Qualcomm has announced the expansion of its RF Front End (RFFE) modules with new offerings that support applications of Bluetooth, WiFi 6E and next-gen WiFi 7 connectivity.

For those unfamiliar with RFFE, they handle the pathway between an antenna and cellular modem. While this ain’t 6G it is an important element to assist with connectivity between devices.

As such, Qualcomm is billing it as a system for use not only in future smartphones, but other smart devices too.

“The modules are designed for a wide array of device segments beyond smartphones – including automotive, XR, PCs, wearables, mobile broadband, IoT, and more,” explains the silicon specialists in a press release.

“OEMs using our solutions can design products with higher performance, longer battery life and reduced commercialization time, ultimately accelerating the pace of innovation and delivering improved experiences to consumers,” added Christian Block, SVP and GM for RFFE at Qualcomm Germany RFFE GmbH.

As such, we should see these new modules feature in other smart tech that leverages Qualcomm products.

To that end, Qualcomm noted that, “today, most the 5G automotive, 5G fixed wireless access CPEs (customer premise equipment) and 5G PC devices announced or in development using Qualcomm Technologies’ connectivity chips include RFFE content from the Company.”

“The new modules announced today feature 5G/Wi-Fi coexistence capabilities, and complement Qualcomm ultraBAW filters to allow 5G/Wi-Fi concurrency, enhancing wireless performance in cellular devices,” it highlighted.

As for when we will see the new RFEE modules powering WiFi 7 devices in future, Qualcomm says samples are already in the hands of of its customers, with some readying to launch devices in the second half of 2022. The wait, should not be too long then.

[Image – Photo by Possessed Photography on Unsplash]