Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) Filter Market Size, Trends and Growth Analysis by 2027

The surface acoustic wave (SAW) filter market was valued at approximately US$ 1,717.68 million in 2020 and is anticipated to grow to US$ 2,826.81 million by 2028, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.3% from 2021 to 2028.

A surface acoustic wave is a type of acoustic wave that travels along the surface of an elastic material, with its amplitude diminishing exponentially as it penetrates deeper into the material. The SAW filter functions as an electronic device that converts electrical energy into mechanical or acoustic energy using piezoelectric materials. This conversion process involves two interdigital transducers: the input transducer, which generates acoustic waves from incoming electrical signals, and the output transducer, which transforms the acoustic waves back into electrical energy.

The SAW filter market is categorized by application into several segments, including consumer electronics, automotive, aerospace and defense, telecommunications, and others. In 2020, the consumer electronics segment was the largest contributor to the market. Within the consumer electronics sector, SAW filters are utilized in devices such as televisions and mobile phones. These filters are particularly prevalent in satellite television systems due to their superior electrical selectivity, high reproducibility of electrical characteristics, compact size, and durability against aging. Recent innovations in satellite SAW filters have introduced models with precisely defined 3 dB bandwidths tailored for standard center frequencies. To effectively receive signals from various satellites, receivers must align with the transponder channel's bandwidth, which is achieved through the use of dual-channel SAW filters that can switch the intermediate frequency (IF) bandwidth. Additionally, SAW filters are integral to mobile devices, where they filter both radio frequency (RF) and IF signals, enhancing power efficiency in multimode mobile devices that support 4G and 5G technologies. Numerous companies have developed advanced SAW filter products to cater to the demands of next-generation technologies operating at elevated frequencies.

Geographically, the SAW filter market is divided into regions including North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC), South America (SAM), and the Middle East & Africa (MEA). In 2020, the Asia-Pacific region dominated the global SAW filter market. Countries like China and India have embraced Industry 4.0 technologies, which encompass intelligent manufacturing, personalized customization, and network-based collaboration. The emergence of 5G technology is a significant trend in the Asia-Pacific market. According to a report by Global Data, Asia-Pacific is projected to lead in 5G adoption, with an estimated 1.14 billion subscribers, representing 65% of global subscriptions by 2024. Nine countries in this region, including China, South Korea, and Japan, have already launched commercial 5G services. These technological advancements are propelling the growth of the SAW filter market in Asia-Pacific.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a notable impact on the SAW filter market's growth trajectory. The crisis disrupted operational efficiencies and interrupted supply chains due to the abrupt closure of borders, leading to revenue losses and operational challenges. These supply chain disruptions adversely affected the SAW filter market. However, as economies begin to recover and resume operations, the demand for SAW filters is expected to increase globally in the near future. The pandemic has accelerated digitization across various sectors, with 5G technology poised to play a crucial role. Policymakers and regulators are encouraged to explore a wide array of 5G applications, including telemedicine and autonomous vehicles. Despite challenges such as Huawei's export restrictions and a decline in 4G unit volumes, the demand for semiconductors in mobile phones remains robust due to the higher semiconductor content required for 5G devices, particularly in RF communications. The launch of several 5G-enabled smartphones in 2020 has provided momentum for 5G technology. Wireless and RF technologies have been pivotal in commercial and industrial IoT applications, as well as in COVID-19 related medical solutions, space, and satellite systems. Consequently, while the initial impact of COVID-19 was negative for the SAW filter market due to production declines and supply chain issues, the ongoing recovery and the increasing adoption of 5G technologies are expected to positively influence the market's growth.

Key players in the global SAW filter market include Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd., API Technologies (UK) Ltd., Abracon, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., Qorvo, Inc., Skywork Solutions, Inc., TAIYO YUDEN CO., LTD, Microchip Technologies, Inc., Kyocera Corporation, and TAI-SAW TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.

The overall size of the SAW filter market has been determined through a combination of primary and secondary research methods. The research process began with extensive secondary research utilizing both internal and external sources to gather qualitative and quantitative data related to the market. Additionally, multiple primary interviews were conducted with industry participants to validate the findings and gain deeper analytical insights. Participants included industry experts such as VPs, business development managers, market intelligence managers, and national sales managers, as well as external consultants like valuation experts, research analysts, and key opinion leaders specializing in the global SAW filter market.