., and Bird Technologies are some other companies functioning in the RF filters domain.

The Role of RF Filters in the 5G World

RF filters have always been a vital component of mobile devices, nonetheless in the world of 5G, these filters are crucial for unlocking the pledged high bandwidth that is likely to drive numerous 5G use cases. Thus, RF filters are going to fuel the evolution of 5G technology in the coming years.

Some of the foremost manufacturers developing RF filters for 5G are Murata, QorVo, Qualcomm/RF360 Holdings, STMicroelectronics, Skyworks, Taiyo Yuden, Akoustis Technologies etc. These companies are coming up with innovative solutions to cater the mounting demand for RF filters in the 5G technology. For instance, recently, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., a global leader in wireless technology innovation and a company driving the force behind the advancement, launch, and development of 5G technology, launched a novel RF filter technology for frequency bands up to 7 GHz. The company has introduced a RF filter technology called, Qualcomm ultraBAW, for bands of about 7 GHz and is built on the modem-to-antenna solution of the company for 5G as well as connectivity systems in the wireless product category.

The speedy progress in the 5G technology all over the world and the growing rate of acceptance of 5G technology are expected to pave way for enhanced growth opportunities for RF filters market in the coming years. As per a report by Research Dive, the global RF filters market is anticipated to hit $29,883.5 million in the 2021–2028 timeframe. However, the sudden onset of the deadly COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 has impacted the global RF filter market extensively; this is because several manufacturing companies of semiconductors and electronic components have ceased operations due to the implementation of lockdown across the globe. As the pandemic has been relaxing since the end of 2021, the demand for RF filters is rising owing to the rising demand for consumer electronics, communication devices, and the rapid development of advanced networks such as LTE and LTE- Advanced (LTE-A).

About the Author(s)

Princy A. J

Princy holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the prestigious Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. University at Chennai, India. After a successful academic record, she pursued her passion for writing. A thorough professional and enthusiastic writer, she enjoys writing on various categories and advancements in the global industries. She plays an instrumental role in writing about current updates, news, blogs, and trends.