How to select a Beamforming IC
Beamforming is a technique by which an array of antennas can be steered to transmit radio signals in a specific direction. This results in a stronger signal at a particular point.
Beamforming ICs are used as front end devices that regulate the phase of the signal before it is sent to the antenna array in order to control/enable beam forming. Some IC’s control the transmit path, other the receive path and some beamforming ICs can be used for both transmit and receive functions.
Based on the antenna array selected, each IC supports a specific number of channels (usually 4 or 8), based on the number of elements on the antenna array being used we can select the number of channels required in an IC. For larger antenna arrays, multiple beamforming ICs can also be used. Since these ICs are placed at the Front end, other than a phase shifter and required switches they often integrate other components like amplifiers, mixers, VCOs etc. As a result some Beamformer ICs also provide signal gain on the Rx/Tx end.
everything RF has listed beamforming ICs from the leading companies. You can compare products, view their specifications, narrow down on products based on the frequency range, channels, phase shift bits and other parameters. Once you find products that you need you can view product specs, download datasheets, request a quotation or more information on a product. Your inquiry will be sent to the manufacturer who will get back to you with the required information.
