Phased Array Beamforming ICs Manufacturers and Vendors

Introduction: Phased array beamforming ICs are front end chips used in RF/Microwave systems to control amplitude as well as phase of the signals across array of antenna elements. These ICs help to steer beams electronically without requirements of any mechanical movement. These ICs are essential in satellite communication, military, 5G, 6G and automotive radar applications. The demand of these ICs are projected to grow rapidly through the decade across both analog and digital/phased hybrids.

Phased Array Antenna

The collection of antenna elements assembled in an array whose radiation pattern can be controlled by changing their phases is known as phased array antenna. The antenna is designed such that it focuses more energy in the main lobe and reduces energy in the side lobes to acceptable level.

As shown, direction of radiation can be modified by varying the phase of the signal fed to all the antenna elements used. Each antenna elements in the array has independent phase and amplitude settings. By changing these parameters, radiation pattern can be formed in the desired direction. The antenna gain and EIRP (Effective Isotropic Radiated Power) are directly proportional to number of array elements used in the design.

The figure depicts phased array antenna with 8 elements. Following technical specifications are to be considered for its selection.

• Frequency Range
• Number of Channels
• Phase/Gain Control interface
• Tx/Rx modes
• Package type

Beamforming types

There are two main types of beamforming viz. analog and digital.

1. In Analog beamforming type, amplitude and phase variation is applied to the analog signal at the transmitting end.

• Pros : Cost effective, low power dissipation, single beam steering, simple to implement

• Application : Point to point mmwave links, basic SU-MIMO

2. In Digital beamforming type, amplitude abd phase variation is applied to the digital signal before converting it to analog form before transmission.

• Pros : Higher cost, more power dissipation, multiple beams, complex to implement

• Application : MU-MIMO, interference suppression, adaptive beam patterns

3. Hybrid beamforming combines functionalities of both analog and digital types. It leverages benefits of both as precoding is applied in both RF and baseband levels.

• Applications : 5G NR mmwave systems

Beamforming ICs manufacturers

These ICs integrate multiple channels of phase shifters, amplifiers and often gain control into compact packages. Key benefits of these ICs include improved steering flexibility, reduced system size and enhanced beam precision.

• The other vendors or manufacturers are Sivers Semiconductors, OMMIC, Metawave, Rfcore and pSemi. These companies cater to niche sectors like automotive radar, defense oriented phased arrays etc.

Conclusion: Phased array beamforming IC vendors are spearheading the shift toward compact, high performance RF systems capable of agile beamforming across diverse domains. The popular companies such as Analog Devices, Renesas and Anokiwave are leading to deliver highly integrated, multi-channel beamformers with precise phase and amplitude control.