Qorvo has announced that their infrastructure solutions have supported more than twenty 5G field trials with different infrastructure providers. This is a key milestone in their strategy to support the evolving 5G ecosystem and to help accelerate the deployment of 5G.
In February 2016, Qorvo joined the 3GPP as a guest delegate; they are 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 is due for completion in 2018, will focus on frequencies below 6 GHz and define specifications for a prioritized subset of vertical markets. Phase 2 is due for completion in 2019, and will focus on frequencies above 6 GHz and define specifications for an expanded list of vertical markets.
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 24 GHz. The proposed 5G frequency spectrum allocations cover licensed access in 28 GHz, 37 GHz and 39 GHz; unlicensed access in 64 – 71 GHz, and shared access in 37 GHz – 37.6 GHz, with all ranges expected to support multiple 5G use cases.
Higher frequency millimeter wave (mmW) bands are expected to expand both network capacity and wireless use cases, with theoretical 5G transfer speeds of up to 10 Gbps. 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 background in mmWave products comes from their work in the defense and aerospace markets. They are using this unique background to aid current 5G field trials, giving us multiple generations of product experience in the higher frequency bands.
They plan to combine their millimeter wave systems expertise and their comprehensive high-power RF products and technology portfolio to help leading manufacturers quickly launch next-generation infrastructure products.
