An innovator spearheading a new approach to RFFE designs architectures in smartphones and wearables by replacing fixed frequency filters with a tunable alternative to reduce space, weight and cost: Forefront RF

The Silicon Review

Forefront RF stemmed from a deep recognition of the limitations andinefficiencies inherent in contemporary radio frequency (RF) systems. One of the company’s founders, a seasoned veteran in telecommunications and RF fieldsand a PhD researcher, identified a significant market gap and the urgent need for a more efficient and flexible approach to RF front-end design. Traditional RF systems are heavily dependent on fixed-frequency filters, which are bulky, expensive, and lack the adaptability required to meet the rapidly evolving demands of global communications networks. With exponential growth in global data usage and the proliferation of multiple communication standards (3G, 4G, and 5G), there was a pressing need for a solution capable of dynamically adapting to various frequency bands while minimizing size and cost. This realization spurred the innovation and development of Foretune^™ technology, transforming the management of RF signals and enhancing the efficiency and versatility of wireless communication systems.

Forefront RF specializes in creating advanced RF front-end solutions that significantly improve the performance and efficiency of wireless-connected devices. Their flagship product, developed from the ground up using their patented Foretune^™ technology, integrates tunable duplexer filters with advanced signal cancellation techniques. This innovative approach enables seamless operation across multiple frequency bands, eliminating the need for fixed-frequency filters. Foretune^™ technology addresses critical RF design challenges by dynamically adjusting to various frequency requirements, thereby reducing the need for numerous discrete components. This leads to a substantial decrease in overall component count and significantly reduces the required PCB (Printed Circuit Board) space. By minimizing these factors, Forefront RF's solutions become more cost-effective and efficient, offering a streamlined, versatile, and powerful alternative to conventional RF front-end architectures.

In conversation with Ronald Wilting, CEO of Forefront RF

Q. Given the increasing demand for more frequency bands due to accelerated global data usage, how does Forefront RF’s solution address the size and space issues associated with traditional fixed frequency filters?

Forefront RF’s solution addresses the size and space issues using its unique Foretune^™ technology, developed specifically to address these challenges. Traditional fixed-frequency filters are bulky and require separate components for each frequency band, which not only takes up significant space but also adds weight to the overall system. This becomes a critical issue, especially in connected devices where space is a premium. Foretune^™ technology eliminates the need for multiple filters by enabling a single, compact system to operate across a range of frequency bands. A lower component count equates to a smaller, lighter, and more streamlined RF front-end. Moreover, the dynamic nature of our technology means that the system can adapt in real time to different frequency requirements as conditions dictate, further enhancing its versatility and efficiency. This makes our solution particularly valuable for the latest wireless communication systems that must support a wide range of frequencies while maintaining a compact form factor.

Q. Your patented Foretune^™ technology is recognized for reducing the component count while increasing the number of supported frequency bands. How does this technology achieve such efficiency, and what challenges did you face during its development?

The Foretune^™technology achieves its efficiency through a novel approach to RF signal management. Unlike traditional systems that rely on fixed-frequency filters for each band, Foretune^™ uses a dynamic cancellation technique that allows a single system to operate across multiple frequency bands. This is achieved by intelligently cancelling out the unwanted signals and enhancing the desired ones, thus removing the need for multiple filters.

One of the primary challenges we faced when developing Foretune^™ was ensuring the precision and reliability of the dynamic cancellation process. RF environments are inherently complex and variable, requiring sophisticated algorithms and high-speed processing to achieve real-time adaptation. We invested significant resource into R&D, including advanced simulations and prototype testing, to overcome these hurdles. Another challenge was integrating this technology into existing systems without compromising their performance. We worked closely with our partners and clients to ensure seamless integration and to fine-tune the technology for optimal performance in diverse applications.

Q. What does the future hold for your company and its customers? Are exciting things on the way?

In the short term, we are delighted to have our first true engineering samples in-house. These samples are fully operational, and within days, we established a high correlation between our simulations and actual measurements. The next phase involves delivering customer samples by mid-2025, enabling our clients to start integrating our solution into their prototype products. We are eagerly looking forward to this milestone, as it marks a significant step towards commercial deployment.

We are also rapidly expanding our development team, driven by our passion and excitement for our technology. Adding new talent to the team is always an invigorating process, bringing fresh perspectives and insights that further fuel our innovation. This growth not only strengthens our capabilities but also reinforces our commitment to leading the RF industry.

In the longer term, we see a strong interest in our products and are optimistic about a prosperous future in the mobile connectivity markets. Our innovative solutions are poised to meet the increasing demands for efficient and versatile RF systems, and we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. We aim to continue pushing the boundaries of RF technology, ensuring that our customers stay ahead in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Meet the leaders behind the success of Forefront RF

Ronald Wilting - CEO

Ronald is a dynamic international senior executive with proven experience of transforming early-stage technology concepts into mass-market solutions. He has held senior positions with a number of respected organizations in the semiconductor sector including Qualcomm, SemiBlocks and Ericsson and over the course of his 25-year career he has consistently achieved outstanding results. He has exceptional finance raising capabilities across multiple company stages and demonstrable expertise in product development, team leadership and successfully launching new products. Ronald is well known in the global RF market for pioneering the introduction of closed loop antenna tuning technology for use in mobile handsets and for crafting a $1.2 billion business. Ronald is a proactive, results-oriented professional who is dedicated to driving organizational success through innovation and operational excellence.

Dr Leo Laughlin - Co-founder - CTO

Inventor and entrepreneur, Leo’s award-winning research into signal cancellation technology forms the basis of Forefront RF. Previously a Research fellow at the University of Bristol, his pioneering work demonstrates how fixed frequency filters (a critical component in all wireless enabled devices) can be replaced with a tunable alternative, simplifying product design, and saving space inside connected devices. Leo has a doctorate in wireless communication, has had his work published in top academic and industry journals and is a named inventor on several patents. In 2020 he co-founded Forefront RF and is now working with experienced RF experts to build the company and bring this ground-breaking technology to market.