High frequency devices and communications modules

Main products

Surface acoustic wave (SAW) filters, RF modules, Multilayer resin substrates (Multilayer LCP Product)

Surface acoustic wave (SAW) filters

 

A SAW filter is a filter that can pick out electric signals in a particular frequency band, using the surface acoustic wave that propagates along the surface of the piezoelectric substrate. Ensuring smooth wireless communication between devices requires high-functioning filters that can let though electric signals in a particular frequency band, while eliminating noises of unnecessary frequency bands.

Business opportunities Strengths
  • Expansion of the communications market through the advancement of 5G
  • Addition of wireless communications functions to IoT devices
  • Advancement of technological trends such as higher frequency and smaller filters with superior composite performance
  • Extensive product lineup / high market share
  • Superior characteristics (high frequency / broadband / high attenuation / low insertion loss / small size) required in the future communications market
  • Reliable quality
  • Largest production capacity in the industry and reliable supply capability

Growth strategies

① Secure profit-earning opportunities by differentiation in high-value-added products and strengthening cost competitiveness

In addition to our proprietary I.H.P. and TC-SAW technologies, we will strengthen alliances for new technologies and strive to enhance cost competitiveness by improving productivity to respond to the rise of other manufacturers in the sector.

② Mass production of filters using XBAR technology

With the spread of 5G and next-generation Wi-Fi standards, the need for high-performance, high-frequency filters with a broad bandwidth is expected to increase. XBAR technology has advanced characteristics at high frequencies and in a broad bandwidth, as well as high compatibility with the SAW filter manufacturing process. This will strengthen our business as a differentiating technology for filters.

③ Explore new applications and customers by leveraging Murata’s strengths in the expanding communications market with 5G

With the spread of IoT devices other than smartphones, wireless communications functions is added to various applications. In addition, with the introduction of 5G, the combination of incorporated frequency bands is becoming more complex, and the technical requirements for filters are becoming more challenging. Murata will expand its business in new markets by leveraging its technological strengths.

RF modules

 

RF modules are electronic component units that realize an analogue high-frequency circuit that controls communications among wireless devices by integrating various key devices in a small package. This module is comprised of passive devices such as SAW filters, high-power amplifiers (PA) in transmission circuits, low-noise amplifiers (LNA) in reception circuits, antenna changeover switches and other semiconductor devices. RF modules are used for various types of wireless devices including smartphones and tablet PCs.

Business opportunities Strengths
  • Expansion of frequency bands, advancement of communications technologies driven by growing adoption of 5G
  • Advancement in modularization and miniaturization of electronic components
  • In-house production of key devices such as filters and packaging technologies
  • Identification of customer trends and capability to propose products utilizing sales and technical support network
  • Business speed, reliable quality and stable supply enabled by integrated production

Growth strategies

① Realize business growth by investing resources in differentiating technologies

In the current competitive environment, the level of technology of competitors is very high. We will establish a competitive advantage by fostering or acquiring differentiated technologies.

② Empower Digital Envelope Tracking Technology

We will differentiate ourselves from our competitors and capture business opportunities through the "Digital Envelope Tracking Technology” of Eta Wireless Inc., which we acquired in September 2021.

③ Enhance fundamental capabilities to improve position in growing markets

In the 5G and the 6G era, which is also called Beyond 5G, “ultra-low power consumption” and “ultra-reliable communication” are required. In order to survive in the global competition, we will continue to strengthen the high technological capabilities and high-quality monozukuri that Murata has cultivated over the years.

Multilayer resin substrates (Multilayer LCP Product)

 

Multilayer LCP Product is a thinner multilayer resin substrate comprising LCP (liquid crystal polymer) sheets. It features exceptional RF characteristics and realizes a substrate with a stable performance due to low water absorption. It is also characterized by the ability to handle a flexible bending process because it does not require an adhesive layer. In addition, high multiple layers are possible by using Murata’s multilayer technology, enabling high flexibility in design. Multilayer LCP Product is used in smartphones, wearable devices, and other applications, contributing to smaller, thinner, and higher performance devices with low energy consumption.

Business opportunities Strengths
  • Expansion of high-frequency communication markets such as 5G and UWB (Ultra Wide Band)
  • Resolution of customers’ issues by utilizing characteristics, such as low water absorption and shape retention property
  • Superiority in low transmission loss properties in the high-frequency band
  • High multi layers, low water absorption, flexibility that can handle complex bending process
  • Extensive mass production experience for LCPs
  • Reduction in environmental load through the adoption of recycled materials

Growth strategies

① Extend sales activities in new business areas and to new customers

In addition to earnings in existing business areas, we will expand our customer base and diversify revenue sources, including strengthening internal synergies.

② Further enhance differentiated technologies

We will further strengthen our competitive advantage in terms of characteristics and structure in high-frequency fields such as 5G millimeter wavebands and UWB.

③ Improve productivity through the promotion of smart factories and the development of cost reduction technologies, and reduce the environmental load by using recycled materials

We will strengthen our manufacturing capabilities and cost competitiveness by continuing productivity improvement activities.
In addition, we will work on advance easures to establish supply chains for realizing sustainable material use.