Application Note

New Transceiver IC Eases mmWave 5G Front End Design

Source: Qorvo
GettyImages-861190046 5g

5G cellular networks rely on numerous small cells operating at millimeter-wave (mmWave) frequencies to provide widespread coverage. Due to the short wavelengths of mmWave signals, these cells need to be closely spaced. Qorvo offers a solution with two integrated circuits (ICs) that enable the construction of dual-polarized antennas in a single active array.

These ICs, comprising a dual-channel transceiver and a dual quad beamformer, provide high integration and component density, simplifying the design of radio front ends for 5G small cells. The advanced silicon CMOS semiconductor process ensures excellent power efficiency.

The increasing demand for bandwidth and data has driven the need for more frequency spectrum. mmWave infrastructure, powered by IC platforms supporting intelligent arrays, is essential to meet this demand. Designing radio front ends at mmWave frequencies presents challenges due to high-frequency signals and propagation media. Highly integrated transceiver components help minimize signal losses and reduce the size of the radio front-end solution.

This application note explores why small cells are crucial for 5G networks operating at mmWave frequencies. They must be capable of sending and receiving signals above 24 GHz while performing frequency translation. Although filtering requirements may be less stringent at mmWave frequencies, interference from lower-frequency signals can still occur.

Building mmWave transmitters and receivers with suitable performance for reliable operation within a 5G network requires components built to military standards and a deep understanding of mmWave antenna design. Deploying 5G small cells also presents challenges in finding optimal locations and designing efficient network topologies.

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