Filtronic praises Cambridge RF tech but calls for additional skills push

Here, Katie Graham, Head of HR at RF-to-mmWave components and subsystems specialist, Filtronic, explains why Cambridge’s local talent is capable of closing the RF skills gap, with collaboration between universities and industry needed to ensure future growth.

The University of Cambridge has excelled in areas such as advancing RF integration, offering deep insights into RF integrated circuits and systems, focusing on areas such as CMOS technology and system-on-a-chip (SoC) designs.

Moreover, Cambridge's collaboration with industries and focus on developing commercial applications through these technologies has been instrumental in pushing the boundaries of what's possible in RF innovation.

These efforts are essential because RF technology is integrated in many modern technologies across the telecoms, space, aerospace and defence sectors. In satellite communications, high-frequency mmWave sub-systems help enable high-reliability low earth orbit (LEO) connections, enhancing global connectivity and helping to solve the digital divide.

It is also crucial for the development of next-generation defence systems, enhancing the capabilities and security of nations to protect us all. The ability to connect various devices seamlessly also drives advancements in consumer electronics, industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things (IoT), fostering smarter and more integrated environments.

It is due to strategic investments and collaboration that these innovations exist. By focusing on fostering collaborative partnerships between industry and academia, we can ensure that the workforce is equipped with the necessary skills to drive future developments in RF technology, ultimately bridging the skills gap.

The UK’s Semiconductor Strategy is an example of this, which outlines a comprehensive plan to secure the country's position as a leader in targeted semiconductor technologies, focusing on research and development, design, intellectual property and compound semiconductors.

The strategy aims to grow the domestic sector by investing up to £200 million between 2023 and 2025, and up to £1 billion over the next decade. It also supports commercial R & D and SME growth through the UK Semiconductor Infrastructure Initiative, while a UK Semiconductor Advisory Panel will be established to coordinate these efforts.

To help tackle the skills gap, the strategy includes several critical initiatives aimed at improving the flow of skilled talent into the industry. These include supporting Centres for Doctoral Training (CTDs) in semiconductor-related fields through the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and ensuring that occupational standards for apprenticeships, higher technical qualifications (HTQs) and T-Levels meet the specific requirements of employers in the semiconductor sector.

Additionally, the strategy encourages more employers in the semiconductor industry to engage with the Department for Education’s (DfE) Institute of Technology programme, backed by £300 million of government capital investment, to better serve the sector's specialisms through this innovative education delivery mechanism.

Despite great initiatives like this, RF still requires more attention across its set of expansive applications. For example, investment in the defence sector is essential for designing higher frequency RF signals, which enable enhanced performance, reliability and data bandwidth.

This allows for the rapid and efficient transmission of large volumes of data, which is crucial for high-resolution radar, imagery, real-time video feeds and other data-intensive applications prevalent in modern defence.

In fact, Felix Griffin, GK Adviser, outlined the UK’s Ministry of Defence’s (MoD’s) urgent need for increased focus and investment in RF development.

This is an exciting opportunity for the UK to continue as a world leader in RF technologies and helps to prioritise RF technologies as critical for defence and security. When funding is constrained, innovative projects often fall by the wayside, and critical areas, such as RF development, struggle to attract the necessary talent and expertise.

To address the skills gap in RF, it’s essential to cultivate industry-relevant skills that require a strong academic foundation, particularly from universities.

While many academic institutions offer programmes that focus on RF technologies, the industry requires enhanced collaboration between industry and academia to ensure graduates are equipped with the skills that meet current and future demands.

That’s why Filtronic has further cemented its position in the UK's innovation ecosystem with the opening of a new office at Cambridge Science Park. This strategic expansion provides Filtronic access to one of the UK's most vibrant technology hubs, renowned for its cutting-edge advancements in fields such as space and defence communications.

The proximity to the Science Park’s network of research institutions and highly skilled engineering talent offers Filtronic the environment to continue pushing the boundaries of RF and mmWave technology.

In line with this expansion, there is a crucial need to address the growing RF skills gap. As the demand for advanced RF technologies escalates, academia plays a critical role in cultivating the industry-relevant skills needed.

Many academic institutions, such as the University of Cambridge, offer programs focused on RF technologies. To ensure that graduates meet the current and future demands of the industry, collaboration between universities and businesses is essential.