Broadcom has announced the availability of its FBAR integrated front-end modules (FiFEM) for Wi-Fi access point (AP) applications, spanning Wi-Fi routers, residential gateways, and enterprise APs. The FiFEM devices incorporate best-in-class FBAR filter technology to provide superior 5 GHz and 6 GHz band coexistence and low in-band insertion loss while significantly reducing the bill of materials (BOM) at the RF front end. Additionally, the devices feature a state-of-the-art non-linear power amplifier (PA) design optimized for Broadcom’s Wi-Fi SoC Digital Predistortion (DPD) operation, enabling up to 40% reduction in RF front-end power.
The availability of the 6 GHz band for Wi-Fi has unlocked new opportunities for businesses and consumers across the globe through faster speed, lower latency, and higher capacity. To date, more than 60 countries have opened the 6 GHz band for Wi-Fi use providing the airspace for connected Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 devices to maximize their capabilities.
With the growing adoption of 6 GHz Wi-Fi in the market, the coexistence of 5-GHz and 6-GHz signals is a critical consideration for Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 AP designs. Further, the power dissipation in the 5 GHz and 6 GHz RF chains can be substantial, especially in a conventional tri-band 4x4 Wi-Fi AP system where RF power can reach 10 Watts per band. With RF filter integration and adaptive DPD, Broadcom’s FiFEM devices are highly optimized for Wi-Fi 7 AP systems delivering unprecedented size, performance, and efficiency.
FiFEM Product Highlights
- Integration of 2nd generation Wi-Fi FBAR filter
- Provides superior 5-GHz/6-GHz band isolation and efficiency o Reduces RF BOM and board space
- Avoids yield loss from external filter mismatch
- First non-linear FEM qualified for Broadcom’s Wireless FEM Active Management (WiFAM) Gen2 using advanced DPD technology with dynamic bias handling.
- Enables up to 40% reduction in RF front-end power
- Enhances gateway energy efficiency via average power consumption
- Qualified to meet Wi-Fi 7 AP system specs with BCM6726/BCM67263 SoC reference designs
- Four (4) products in conventional FEM package (3x5 sq. mm)
- AFEM-W760-HP1 (6 GHz, +25dBm) o AFEM-W760-MP1 (6 GHz, +23dBm)
- AFEM-W750-HP1 (5 GHz, +25dBm) o AFEM-W750-MP1 (5 GHz, +23dBm)
“Last year, the market for Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 infrastructure devices like Access Points, Routers and broadband equipment that supports Wi-Fi was just over two million units. Over the next five years, we expect consumer and enterprise Wi-Fi infrastructure device shipments to exceed 300M units. We expect the total market opportunity for Wi-Fi infrastructure devices over the same time frame to approach 1.5B units,” said Chris DePuy, technology analyst at 650 Group. “As enterprises and consumers seek to upgrade their Wi-Fi experience, much of this billion-plus unit market will transition to support 5 and 6 GHz RF capabilities.”
“Broadcom has shipped billions of highly integrated RFFE modules to the cellular market. Our Wi-Fi 7 FiFEM leverages this deep integration expertise via our FBAR and high-efficiency PA technology,” said Youngwoo Kwon, senior vice president and general manager of the Wireless Semiconductor Division at Broadcom. “We’re excited to contribute to the widespread deployment of Wi-Fi 7 systems with our industry-leading performance, low power, high-efficiency 5-GHz and 6-GHz FiFEMs.”
Availability
Broadcom has begun shipping samples of the AFEM-W750 and AFEM-W760 to its early-access customers and partners. Please contact your local Broadcom sales representative for samples and pricing.
Click here to learn more about Wi-Fi 7.
