SMT millimeterwave switch for 5G wireless systems

Well suited for 28, 37 and 39GHz frequency bands, the SMT packaged MASW-011098 millimeterwave (mmW) switch is designed to meet the demanding bandwidth and link margin requirements of next-gen 5G demonstration systems.

Leveraging decades of expertise in Active Antennas and Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuits (MMICs), MACOM is utilising its experience in beamforming radar design and applying it to 5G applications. MACOM’s product portfolio supports both sub-6GHz wireless infrastructure utilising massive MIMO (Massive In Massive Out) architectures, and high-frequency mmW technologies supporting a multitude of power and integration requirements. This legacy of innovation in phased array technology is a valuable asset for customers developing advanced antennae arrays supporting 5G beamforming capabilities.

The MASW-011098 leverages MACOM’s patented AlGaAs technology process to ensure superior mmW switch performance, maintaining 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.

“MACOM’s established expertise in high-bandwidth wireless infrastructure and millimeterwave technology is helping customers around the world accelerate the evolution to 5G,” said Preet Virk, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Networks, MACOM. “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.”