As the worldwide expansion of 5G networks and infrastructure rolls out, Akoustis continues to be at the forefront of the acoustic wave high-band RF filter industry. We’re excited to announce that a fourth filter solution recently shipped to one of our Tier-1 customers, targeting 5G operators in Asia.
Commercial production using this fourth solution is expected to commence in the first half of calendar 2021, for use in 5G small cell network infrastructure.
Success in the n79 spectrum
Following a pair of design wins in band n77 and another in band n79, Akoustis’ fourth XBAW™ filter solution operates within the new radio (NR) band n79 spectrum.
Our latest success brings the total product catalog up to 15 unique filters. R & D is currently underway for several new filters for the sub-7 GHz bands targeting 5G mobile devices, network infrastructure, WiFi CPE and defense markets.
Current offerings include:
- 5.6 GHz WiFi 6 filter
- 5.2 GHz WiFi 6 filter
- 5.5 GHz WiFi 6E filter
- 6.5 GHz WiFi 6E filter
- 3 small cell 5G network infrastructure filters (two each for band n77 filters and band n79)
- 3.8 GHz filter
- 5 S-Band filters for defense phased-array radar applications
- 3.6 GHz filter for the CBRS 5G infrastructure market
- C-Band filter for the unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) market
The advantage of 5G small cell
Unlike previous generations of wireless communication technologies, 5G relies more on small cell base stations to augment coverage than ever before. These low power stations provide ultra-wide bandwidth transmissions over short ranges, providing an excellent solution for dense urban areas with high user density and rapidly increasing data transmission needs.
Small cell base stations feature similar characteristics to a traditional tower base station with the ability to handle high data throughput. 5G networks are anticipated to install small cells in greater quantity compared to networks of the past to help mitigate the shorter wavelengths associated with higher frequencies.
According to a report prepared by Zion Market Research in 2019, the global market for small cell 5G networks is poised for dramatic expansion. The total market was valued at approximately $381 million in 2018 but is expected to balloon to around $3.5 billion by 2025. This amounts to an impressive compound annual growth rate of about 37% over that time frame.
Capitalizing on room for growth
In conjunction with the rising need for 5G networks, Akoustis is experiencing growing interest in our patented high frequency, high performance XBAW process and filters. Not just for 5G network infrastructure but also for high-band WiFi and phased-array radar applications.
Jeff Shealy, our Founder and CEO, is optimistic that Akoustis will be a major provider of filter solutions moving forward. “Akoustis continues to deliver ultra-high band (UHB) RF filters supporting multiple carriers for the 5G small cell market as the global network infrastructure bands continue to be defined,” he said. “Moving forward, we expect to expand our customer base for all four of our 5G filter solution designs across key 5G bands addressing tier-1 and tier-2 OEMs and ODMs. Presently, we are engaged with more than five potential customers, including two additional tier-1 infrastructure providers.”