Third-generation beamformer ICs by Renesas Electronics include two dual-polarisation mmWave devices optimized for 2×2 antenna architecture for 5G and broadband wireless applications. They are claimed to have best-in-class performance at n257, n258, and 261 bands. The integrated F5288 and F5268 transmitter / receiver (8T8R) chipsets are in a 5.1 x 5.1mm BGA package and are claimed to have the industry’s highest Tx output power capability in silicon, delivering more than 15.5dBm linear output power per channel. They are intended for cost-efficient radio design with extended signal reach for wireless infrastructure applications including wide area, small cell and macro basestations, as well as CPE (customer premises equipment) and fixed wireless access (FWA) access points. Communications customers can reduce design times by repurposing antenna array designs across different applications, advises Renesas.
The F5288 and F5268 ICs feature a Dynamic Array Power (DAP) technology that enables high-efficiency operation at linear output power levels programmable from 10 to 16dBm.
“Adequate signal range – or lack thereof – remains the biggest challenge as the industry shifts to 5G mmWave technologies for both urban and suburban mobile and fixed wireless networks,” said Naveen Yanduru, vice president of RF communications product division at Renesas.
The third-generation mmWave beamformer ICs’ dual-polarisation eight-channel architecture provides a symmetric and low loss antenna routing network to improve overall antenna efficiency, says Renesas. The exposed die package allows for efficient thermal management at the board with improved heat dissipation through the back of the IC. According to Renesas, temperature compensation techniques minimise RF performance degradation with varying temperatures The package pinmap is designed to simplify board design and reduce design risks.
In addition to Dynamic Array Power technology for scaling output power, the F5288 and F5268 ICs feature ArraySense technology which allows users to monitor IC performance in array operation and apply critical corrections real-time. They also include RapidBeam advanced digital control technology to enable simultaneous synchronous and asynchronous control of several beamformer ICs to achieve extremely fast beamsteering operations.
The F5288 operates at 26.5 to 29.5GHz and the F5268 operates at 24.25 to 27.5GHz. They also have phase and gain control which includes 360 degree phase control with true six-bit resolution and up to 31.5dB gain control in 0.5dB steps. There are improved Rx linearity modes and Rx noise figures as low as ~4.5dB at room temperature and under 5.5dB at temperatures up to 95 degrees C.
The F5288 and F5268 beamformer ICs and evaluation systems are available now.
