Problems of Development of Tunable SAW Filters for Mobile Communication Systems

Abstract

Multi-band and multi-mode operation is becoming a common requirement for mobile communication systems, and the number of communication standards and frequency bands is constantly increasing. The architecture of modern mobile phones is based on the principle of "one band – one filter". The use of tunable SAW filters could significantly simplify the architecture of the radio frequency part of mobile phones, replacing both bandpass filters with fixed parameters and switches. This replacement will reduce the total number of components, the cost, and the space required for placement. However, despite all efforts, it is not yet possible to develop tunable SAW filters with the required characteristics. The article analyzes the problems associated with development. The author discusses theoretical, technical and technological problems, as well as problems related to the cost and mass production of filters for modern mobile phones.