From in-car navigation systems and dash cams to Beidou timekeeping watches, many satellite navigation products today are equipped with satellite communication chips. But what exactly are satellite communication RF chips, and how do they function?

What Are RF Chips?

RF chips have long been regarded as the “crown jewel” of analog chips, emphasizing their significant role. These chips are capable of converting radio frequency (RF) signals into digital signals and vice versa. Specifically, RF chips include components such as filters, RF transceivers, power amplifiers (PA), low noise amplifiers (LNA), RF switches, and antenna tuning switches.

For example, an RF filter plays a crucial role in retaining signals within specific frequency bands while filtering out unwanted signals. This improves the signal-to-noise ratio and enhances the resistance to interference. As the 4G and 5G frequency bands roll out, along with the growing adoption of MIMO and carrier aggregation, and the widespread use of wireless technologies like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and GPS, the demand for RF filters will only continue to rise.

According to Yole Development, the market for discrete RF filters and duplexers is expected to grow from $3.1 billion in 2018 to $5.1 billion by 2025, with filters alone increasing from $1.7 billion to $2.7 billion, reflecting a 7% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). The demand for duplexers will also grow at a 7% CAGR, while multiplexers will see a rapid growth rate of 20%, expanding from $100 million to $500 million.

The Role of RF Chips in Satellite Communication

In 2020, satellite internet was officially included in the national strategy for new infrastructure development in China, marking a crucial step toward the smart economy era. As an essential part of the information infrastructure, satellite internet will ultimately provide global coverage. Therefore, the research and development of satellite communication RF chips plays a vital role in responding to this national initiative. These RF chips are fundamental to the development of China’s satellite internet infrastructure.

In recent years, the “Xingyun Project” and “Hongyun Project” led by China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation are significant commercial satellite communication projects in China. The “Xingyun Project” plans to launch 80 small satellites to create China’s first low-earth orbit narrowband communication satellite constellation, forming a global satellite-based IoT network. The construction of this space-based IoT network cannot happen without the support of communication RF chips.

The Expanding Market for RF Chips

Beyond satellite communications, RF chips are core components in radar systems, ground equipment, and terminal devices, with immense demand across industries. Millimeter-wave RF chips are particularly challenging to design and manufacture, representing a substantial portion of the total cost of satellite systems. As the global mobile communication market continues to expand, China has emerged as a major player in the consumer electronics market, with many RF chip manufacturers rising to meet demand.

These manufacturers, starting with relatively mature discrete RF chips, have successfully made significant strides in substituting imported RF front-end chips for mid- and low-end models during the window before the widespread adoption of 5G smartphones. They are steadily expanding their module capabilities and aiming for full-category supply.

Currently, China is undertaking a RF chip domestic substitution plan, with companies like Zhongpu Micro, Wallisemi, Weijiechuangxin, ZTE, Rapoo Technology, Huahong Design, and Jiangsu Juxin involved in RF chip design. For instance, Wallisemi has already achieved comprehensive coverage of GaAs and CMOS technologies in 2G, 3G, and 4G RF front-end products and has successfully mass-produced RF switches, low-noise amplifiers, and dual-band Wi-Fi RF front-end products. Unigroup Spreadtrum has also made significant progress in RF filter development.

The Future of RF Chips

The RF chip sector is poised for sustained growth. On one hand, any device connected to the mobile internet requires RF front-end chips, so as the number of connected devices continues to rise, the RF chip market is expected to grow. On the other hand, with the official commercialization of 5G, which uses higher frequency bands, including millimeter waves, there will be significant market opportunities for RF-related products. The demand for RF chips will explode, from base stations to mobile terminals.