Next-generation wireless technologies face significant challenges, including massive MIMO in mmWave spectrum, hybrid beamforming, ISAC/JCAS and NTN applications. The need for a capable and versatile wireless testbed has never been more critical.
TMYTEK developed BBox 8×8 Duo, an 8×8 element, dual-polarization phased array antenna with infrared (IF) input/output. This powerful radio frequency (RF) front end (RFFE) provides full beamforming capabilities, bridging a critical gap in prototyping of a wireless network. It is designed for seamless integration with SDR (Software-Defined Radio) and various test instruments. This allows researchers and engineers to emulate highly directive antenna behavior, evaluate its impact on communication quality and analyze real-world interactions.
Source: TMYTEK
BBox 8×8 Duo empowers innovation in advanced wireless testing and prototyping.
Features
- 8×8 dual-polarized AiP module: Integrated dual-orthogonal polarization per element enables full polarization diversity.
- Sub-microsecond beam switching: Less than 1 µs beam switch latency for time-critical applications.
- Beam control interface: GUI and API ready with Python, Matlab and LabVIEW.
- Wide beam steering range: ±60° azimuth and ±30° elevation, optimized for MIMO and tracking.
- Synchronization-optimized design: Supports tight clock synchronization for scalable multi-device MIMO configurations.
- FR2 band support (26–29 GHz) : Covers key 5G/6G mmWave bands for industry and academia
Applications
- Software control interface FR2 MIMO prototyping and validation: Build and scale MIMO arrays for testing spatial multiplexing, hybrid beamforming and polarization diversity under realistic mmWave conditions
- 6G JCAS experimentation: Explore joint communication and sensing scenarios such as beam adaptation based on environmental feedback and near-field object detection
- OAI and O-RAN-compatible SDR testbeds: Deploy within open SDR ecosystems to test O-RAN-compliant modules, PHY algorithms and end-to-end system behavior at FR2 bands
- NLOS beam tracking and mobility testing with RIS: Emulate obstructed or dynamic environments with integrated RIS to validate beam tracking algorithms and mobility performance using wide-angle steering in NLOS conditions
