In early January, Patently Apple posted a supply chain report titled “Apple Supplier Murata is building out Production of key Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors to Keep Up with demand for 5G iPhones.” Our report noted at the time that “Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. is a Japanese manufacturer that is the world’s largest maker of ceramic capacitors of electronic components for Apple and other handset makers. The demand for Apple’s 5G iPhone 12 is so high that its pressuring Murata to cancel holidays for plant workers in order to keep up.” Murata’s capacity to supply Apple’s iPhones with the needed ceramic capacitors is likely why Apple had a blowout quarter.
Late yesterday, Apple supplier Murata announced that they’re set to acquire Resonant a leading global provider of RF system solutions and filter products. Resonant is a leader in transforming the way radio frequency (RF) front-ends are being designed and delivered for mobile handset and wireless devices. The combination will allow both companies to expand their offerings and to access additional markets and customers. Resonant will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Murata and continue with its innovative development designed to solve some of the world’s toughest RF challenges.
Norio Nakajima, President of Murata: “This acquisition will combine Murata’s world-leading mobile RF product capabilities with Resonant’s best-in-class XBAR filter solutions and world-class team of talented engineers. Resonant invented its proprietary XBAR for 5G technology, which is expected to achieve higher frequency and superior performance to other filter technologies.
We have collaborated closely with Resonant for many years on the development of proprietary circuit designs using Resonant’s XBAR technology, and Resonant licensed to Murata rights for products in multiple specific radio frequencies in connection with our commercial partnership. We are confident Resonant’s innovation is a key strategic differentiator for the mobile industry. This transaction will deepen our existing partnership and position us to better meet our customers’ needs and expand opportunities for Murata.”
Nakajima concluded: “We believe this acquisition will enhance Murata’s advanced RF front-end capabilities and the world’s best filtering technology in the 3~9GHz frequency range, key areas for the growing integration of mobile technologies.
The radio requirements of smartphones and other wireless devices continue to grow more complex. XBAR filter technology delivers the ability to solve the complexities created by these next generation network requirements. Murata and Resonant will provide a strong portfolio of Intellectual Property Rights covering the entire XBAR technology.”
Below are videos on the basics of WaveX and XBar Technologies from Resonant
With Apple being a leader in 5G with iPhone 12 and 13, Murata’s partnership with Apple is crucial. Murata acquiring advanced 5G filter technologies and more from Resonant is likely to assist in getting new 5G technologies ready for production faster to keep Apple at the forefront of the 5G era.
