Qualcomm Announces RF Filter Tech for Next-Gen 5G and Wi-Fi Solutions

Last week, Qualcomm had announced the launch of the ultraBAW RF filter technology for bands up to 7 GHz.

More 5G Innovation by Qualcomm

The chipmaker said that its new solutions will allow 5G and Wi-Fi solutions to access spectrum up to 7 GHz; it will allow networks to deliver high performance at higher frequencies. What's more, the access to 7 GHz band will allow next-gen devices, along with many enterprise solutions such as IoT. The company added that the RF filter will allow 5G and WiFi to coexist, which in turn will improve performance and power efficiency both indoors and outdoors.

Earlier, the US-based chipmaker had announced the ultraSAW tech, which covered low frequencies; from 600 MHz to 2.7 GHz. However, the ultraBAW will extend this range to 7.2 GHz. What's more, it will also support ultra-wide channels of up to 300 MHz, and co-existence with Wi-Fi networks.

By increasing frequency support from 2.7GHz to 7.2GHz, Qualcomm ultraBAW now provides support for critical Wi-Fi bands including 5 GHz and the newly adopted 6 GHz band for Wi-Fi 6E and future Wi-Fi standards. Devices with Qualcomm ultraBAW technology will be able to enjoy enhanced transmission rates and location services, among other benefits.

The Qualcomm ultraBAW

Adding to the list of 5G solutions, the ultraBAW RF filters join the ultraSAW and other RF front end components in Qualcomm's antenna-to-modem RF portfolio.

The company said that the ultraBAW uses thin-film piezo material micro-acoustic technology; this allows the filters to enable high power efficiency and long battery life. Along with this, the product will also enable application across verticals such as mobile, automotive, laptops, tablets, CPE, small cells, FWA, and IoT.

The company said that it will integrate ultraBAW technology across its product line. The products include power amplifier modules, diversity modules, Wi-Fi (modules/extractors/filters) and discrete filters. It added that its recently launched power module also features the ultraBAW; the power module has seen high power handling with high frequency support in very small acoustic structures because of ultraBAW.

The company added that it will commercially launch the product in the second half of 2022. Currently, the product is being sent to potential customers as a sample.

Christian Block, senior vice president and general manager, RFFE, QUALCOMM Germany RFFE GmbH, said, "our new generation RF filter solutions are crucial in the expansion of 5G beyond mobile. We’ve seen tremendous success with our Qualcomm ultraSAW technology for sub-3 GHz, and now with Qualcomm ultraBAW we are able to offer superior performance up to 7 GHz".