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Chipset Solution to Accelerate 5G Deployments

June 03, 2019 by Scott McMahan

Analog Devices, Inc. introduced a new solution for mmWave 5G. The solution boasts the highest available level of integration to reduce design requirements and complexity in the next generation of cellular network infrastructure. It combines ADI's advanced beamformer IC, up/down frequency conversion (UDC), and additional mixed signal circuitry. According to ADI, this optimized "Beams to Bits" signal chain represents a unique set of capabilities only available from ADI.

"Millimeter-wave 5G is an emerging technology with great potential," said Karim Hamed, general manager of Microwave Communications at Analog Devices. "It can be extremely difficult to design these systems from the ground up, balancing system-level challenges in performance, standards, and cost. This new solution leverages ADI's best-in-class technology, long legacy in RF, microwave and mmWave communications infrastructure, and deep expertise across the RF spectrum to simplify the design process for customers, reduce overall component count, and accelerate the path to 5G deployment."

The new mmWave 5G chipset includes the 16-channel ADMV4821 dual/single polarization beamformer IC, 16-channel ADMV4801 single-polarization beamformer IC and the ADMV1017 mmWave UDC. All three of the chips can operate at up to 95°C.

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They feature matched 50Ω single-ended RF inputs and outputs and have high-resolution vector modulators for phase control. Also, they integrate high-resolution DGAs for amplitude control, temperature compensation, and they have memory for TX and RX beam positions.

The 24GHz to 30GHz beamforming + UDC solution forms a 3GPP 5G NR compliant mmWave front-end to address the n261, n257, and n258 bands. The high channel density, coupled with the ability to support both single- and dual-polarization deployments, greatly increases system flexibility and reconfigurability for multiple 5G use cases while best-in-class equivalent isotropically radiated power (EIRP) extends radio range and density.

Features and Benefits

  • RF frequency range: 24GHz to 29.5GHz, addressing n257, n258, n261 bands in one footprint
  • 16 selectable TX channels
  • 16 selectable RX channels
  • Matched 50Ω single-ended RF inputs and outputs
  • High-resolution vector modulators for phase control
  • High-resolution DGAs for amplitude control
  • Temperature compensation
  • Memory for TX and RX beam positions
  • Operation up to 95°C
  • 3GPP specification compliant