8-Channel mmWave Beamformer (24-31GHz)

NEXUS28Z is a CMOS integrated circuit, implementing highly integrated, mmWave, agile beamforming offering high performance and configurability for target applications. NEXUS28Z delivers a versatile combination of high performance and low power consumption, operating in the frequency range of 24-31GHz. It consists of 8 TX/RX front-ends, which can be split in 2 orthogonal polarizations (4 horizontal and 4 vertical).

The receiver (RX) front-end provides low noise figure, 19dB gain after combining and 50dB gain control in steps of 0.5dB, 20dB of which are used for beam tapering and are almost phase invariant. After calibration, the phase rotation covers 360deg with a 5.6deg step and minimum gain variation (<0.7dB). An integrated power detector monitors the RX output level.

The transmitter (TX) FE delivers high 1dB compression, with a gain of 24dB including input split, and 60dB GC in steps of 0.5dB, 18dB of which are used for beam tapering and are almost phase invariant. After calibration, the phase rotation covers 360deg with 5.6deg step and minimum gain variation (<1.4dB). Its output power can be sensed by an integrated power detector.

The chip is packaged in a CSP.