Filtronic has launched the Morpheus II, its new generation of mm-Wave transceiver modules for E-band (71 – 76 GHz and 81 – 86 GHz) applications in carrier-grade mobile backhaul. Morpheus II is based on Filtronic’s proven E-band transceiver platform, of which over 36,000 units have already been shipped and deployed worldwide.
Morpheus II transceiver modules are 100% calibrated and tested, and are based on a platform that has an extensive field-proven performance. Their compact form factor makes them suitable for use in all types of mmWave XHaul applications, and their readily reconfigurable architecture also provides the ideal basis from which to develop systems for application in high throughput satellites and High Altitude Pseudo-Satellites (HAPS).
The Xhaul project, part of the European H2020 5G Public-Private Partnership (5G PPP) Infrastructure, will define and develop the next generation of integrated fronthaul and backhaul networks that will respond to the needs of the future 5G communications system.
Each fully-integrated Morpheus II transceiver module contains all the transmit and receive functions necessary for the RF section of an E-band radio link, and provides a simple connection to a high data rate full-duplex modem. They are designed for easy incorporation into outdoor units, giving original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) the advantage of a rapid time-to-market while requiring minimal engineering resources.
Demand for E-band mmWave radio links is growing rapidly, as they can provide high capacity and high data rate XHaul for the latest 5G networks that are being rolled out globally. In 2018 E-band accounted for around 7% of wireless links, and is forecast to continue with year-on-year growth rates of around 36%, according to Dell’Oro Group.
Standard modules have a linear transmitter power control range of -4 dBm to +16 dBm, with an output third-order intermodulation product (IP3) of typically up to +34 dBm at the top end of the range. An enhanced power option, extending the control range up to +25 dBm, is also available. With a low phase noise of ‑112 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz, the transceiver modules support a channel bandwidth in excess of 2 GHz. They have demonstrated system performance at data rates of 10 Gb/s with spectrally efficient 256 QAM, and are capable of supporting even higher-order modulation schemes. The internal low phase noise VCOs can be adjusted via an SPI interface in 31.25 MHz steps, to support ECC/ITU channel arrangements.
A single transmit/receive interface is provided by the integrated diplexer, which connects directly to an external antenna via a standard WR12 interface. The interface between the Morpheus II E-band module and the customer modem is via a single 50-way connector that supplies all communication between the module and the modem, as well as DC power, baseband data and control signals.
With a footprint of 90 x 80 mm and weighing only 110 g, the Morpheus II transceiver modules are 20% smaller and 50% lighter than the current Orpheus models, with which they retain interface compatibility.
