The radio frequency front end (RFFE) encompasses all the circuitry that processes high-frequency signals right after the antenna and before the analog-to-digital converter. It typically includes low-noise amplifiers, filters, switches, and power amplifiers. Engineers focus on RFFE design to minimize noise figure and maximize signal integrity in wireless devices before handing the signal off for digital processing.
We're seeing too much insertion loss in the RFFE, so let's swap out that duplexer.
Because RFFE components deal with extremely weak incoming signals and high-power outgoing signals, board layout and shielding are critical to prevent crosstalk.
Related terms
LNA
An amplifier designed to boost extremely weak signals without adding significant electronic noise.
Analog-to-digital converter
A mixed-signal circuit component that translates continuous physical voltages into discrete digital numbers.
Band-pass
Describing a circuit or filter that allows a specific range of frequencies to pass while blocking those outside the range.