From October 20th to 23rd, 2023, the 25th Academic Annual Conference of the Chinese Society for Micro and Nano Technology and the 14th International Conference (CSMNT2023) took place in Shenzhen, China. Dr. Zhang from Sappland Microelectronics was invited to attend and delivered a presentation on “Development and Applications of RF MEMS and Microsystems Technology” in one of the sessions.
CSMNT2023 focuses intensively on new technologies, achievements, breakthroughs, and trends in the fields of micro and nano technology and related frontiers. Through diverse exchange activities such as the opening ceremony, main conference keynote speeches, thematic sessions, concurrent training, paper submissions, and a technical exhibition, it serves as a bridge for communication and collaboration among micro and nano technology professionals worldwide.
Dr. Zhang pointed out in the presentation: The manufacturing process for the filters used in the 5G RF front-end is based on MEMS technology. The cost of MEMS devices in the RF front-end module exceeds 50%. We need to recognize the importance and necessity of MEMS technology. In fields such as 5G communication, IoT, and autonomous driving, MEMS devices play a crucial role. Without MEMS technology, the development of these fields will face significant obstacles.
After years of development, MEMS has emerged as a highly acclaimed field in the world of technology. It spans across various disciplines and technologies, including electronics, mechanics, materials science, physics, chemistry, biology, and medicine, presenting broad prospects for application.
In addition, MEMS sensors, as compared to traditional sensors, are a new type of sensor manufactured using microelectronics and micromechanical processing techniques. They exhibit characteristics such as small size, light weight, low cost, low power consumption, high reliability, suitability for mass production, easy integration, and the capability for intelligent implementation. Moreover, their micro-scale feature dimensions enable them to perform functions that traditional mechanical sensors cannot achieve.
The advancement of 5G has further propelled the growth of the MEMS sensor industry. As an emerging technology in the network and communication sector, 5G, with its higher level of intelligence and resource integration compared to 4G, presents significant development opportunities for MEMS.
Data shows that since the commercialization of 5G, as of the end of September 2023, China has cumulatively established and activated 3.189 million 5G base stations. In the future, as the penetration rate of 5G increases, the number of base stations will also grow. With the development of 5G communication in China, the application of MEMS sensors in the network and communication industry is rapidly expanding. It is expected that by 2026, the scale of MEMS sensor applications in China’s network and communication industry will exceed 50 billion yuan.
It’s evident that with the continuous commercialization of 5G, the connectivity between Internet of Things (IoT) devices will become smoother, and sensors will be installed in an increasing number of devices.
In the field of RF front-end, SAW and BAW filters also leverage MEMS technology. Sappland Microelectronics, through its proprietary and innovative MEMS technology processes, has been dedicated for many years to the research, development, and sales of high-performance RF filters, duplexers/multiplexers, and RF front-end modules. The product range encompasses SAW, TC-SAW, PESAW, PEBAW, and RF modules. Recently, the company has also introduced a variety of high-performance duplexer products, including B28F, B3, B25, and more.
MEMS technology in China is still in the developmental stage. However, for the growth of China’s indigenous MEMS technology, it requires collective efforts from everyone. Sappland Microelectronics is committed to continuing its in-depth exploration of MEMS technology, striving towards domestic alternatives for high-end RF MEMS devices.