Infineon unveil chipsets for wireless backhaul communication

3rd October 2013

Nat Bowers

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Infineon Technologies has started the production of its BGTx0 chipsets for wireless backhaul communication systems. The transceiver family provides a complete radio frequency front-end for wireless communication in 57-64 GHz, 71-76 GHz, or 81-86 GHz millimeter wave bands. Paired with a baseband/modem, the system solution requires less space, offers improved reliability and lower cost for the critical wireless backhaul links needed in mobile base stations that support LTE/4G networks.

The lead customer Sub10 Systems is currently qualifying BGT70 and BGT80 E-band transceivers for a Frequency Division Duplex system. The targeted system supports a data rate of more than 1 Gbit/s with link distances of about 2.5 kilometers.

Mark Stevens, Chief Technology Officer at Sub10 Systems, commented: “We are delighted to be collaborating with Infineon on integration of the BGT70 and BGT80 chipset into our newly developed E-band transceiver. We expect high performance and high reliability at the same time, therefore we have chosen the best solution in the market.”

Infineon’s BGTx0 family simplifies system design and production logistics by replacing more than 10 discrete devices by a single device. Due to their low power consumption the single-chip high-integration transceivers also help to reduce operating expenses in high data rate millimeter wave infrastructures.“

The wide bandwidth available in V- and E-band millimeter-wave frequencies supports the exploding usage of mobile data with great growth opportunities for Infineon. With our process technology and RF design leadership we offer exactly what the emerging small cell infrastructure requires: highly reliable and easy to use packaged millimeter-wave transceivers. The great interest of customers shows that our BGTx0 family perfectly meets their requirements," comments Philipp von Schierstaedt, Vice President and General Manager of the Business Unit RF & Protection Devices at Infineon Technologies.

Each mobile communication standard uses specific frequency bands to transport data. Current standards operate below 43 GHz, known as microwaves. As future standards – like latest LTE/4G – will require more capacity and higher data rates, public authorities have released V- and E-band using millimeter waves. Network operators are expected to invest heavily in small cell infrastructures in the years ahead in order to provide mobile phone users with high speed internet and full network coverage.

Engineering samples of BGTx0 transceivers are already available with volume production planned for spring 2014.