27 February 2017

MACOM launches SMT-packaged millimeter-wave switch for 5G wireless demo systems

At the Mobile World Congress (MWC 2017) in Barcelona, Spain (27 February – 2 March), MACOM Technology Solutions Holdings Inc of Lowell, MA, USA (which makes semiconductors, components and subassemblies for analog RF, microwave, millimeter-wave and photonic applications) has announced the newest entry in its portfolio of components and integrated modules for 5G wireless infrastructure. Suitable for 28GHz, 37GHz and 39GHz frequency bands, the new SMT-packaged MASW-011098 millimeter-wave (mmW) switch is designed to meet the demanding bandwidth and link margin requirements of next-generation 5G demonstration systems.

Leveraging decades of expertise in active antennas and monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs), MACOM says that it is utilizing its experience in beam-forming radar design and applying it to 5G applications. MACOM's product portfolio supports both sub-6GHz wireless infrastructure utilizing massive MIMO (massive in massive out) architectures, and high-frequency mmW technologies supporting a multitude of power and integration requirements. The phased-array technology is reckoned to be a valuable asset for developing antennae arrays supporting 5G beam-forming capabilities.

The MASW-011098 leverages the firm's patented aluminium gallium arsenide (AlGaAs) technology process to maintain low insertion loss and high isolation while enabling higher power-per-element ratios for 5G demonstration systems. Low insertion loss reduces the power requirement from the power amplifier (PA), alleviating thermal challenges and extending the link range while simultaneously enabling improved receiver sensitivity. The MASW-011098 also provides flexible biasing options to ensure greater overall ease of use.

"The patented switch technology within the MASW-011098 today underpins tens of thousands of transmit/receive channels in advanced 5G demonstration systems, enabling customers to speed their time to market with differentiated, cost-effective 5G system architectures that deliver breakthrough gains in wireless throughput and capacity," says Preet Virk, MACOM's senior VP & general manager, Networks.

MACOM's MASW-011098 millimeter-wave switches are available now to qualified customers.

Tags: M/A-COM

Visit: www.macom.com/5G