RF chips are often referred to as the “jewel in the crown of analog chips,” and their importance cannot be overstated. RF chips are capable of converting RF signals into digital signals. More specifically, they include components such as filters, RF transceivers, power amplifiers (PA), low-noise amplifiers (LNA), RF switches, and antenna tuning switches.

RF Filters
For example, RF filters serve to retain signals within a specific frequency range while filtering out signals outside this range. This improves the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and enhances the resistance to interference. With the gradual implementation of 4G and 5G frequencies, the application of MIMO and carrier aggregation, and the widespread adoption of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS, and other wireless technologies, the demand for RF filters is expected to increase.

According to Yole Development, the market for discrete RF filters and duplexers is expected to grow from around $3.1 billion in 2018 to $5.1 billion by 2025. Specifically, the market for filters will grow from $1.7 billion to $2.7 billion, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7%. The market for duplexers will grow from $1 billion to $1.6 billion, with a CAGR of 7%, while the market for multiplexers will grow at a faster pace, from $100 million to $500 million, with a CAGR of 20%.

Satellite Internet and RF Chips
In 2020, satellite internet was officially included in China’s new infrastructure construction national strategy, which is a crucial step for the country to transition into the smart economy era. As a key component of information infrastructure, satellite internet aims to provide a global network in the future. The development and upgrading of satellite communication RF chips are crucial for responding to national strategies and supporting the construction of China’s satellite internet.

In recent years, major commercial satellite communication projects like the “Xingyun Project” and “Hongyun Project” led by the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation have been underway. The “Xingyun Project” plans to launch 80 small low-earth orbit satellites to build China’s first low-orbit narrowband communication satellite constellation, forming a satellite-based IoT system that will cover the entire world. These projects could not proceed without the support of satellite communication RF chips.

RF Chips in Other Applications
Besides satellite communication, RF chips are core components in radar systems, ground equipment, and terminal devices, all of which have a massive demand. Millimeter-wave RF chips, with their high design and production complexity, account for a significant portion of the overall satellite system cost. In the future, these challenges will be further addressed through collaboration across various sectors.

With the rapid development of mobile communications, China has become a global leader in the consumer electronics market, spawning numerous RF chipsmanufacturers with a wide range of products. These manufacturers began with relatively mature discrete RF chips and, during the window before 5G smartphones became widespread, gradually replaced imports of RF front-end chips in mid- and low-end models. At the same time, they have been building up module capabilities and are progressing towards a comprehensive supply of RF products.

China’s RF chipsDomestic Substitution Plan
China has already initiated a domestic substitution plan for RF chips. Chinese companies specializing in RF chipsdesign include Zhongpu Microelectronics, Unisoc, Weijie Chip, ZTE, Rapoo, Huahong Design, and Jiangsu Juxin. For instance, Unisoc has achieved comprehensive coverage of RF front-end products for 2G, 3G, and 4G using both GaAs and CMOS technologies. They have already mass-produced RF switches, low-noise amplifiers, and 2.4G/5G dual-band Wi-Fi RF front-end products. In the area of RF filters, Unisoc has made initial progress.

Ongoing Growth in the RF chipsMarket
The RF chipsmarket will continue to grow, driven by the increasing number of connected devices. Every device that connects to the mobile internet requires RF front-end chips. With the continuing growth of connected devices, the RF chipsmarket is expected to see sustained growth. Additionally, the large-scale commercialization of 5G in China has already begun. To achieve significant upgrades in communication speed and capacity, 5G will use higher frequency bands, including millimeter waves. These advancements will create massive market opportunities for RF-related products, from base stations to mobile terminals, with RF chipsdemand set to skyrocket.