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 commenced sample shipments of its MAMF-011057 and the MADC-011014 highly integrated E-band transceiver (Tx) and receiver (Rx) modules, which are designed to meet the needs of the emerging wideband cellular backhaul and 5G millimeter-wave market.
Helping to accelerate the evolution to higher-capacity backhaul, MACOM says that its surface-mountable E-band Tx and Rx modules simplify the design and manufacturing of low-cost E-band point-to-point radios. The firm's E-band module solution was featured in a 5G millimeter-wave product demonstration at the IEEE International Microwave Symposium (IMS 2016) in San Francisco (24-27 May).
The MAMF-011057 is a transceiver featuring a balanced IR mixer, x8 LO multiplier, envelope detector, RF buffer amplifier, RF power amplifier and output power detector in a small-form-factor surface-mount module. The module operates at 71-86GHz and is designed to be used in direct conversion applications. The output of the Tx module is a WR12 interface for ease of use.
The MADC-011014 is a receiver module integrating a balanced IR mixer with a x8 LO multiplier and low-noise amplifier (LNA) into a small-form-factor surface-mount module. The device operates at 71-86GHz and is designed to be used in direct down-conversion applications. The RF input to the Rx module is a WR12 interface for ease of use.
MACOM complements these E-band modules with what it claims are best-in-class phase-noise voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs) matched to the module requirements for a total solution.
MACOM reckons that these modules simplify the design of wireless backhaul E-band radios and that their high integration levels help to reduce overall E-band radio bill-of-materials (BOM) costs. The firm hence anticipates that the modules will play a key role in lowering E-band cost of ownership and growing the footprint of E-band radios within the network operator wireless backhaul space.
"Market and customer feedback on our initial samples of the E-band Tx and Rx modules has been very positive, as evidenced by multiple design wins at tier-1 OEMs," says Preet Virk, senior VP & general manager, Carrier Networks, MACOM. "The E-band market is primed for explosive growth and our innovative modules, offering best-in-class performance, are seen as a key component enabling the viable establishment of E-band as a high-capacity solution for cellular backhaul," he adds. "We look forward to several production ramps expected to commence in late 2016."
