Silicon Radio Frequency Semiconductor Market - Forecasts from 2023 to 2028

The global silicon radio frequency (RF) semiconductor market was valued at US$18.688 billion in 2021

The silicon radio frequency (RF) semiconductor market encompasses the manufacturing and distribution of semiconductors specifically engineered for RF applications, with silicon serving as the primary material. These semiconductors play a vital role in facilitating wireless communication devices and systems operating within the radio frequency range. The market caters to diverse end-users, including mobile communications, wireless infrastructure, aerospace, and defense, automotive, and consumer electronics.

Applications such as mobile phones, wireless routers, satellite communication systems, radar systems, and wireless infrastructure equipment heavily rely on silicon RF semiconductors. The market is driven by the increasing demand for wireless connectivity, the deployment of 5G networks, advancements in IoT and connected devices, and the rising significance of automotive electronics. Key companies in the market include Broadcom, Skyworks Solutions, Qorvo, Qualcomm, and NXP Semiconductors, among others.

However, the silicon RF semiconductor market also encounters restraints. Complex design and manufacturing processes present challenges that require significant investments in terms of cost and time-to-market. The market's intense competition and the demand for cost-effective solutions exert pressure on prices, impacting profit margins. Rapid technological advancements necessitate ongoing research and development efforts to stay competitive, while the risk of product obsolescence due to evolving standards and technologies is a concern. Additionally, compliance with regulatory requirements adds complexity to the market landscape.

Market Drivers:

• Increasing demand for wireless connectivity- The increasing demand for wireless connectivity, propelled by the widespread use of mobile devices and the exponential growth of the Internet of Things (IoT), is a significant driver for the silicon RF semiconductor market. Consumers and businesses alike require robust and high-speed wireless communication to support a wide range of applications and services. This escalating demand necessitates the development and deployment of advanced RF semiconductor solutions capable of delivering seamless data transfer, reliable communication, and enhanced wireless performance.
• Growing deployment of 5G networks - The global rollout of 5G networks is a major catalyst for the silicon RF semiconductor market. 5G technology brings a paradigm shift in wireless communication, offering significantly faster data speeds, lower latency, and the ability to connect a massive number of devices simultaneously. This transition to 5G networks requires advanced RF semiconductors capable of operating at higher frequency bands, such as millimeter-wave (mm-wave) frequencies, to enable the unprecedented capabilities of 5G technology. The demand for high-frequency RF semiconductors is rapidly increasing as the industry adopts 5G infrastructure, devices, and applications.

Key developments

• In July 2022, Mitsubishi Electric introduced a 50W silicon RF high-power metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) module for commercial two-way radios. The module, with a power output of 50W in the 763MHz to 870MHz band and a total efficiency of 40%, aims to expand the communication range and reduce power consumption. It addresses the increasing demand for radios supporting the 700MHz band and offers built-in impedance-matching circuitry for improved performance.
• In April 2023, Cambridge-based semiconductor company Forefront RF secured £6.7 million in funding, with participation from investors including BGF, Science Creates Ventures, and Foresight WAE Technology Funds. Forefront RF is expected to use the funds to expand its operations and business reach. Forefront RF is also launching a Tunable Duplexer for the 4G and 5G standards.

Growth is anticipated in the LED light source segment

LED-based RF semiconductors in the silicon RF semiconductor market are experiencing significant growth. Adoption in wireless communication, smart lighting, IoT applications, and automotive lighting drives the demand for LED-based RF semiconductors. Technological advancements in LED technology, including improved efficiency and cost reduction, contribute to market expansion. These semiconductors enable wireless data transmission through light signals and offer compact and energy-efficient solutions. With the increasing adoption of LED lighting and the growing IoT ecosystem, LED-based RF semiconductors are positioned for further growth in the market.

Asia Pacific is expected to be a major silicon radio frequency semiconductor marketplace

Based on geography, the silicon radio frequency semiconductor market is segmented into North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and Asia Pacific. The Asia Pacific region plays a significant role in the silicon radio frequency (RF) semiconductor market. Factors driving its growth include the increasing demand for wireless connectivity, particularly due to widespread mobile device usage and the expansion of IoT. The region is also at the forefront of 5G network deployment, necessitating advanced RF semiconductors capable of operating at higher frequencies.

With strong electronics manufacturing industries in countries like China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, the region fosters technological advancements and collaborations. Moreover, the growing adoption of automotive electronics, including connected cars and ADAS, contributes to the demand for RF semiconductors. Additionally, the deployment of IoT applications in various sectors further drives the market for silicon RF semiconductors in the Asia Pacific region.

Segmentation:

BY TYPE

• LED Light Source
• Laser Light Source

BY TECHNOLOGY

• DLP
• LCD
• LED
• Others

BY SALES CHANNEL

• Online
• Offline

BY GEOGRAPHY

• North America
• USA
• Canada
• Mexico
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Others
• Europe
• Germany
• France
• United Kingdom
• Spain
• Others
• Middle East And Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Israel
• Others
• Asia Pacific
• China
• Japan
• India
• South Korea
• Indonesia
• Taiwan
• Others