Otava has introduced the first mm-Wave Beamformer integrated circuit the OTBF103 that provides end-users with a single chip solution for any or all of their spectrum needs from 24 to 40 GHz. The Beamformer covers the n257, n258, n260, and n261 millimeter wave (mmW) 5G new radio (NR) bands, in addition to coverage for satellite communications and Department of Defense applications. By employing the same Beamformer device in multiple products and systems, customers can reduce both capital expenditure and the engineering time required to integrate the component into the phased array system. To enable new designs on this chip to be completed even faster, Avnet is launching a supporting Beamformer evaluation board and kit.
By utilizing the GLOBALFOUNDRIES (GF) advanced 90HP silicon germanium (SiGe) 9HP solution based on GF's 90 nm BiCMOS platform, Otava was able to achieve remarkable wideband mmWave performance in the Beamformer IC design. In addition to its high bandwidth capability, the process offers low noise and high output power performance in a mature offering. Furthermore, Otava is utilizing GF’s post-fab turnkey services for mmW test and packaging to bring a streamlined and cost-effective product to the market.
The advanced silicon-germanium solution is optimized to meet the accelerated performance demands of high-bandwidth 5G communications systems that are changing the way people live, work, and stay connected to one another. GF is pleased to provide advanced manufacturing services in support of Otava’s innovative beamforming chip, with its potential to impact the global 5G rollout, while leveraging our best-in-class post-fab turnkey services.
Otava’s design engineers have been creating narrow and wideband mmW SoCs for phased array applications for more than 12 years. The team’s combined expertise includes beamformers, transceivers, and high-performance mixed-signal devices in the commercial and DoD spaces. Transitioning into the 5G market was an easy choice considering how all of the backgrounds seamlessly complement each other.
Avnet will support the design process for this new chip through its new Beamformer evaluation kit for design engineers. The capability this new Beamformer chip brings to market will enable extremely efficient data delivery routes and will reduce interference, enabling a better 5G system.
The Otava OTBF103’s features include:
- Eight elements Tx/Rx TDD Beamformer.
- High performance wideband low noise amplifier and power amplifier design.
- Independent channel gain control, 20dB range in 0.5dB step size.
- Independent channel phase control, 360 deg phase coverage with 5.6 deg step size.
- Nominal and low power bias modes.
- High-speed LVDS or CMOS SPI control with integrated memory.
- RMS power detection and temperature sensing.
- Eight programmable gate drivers for external Power Amplifier or LNA control.
- Eight drivers for external T/R Switch control.
Otava’s evaluation board for the Beamformer, the OTBF103-EVAL, will be available for order via the website in January 2021 for $7,499.
Click here to learn more about the OTBF103-EVAL board.
