At the very forefront of radio frequency innovation 

As the marvellous capabilities of our smartphones expand and increase, as does our data usage. According to data gathered by Forefront RF, global data generation in 2010
was just 2 zettabytes. Now, this figure has reached 120 zettabytes and is predicted to rise a further 150% by the end of 2025. 90% of this data is estimated to have been generated in the last two years. Looking ahead, as the IoT comes to completion and 5G becomes mainstream, global data generation is projected to soar.

In turn, the increasing data usage on our smartphones is driving the demand for more spectrum and more frequency bands. More bands result in more fixed frequency filters in more radio front ends, and as a result is causing size, space, and weight issues.

Fixed frequency filters are essential components of the effective operation of all FDD wireless devices that are in use today. These filters ensure that their built-in transmitters
and receivers can send and receive signals simultaneously, whilst preventing self-interference from compromising their efficiency. As new frequency bands are being introduced,
the component per device increases in line, which is untenable in the long term.

Due to the rise in frequency bands and innovations in signal processing technologies, mobile radio front ends are growing in complexity and size. Simultaneously, there is an increased demand for more powerful and compact smartphones with slicker designs and greater functionality. It is crucial that providers work to reduce the size of the mobile radio front end in order to effectively address both of these trends.

Forefront RF is prepped to redefine mobile radio front end designs with breakthrough technology promising to overcome RF interference challenges. The company has developed a tuneable duplexer model that successfully addresses the industry’s pain points, establishing itself as a key player in the market and a renowned partner. This technology uses semiconductors to create tuneable filters that can adjust to different frequencies as needed, replacing the need for multiple fixed frequency filters.

Founded in 2020, Forefront RF is making waves in the telecommunications industry with the introduction of its new technology. The company embraces innovation to develop unique and cutting-edge solutions, geared towards simplifying mobile radio front end designs for smartphones, wearables, and other IoT devices. Having built a reputation for its forward-thinking approach and innovative methodologies, Forefront RF is backed by a group of astute early-stage investment funds and individuals, including Ventures, Cambridge Angels, Foresight Group, and BGF.

The company combines award-winning research with the expertise of industry professionals to drive its innovation and steer the market towards more streamlined, optimised
technology. As a fabless semiconductor company, Forefront RF designs and markets its semiconductor chips, but outsources the fabrication to specialised manufacturers. This efficient model enables Forefront RF to keep its focus on innovation and design, whilst leveraging the skill and facilities of its foundries for production.

Foretune™ technology is a full RFFE module that resolves RF interference and challenges by leveraging self-interference cancellation techniques. In a similar fashion to the noise cancelling technology found in headphones, Foretune™ dynamically cancels all unwanted RF signals that are emitted by inbuilt transmitters and receivers in mobile radio front ends.

The innovative technology succeeds in this by adding introverted versions of those signals. Aimed at 3G, 4G, and even 5G equipment, Foretune™ is designed to replace the various components found in traditional front-end modules with a smaller, integrated solution that is capable of supporting more bands. This is a highly advantageous technology, as the higher the band count, the greater the space saved.

In addition to saving space, Foretune™ also comes with many other benefits; by mitigating the need for multiple product variants depending on geographical market, the technology comes with reduced costs in manufacturing and supports all mobile phone bands. With fewer components and a streamlined supply chain, Foretune™ is a sustainable, optimised choice that helps keep overproduction and CO2 emissions controlled with less waste, as well as lending to efficient processes and higher profit margins.

By reducing the complexity in RFFE architectures, Foretune™ increases performance and reliability, making it the top choice for clients. The technology also uses less area on the printed circuit board, enabling more components to be fitted into the small space. Having less RF hardware at device level empowers Original Equipment Manufacturers to incorporate third-party technologies and differentiate their products in a competitive market.

The Foretune™ technology is an exceptionally inventive product that combines efficiency and flexibility into one optimal package. The technology allows for more innovation within the market at little cost to the environment due to its unique approach. Sustainable, streamlined, and simplified, Foretune™ is a remarkable demonstration of Forefront RF’s ability to successfully understand and meet the markets diverse and rapidly evolving needs.

Conclusively, Forefront RF has developed and implemented an effective tuneable duplexer that benefits both the industry and the greater community through its simplified and sustainable design. The company has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to streamlining and enhancing RFEE architectures and has been successful in its endeavours to lead the market in innovation. For its stringent dedication and significant contributions to the field, Forefront RF has been recognised as the Most Innovative Fabless Semiconductor Company 2024 – UK.

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