Otava’s recently announced wideband beamformer IC (BFIC) features an evaluation kit through Avnet Inc., allowing engineers to ease the development of millimeter wave (mmWave), small cell and 5G.
The Otava single chip OTBF103 simplifies the phase array system architecture while providing flexibility for specific wireless networks. The kit includes the Otava OTBF103-EVAL beamformer eval board, a MicroZed-based digital controller with a Xilinx Zynq-7000 system-on-chip and software GUI. The GUI allows designers to control and modify the 158 registers and 64 quick-access positions on the OTBF103 BFIC through the MicroZed controller.
The beamformer IC evaluation kit includes a Xilinx Zynq-7000 SoC and software GUI. Source: Avnet The MicroZed and GUI software eliminates the need to write code for a custom digital controller, because it can be controlled from a PC through a standard USB or Ethernet connection. Developers can also focus on manipulating RF signals and evaluate the function and performance of the eight-element Tx/Rx TDD beamformer IC immediately.
“Avnet’s evaluation kit will enable new designs based on Otava’s Beamformer IC to happen even faster,” said Jim Beneke, vice president of products and emerging technologies at Avnet. “This is especially valuable for those design engineers working in the fast-moving areas of radar, EW and satellite communications where you need extremely efficient data delivery routes and reduced interference, enabling a better 5G system.”
