What are RF filters for 5G : Top Manufacturers & Companies
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RF filters for 5G are specialized electronic components that selectively pass desired radio frequency signals while blocking unwanted frequencies and interference. They play a critical role in 5G smartphones, base stations, antennas, and network infrastructure by improving signal quality, spectrum efficiency and network reliability across sub-6 GHz and millimeter wave frequency bands. The prominent manufacturers include QorVo, Qualcomm/RF360 Holdings, Murata, Skyworks, Taiyo Yuden, Broadcom, Akoustis Technologies, etc.
What is a 5G NR Filter?
5G NR (New Radio) is a system published by 3GPP in December 2017, succeeding LTE technology, also known as 4G. 5G NR supports two frequency bands:
- FR1: 450 to 6000 MHz
- FR2: 24250 to 52600 MHz
Filters designed for 5G NR devices are known as 5G NR filters. These filters must support both sub-6 GHz and above-6 GHz bands. Various methods have been employed over the years in RF filter designs.
The following table summarizes common filter technologies:
| Filter type | Frequency range |
|---|---|
| SAW filter | Up to 2.5 GHz |
| BAW filter | Up to 6 GHz |
| FBAR filter | Up to 10 GHz |
| Dielectric Waveguide | Up to ~ 30 GHz |
| Waveguide | Up to ~ 80 GHz |
| On chip | Up to ~ 70 GHz |
| Microstrip | Up to ~ 70 GHz |
As mentioned in the table, SAW filters address RF filter requirements up to 2.5 GHz, and BAW filters up to 6 GHz. The other filter types cater to the millimeter wave (mmWave) band requirements of 5G NR devices. FBAR types address requirements of 5G filters up to 10 GHz. Waveguide filters and cavity filters are used for frequency ranges from 20 GHz to 80 GHz.
Here are the parameters or criteria used in selecting an appropriate 5G filter for your 5G NR development:
- Percent Bandwidth
- Selectivity
- Insertion Loss
- Size and Packaging
- Temperature stability
- Power Handling
- Filter Placement
5G NR systems need RF filters with high percent bandwidths, excellent temperature stability, low insertion loss, transmit power as per range requirement, and good selectivity.
5G NR Filter Manufacturers for RF Filters
The following table mentions 5G NR filter manufacturers with model/part numbers and technical features used in 5G NR standard-based designs:
| 5G NR filter Manufacturers | Description |
|---|---|
| QorVo | • The company offers RF filters in the frequency range from 400 MHz to 2.7 GHz. They are designed using SAW and BAW filter technologies and can be used for various wireless standards like GPS, ISM, WiFi, Bluetooth, and so on. • QorVo offers multiplexer architecture-based filters for LTE-Advanced and 5G architectures. They are available as duplexers (e.g., Part Number QM23002, QM23003, QM23007), Quadplexers (Part Number QM25002), Hexaplexers (QM26001, QM26002), and Pentaplexers (QM26003). • 5G NR filters can be used for carrier aggregation and EN-DC modes. • Visit Website: QorVo.com |
| Qualcomm / TDK-EPCOS (RF360 Holdings) | • Qualcomm offers various 5G NR solutions, such as mmWave antennas and other RF front-end solutions (e.g., PA, RF Switch, LNA, Filter, power trackers, etc.). • The company offers embedded and discrete diplexers, duplexers, extractors, and acoustic filters with various types such as SAW, BAW, and TC-SAW filters. • Website: rffe.qualcomm.com |
| Murata (using Resonant’s XBAR) | • The company offers ultra-small-size SAW devices for RF filtering and duplexer needs of mobile phones and other 5G NR devices. • The devices cover the frequency range from 800 MHz to 2.6 GHz. • Website: murata.com |
| Skyworks and Panasonic Joint Venture | • Skyworks offers wideband filters for 5G passband requirements with wide bandwidth up to 900 MHz. These 5G filters offer the lowest insertion loss and can provide tough coexistence driven by dual connectivity. • These wideband filters support sub-6 GHz applications in n77, n78, and n79 bands. • Website: skyworksinc.com |
| TAIYO YUDEN CO., LTD. | • The company offers FBAR, SAW, and multilayer ceramic filter devices for use in 5G NR devices. • SAW filters cover 0.6 to 2.7 GHz, FBAR filters cover 1.7 to 3.8 GHz, and multilayer ceramic filters cover the 0.4 to 30 GHz frequency range. • Website: yuden.co.jp |
| Broadcom (Avago) | • Broadcom offers FBAR filters that deliver ultra-smaller size, high rejection, and low insertion loss. The filters can deliver proven performance in high power and temperature conditions. • Model: ACPF series • Website: broadcom.com |
| Akoustis Technologies | • Model: 5G mobile XBAW filter • The company offers BAW filters for the sub-6 GHz frequency spectrum, which can be used in 5G NR systems. • Website: akoustis.com |
Conclusion
RF filters are essential for efficient 5G communication, enabling cleaner signal transmission and reduced interference, with leading manufacturers and companies developing advanced filtering technologies for mobile devices, telecom infrastructure and next-generation wireless networks.
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