Radio Frequency Front End design has become massively complex
For decades, mobile phones have relied on ultra-high Q SAW and BAW piezo crystal filters to separate their transmit and receive signals. With the advent of 5G, the sheer number of filters required makes this convention untenable. With more and more frequency bands being added around the world, the problem is getting worse.
Forefront RF has a better way – self-interference cancellation
Forefront’s Adaptive Passive Cancellation technology uses software control to maintain the accuracy of unique passive Radio Frequency (RF) cancellation circuits enabling the receiver to “hear” the weakest signals while transmitting at full power. The APC circuits operate over a wide frequency range removing the need for a bank of switched SAW and BAW crystal filters. This saves space in smartphones, wearables, and IoT devices.
Technology & Products
Forefront RF’s products will simplify the design and development of the RF front end in 3G to 6G phones, dramatically reducing the space needed in the phone.
The problem: self-interference
The wireless signal being transmitted is much more powerful than the incoming signal. It results in self-interference at the receiver, which “drowns out” the signal you want to receive.
Current solution: crystal filters
Today’s wireless systems use SAW/BAW crystal filters. These filter off the self-interference, but allow the desired signal through to the receiver. However, separate crystals are required for each of the many frequency bands used taking a lot of space.
Forefront RF’s technology:
Self-interference cancellation
Our technology replaces SAW/BAW crystal filters with an Adaptive Passive Cancellation (APC) circuit. This cancels out the self-interference in a similar way to noise cancelling headphones. One APC circuit can cover many frequency bands, saving space and reducing complexity.
News
Forefront RF’s new CEO – Ronald Wilting
We are pleased to announce that Ronald Wilting will become Forefront RF’s new CEO. Ronald Wilting has been appointed to help speed Forefront's journey from startup in 2021 to full fabless semiconductor manufacturer. We are excited that Ronald’s achievements in both...
Forefront RF shortlisted for ‘Best Innovation in Wireless Technology’
Forefront RF has been shortlisted for the ‘Best Innovation in Wireless Technology’ award in the 2021 CW Technology & Innovation Awards for its Adaptive Passive Cancellation (APC) technology. The CW Technology and Innovation Awards shine a spotlight on outstanding...
Forefront RF launches into global Smartphone market with investor-backed revolutionary new chip
Forefront RF, a Cambridge-based fabless semiconductor company, is set to change the way global smartphones, wearables, and IoT devices are designed. The Forefront RF chip enables connected devices to operate across the increasingly wide range of 3G to 6G mobile...