The Overview
The marriage of Skyworks Solutions’ front-end module (FEM) technology with Broadcom’s family of Wi-Fi 6/6E silicon has resulted in Skyworks’ Incredible Current & Efficiency (ICE) FEMs, which are claimed to delivery substantial gains in processing speed, latency, and system-level power efficiency.
Who Needs It & Why?
Wi-Fi 6/6E is a key element in our connected world. Besides bringing more functionality to mobile devices, it drives improved connectivity for IoT, private networks, and deployments in dense public areas as well as across new products. The Wi-Fi Alliance estimates that Wi-Fi 6/6E will surpass 80% of the total Wi-Fi market by 2025. FEMs are found in numerous Wi-Fi-related products such as routers, set-top boxes, and more.
Under the Hood
Wi-Fi 6/6E devices are typically equipped with multiple radio systems-on-chips (SoCs) driving up to 16 RF streams and FEMs. To dissipate the heat generated by these high-performance Wi-Fi systems often housed in small industrial form factors, manufacturers were previously forced to compromise between performance, the cost of thermal management, size, and design aesthetic.
The combination of Skyworks’ ICE FEMs and Broadcom’s Wi-Fi silicon enables manufacturers of products such as Wi-Fi routers to deliver a dramatic and material reduction of up to 30% in overall power dissipation, reducing product cost and simultaneously contributing to a greener planet. It's claimed that with these devices, equipment providers can offer more sustainable products, smaller form factors, enhanced reliability, and superior performance as compared to any alternative solutions.