New MMW9012K and MMW9014K 4-channel dual polarized analog beamformers enable advanced precision in beam steering for 5G mmWave, improving system reliability.

NXP® Semiconductors has announced the addition of new MMW9012K and MMW9014K 4-channel dual polarized analog beamformers to its 5G portfolio, as well as an antenna system developer kit. Developed using NXP’s silicon germanium (SiGe) process, the analog beamformers support dual-polarization to improve 5G reliability and offer a high degree of integration to help reduce 5G base station size and costs, as well as reduce current consumption for 5G mmWave solutions. In addition, the antenna developer system makes it easy for OEMs to accelerate their panel designs to more quickly build 5G antenna systems.

5G mmWave solutions are typically deployed in dense urban areas, where the higher frequency and bandwidth are well-suited to meet consumers’ needs for higher bitrates. However, the higher frequency also decreases the distance an mmWave signal can cover, as does the interference of buildings and other obstacles. The dual-polarized, 4-channel analog beamformers enable more precise steering of simultaneous beams to users, mitigating the propagation loss common to 5G mmWave deployments and improving overall system reliability.

The MMW9012K and MMW9014K complement NXP’s existing 5G portfolio, which spans all major power levels and frequencies in 5G infrastructure. The MMW9012K operates at 28 GHz, while the MMW9014K operates at 26 GHz. These devices offer a high transmit and receive gain with EVM at 2.5% at Pout of 9 dBm.