It was founded in 2020 by Leo Laughlin (right in photo) and Julian Hildersley. who have been joined by CSR co-founder Phil O’Donovan as company chairman.
“The growth in mobile networks driven by the demand for data means that available frequency bands vary from region to region and, using today’s technology, has driven the need for region-specific smartphone variants each including multiple RF components. The space consumed within each smartphone adds cost and leads to inefficiencies in the supply chain.” said Laughlin.
The Forefront chip, according to the company, “replaces the banks of RF filters and switches with a low cost, tuneable RF circuit” using technology “similar to that used in noise-cancelling headphones”. It uses “embedded software to maintain the accuracy of unique passive self-interference cancellation circuits.”
More has yet to be revealed – Electronics Weekly has requested specifications.
The intended market is smartphones, wearables and IoT devices.
Initial funding of £1.5m has come from a syndicate led by Bristol-based Science Creates Ventures , that includes Foresight Williams Technology, BGF and The Cambridge Angels. It will be used for recruitment.
“We are extremely impressed by the Forefront RF team and their technology, and are delighted to be working with them and our co-investors,” said Science Creates Ventures partner Harry Destecroix.
The Forefront RF website is here