2016/07/01 Strategy Analytics: LTE Driving PA, Switch and Filter Modules to New Heights

Likely Benefits to Skyworks, Qorvo, Broadcom, Murata

Boston, MA - June 28, 2016 – The transition to LTE has led to increasing sales of RF front-end modules containing power amplifiers, duplexers, LNAs, switches, and antenna tuners, as related in the new Strategy Analytics report “Cellular RF Component Forecast 2015 - 2020: PAs, Duplexers and LNAs on a Growth Trajectory with LTE.”  Over the next five years, highly integrated PA, switch and filter modules similar to those used today in flagship phones such as the Apple iPhone 6s and Samsung Galaxy S7 will ship in increasing numbers in lower-tier smartphones.

According to Christopher Taylor, author of the report and Director, RF & Wireless Components, “The need for smartphones with more LTE bands has put pressure on component suppliers to simplify by putting more within RF front-end modules.  This will lead to wider use of complex modules such as PAs that contain more RF filters and switches.  The explosive growth of LTE will also lead to more LNAs and duplexers in support of more bands.”

Stephen Entwistle, Vice President of the Components Practice at Strategy Analytics, added, “The transition from switch, filter and PA specialist suppliers to companies offering complete suites of RF front-end products and integrated modules is now quite well advanced in cellular, with Murata, Skyworks, Qorvo and Broadcom (formerly Avago) in the lead.  One also cannot discount Qualcomm, which is well-positioned to make share gains in the RF front end with the acquisition of filter supplier EPCOS.
 Source: Strategy Analytics