Qorvo technology accelerates global 5G deployment

In February 2016, Qorvo announced it had joined the 3GPP as a guest delegate; Qorvo is now a full voting member, advising the standards body on 5G RF solutions. The 5G standard is expected to be released in two phases. Phase 1, due for completion in 2018, will focus on frequencies below 6GHz and define specifications for a prioritised subset of vertical markets. Phase 2, due in 2019, will focus on frequencies above 6GHz and define specifications for an expanded list of vertical markets.

Bob Bruggeworth, President and CEO, Qorvo, commented: "As the leading RF supplier in more than twenty 5G field trials, Qorvo is both a primary enabler and a beneficiary of 5G deployments and the explosive growth in mobile data. With the development of the 5G standard and global allocation of frequency spectrum, we are well positioned to deliver a broad range of 5G connectivity solutions."

Similar to 4G, the United States is taking a leadership position in the definition and deployment of 5G, with the stated intent of enhancing the digital economy and greatly increasing economic opportunity. On July 14, the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted rules for wireless broadband operations in frequencies above 24GHz. The proposed 5G frequency spectrum allocations cover licensed access in 28, 37 and 39GHz; unlicensed access in 64-71GHz; and shared access in 37-37.6GHz, with all ranges expected to support multiple 5G use cases.

Higher frequency millimetre Wave (mmW) bands are expected to expand both network capacity and wireless use cases, with theoretical 5G transfer speeds of up to 10Gb/s. These mmW bands operate over a significantly shorter range than lower frequency bands, driving a significant increase in residential and commercial placements of short-range, smaller cell sites.

Qorvo is uniquely positioned to deliver an expanding RF portfolio for both infrastructure and smartphone applications including premium BAW filters, GaN PAs, phase shifters, amplifiers, switches, integrated modules and other high performance RF solutions. "Qorvo's early start in 5G comes from our legacy of mmW work in the defence and aerospace markets and our field-proven mmW radio product line. We are using this unique background to aid current 5G field trials, giving us multiple generations of product experience in the higher frequency bands," added Bruggeworth.

Qorvo combines mmW systems expertise and the industry's most comprehensive high-power RF product and technology portfolio to help leading manufacturers quickly launch next-gen infrastructure products.