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Surface acoustic wave (SAW) filters, Multilayer resin substrates (Multilayer LCP Product), Connectivity modules
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.
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.
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.
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.
Since the beginning of 2023, smartphone production has slumped and middle- and low-end handsets are accounting for a greater share of the market. Demand for SAW filters has been similarly sluggish, and competition among rival players is intensifying. On the other hand, the proportion of high-end handsets equipped with modules is rising amid the ongoing trend toward higher functionality and denser implementations, and the need for compact SAW filters with superior characteristics for use in modules is also increasing.In view of these circumstances, we will establish technological superiority by accelerating the development of products with differentiated technologies, such as compact products and XBAR, while strengthening our cost competitiveness in product lines for which the competitive environment is becoming harsher. Through these initiatives, we will maintain the top market share in the industry.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Komoro Murata Manufacturing (Nagano Prefecture), which produces high-frequency modules, is actively pursuing factory smartification. The advantages of the company’s high-frequency modules lie in the fact that the company employs differentiated technology to provide customized products that are optimized for each customer following discussions with them. However, a disadvantage is that this calls for the production of numerous different products, which means that it is difficult to gauge production status. This makes it essential to meticulously manage progress to respond to sudden fluctuations in demand. To address this issue, the company introduced a system that monitors the production line using heat map. This is resulted in not only improved production efficiency but also in enhanced ability to respond to demand fluctuations. We intend to roll out this success story from Komoro Murata Manufacturing to other plants to increase production efficiency throughout the Group.
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.
In addition to earnings in existing business areas, we will expand our customer base and diversify revenue sources, including strengthening internal synergies.
We will further strengthen our competitive advantage in terms of characteristics in the 5G millimeter wave bands and UWB areas.
We will strengthen our monozukuri strength and cost competitiveness by continuing productivity improvement activities.
Millimeter wave, which are frequency bands used in 5G, has been slow to spread globally due to lags in infrastructure development, lack of services, and difficulties in area deployment. However, millimeter wave is a technology with great potential. Millimeter wave has features such as high radio wave linearity and wide bandwidth (allowing a large amount of data to be sent at one time). Millimeter wave will enable high-speed, large-capacity communications, and we can expect to see the birth of new applications that take advantage of these characteristics and the expansion of the electronics market.Multilayer LCP Product demonstrates advantages in applications such as millimeter-wave transmission lines, which leverage its low transmission loss performance at ultra-high frequencies. In addition, as the frequencies used become higher, Multilayer LCP Product will be able to show its competitive superiority in terms of transmission loss compared with competing technologies. Since the millimeter wave market is expected to expand significantly in the future, we will steadily implement our growth strategy for this business to take advantage of opportunities in this growing market.
Connectivity modules are essential compound components that wirelessly connect various devices. These are mounted on familiar home appliances used in our daily lives, such as smartphones, tablet PCs, digital cameras and air conditioners, and in-vehicle devices such as car navigation systems. They are also used in various other settings, enabling users to download and upload photos and music from the internet and perform hands-free calling while driving.
We will review our business structure, which is centered on smartphones, and aim to expand our business in diverse areas centered on mobility and IoT, which are expected to grow in the future.
We will sow the seeds of the future in response to expanding business opportunities resulting from changes in communications systems.
We will pursue a production system that can efficiently respond to diverse customer requirements by realizing a thick and short value chain through further strengthening of the cooperation between development and manufacturing.
We are pivoting our business portfolio from one centered on the smartphone market as the proportion of our sales coming from the IoT and mobility markets expands. To meet the diverse needs of customers in these markets, we are also strengthening our factory production structure to respond to demand for various product types and quantities. At the same time, we are improving our customer support structure by deploying web-based tools.We also aim to grow our business by developing and mass-producing modules that support the millimeter wave, UWB, Radar, and V2X communications standards, which are expected to proliferate in the connectivity field going forward, as well as edge AI module products, which are ideal with the IoT world, in which all devices are connected.