In a move targeted at speeding the development of 5G networks, Movandi has announced a scalable RF front-end system solution called BeamX. According to the newly launched company, the performance of its RFIC, phased array antenna and beamforming techniques will enable the next generation of 5G and multi-gigabit connectivity.
Maryam Rofougaran, Co-CEO and COO of Movandi, said: “We are looking to develop complete front end solutions for 5G; anything from the interface with broadband to antennas. Our mission is to develop core technology that can access gigabit data rates. We want to make 5G successful.”
The BeamX front-end integrates RF, antenna, beamforming and control algorithms into a modular solution targeted at customer premises equipment, small cell and base station applications. The configurable system support different baseband/modem SoC solutions and can also be used with satellite networks.
“So far,” Rofougaran told New Electronics, “everything has worked at frequencies between 1 and 5GHz. Going from 4G to 5G will be a revolution, particularly when it comes to the front end, where there will be a need for more processing and lower latency. However, when it comes to mm wave technology, the challenges are different and innovation is required to make it work effectively.”
BeamX is a 64 element array designed to operate initially at 28GHz, but will support 39GHz in the near future. It combines RF technology designed in low-cost bulk CMOS with a high efficiency antenna. BeamX is said to achieve ‘breakthrough levels’ of performance and significant range improvements. Rofougaran noted BeamX has a link budget which is ‘4 to 5dB better than other solutions’. “This could double range,” she claimed.
Author
Graham Pitcher
Source: www.newelectronics.co.uk