Lowell, Mass, September 25th, 2013–M/A-COM Technology Solutions Inc. (“MACOM”), a leading supplier of high performance RF, microwave, and millimeter wave products, today announced the industry’s first integrated core chip for the 8 GHz – 11 GHz frequency range. Containing 6-bits of phase control, 6-bits of attenuation control and 26 dB of gain, MACOM’s Core Chip is an easy to use serial/parallel interface in a surface mount QFN package. Ideal for commercial radar applications, this integrated MMIC enables radar systems in early detection and warning for severe impending weather.
The X-Band Core Chip (MAMF-011015) is a highly integrated solution setting new standards for size, weight, and performance (SWaP) enabling the next generation of radar system design. Building on a legacy of successful product design across the entire frequency range, the X-Band Core Chip integrates a CMOS logic driver with a GaAs Transmit/Receive MMIC within a single QFN package. The surface mount 7x7mm plastic package offers a cost-effective, easy to implement solution. The device’s versatility and flexibility make it ideal for weather, wildfire and related commercial radar applications.
“The X-Band Core Chip plays a pivotal role in next generation radar chip-sets for commercial applications,” said Paul Beasly, Product Manager. “The device offers a unique combination of QFN surface-mount packaging with advanced MMIC design integration to provide a simple and effective solution for next generation X-Band weather radar systems.”
The X-Band Core Chip development is a product of a joint investment between MACOM and FIRST RF Corporation to support new weather radar programs such as the Collaborative Adaptive Sensing of the Atmosphere (CASA) Weather Radar Program. CASA is a multi-sector partnership among academia, industry, and government - dedicated to engineering revolutionary weather-sensing networks. These innovative networks save lives and property by detecting the region of the lower atmosphere currently below conventional radar range - mapping storms, winds, rain, temperature, humidity, and the flow of airborne hazards.
“MACOM has a rich and successful history supporting the global radar market, and we are pleased to be working very closely with an industry leader on the CASA Weather Radar Program,” said Theresa Boone, President, FIRST RF Corporation. “The X-Band Core Chip provides us with an integrated, surface mount solution that allows for high-yield automated assembly, smaller footprint design and improved reliability – enhancements which empower us to quickly identify critical weather systems, to protect people and property, and mitigate damage.”
X-Band Core Chip Block Diagram
The packaged device comprises of a common leg circuit which includes digital attenuators, phase shifters, a low noise receive chain, and a transmit driver amplifier, as well as a CMOS logic driver. This integrated circuit utilizes MACOM’s advanced 0.25um PHEMT process, which has been optimized for high power and low noise amplifiers, passive and control components and allows for a high level of integration on a single MMIC.
Visit MACOM at Booth #169 at European Microwave Week in Nuremberg Germany, 8-10, October, to find out more about the X-Band Core Chip and how you can order samples today
ABOUT MACOM:
M/A-COM Technology Solutions (www.macomtech.com) is a leading supplier of high performance RF, microwave, and millimeter wave products that enable next-generation Internet and modern battlefield applications. Recognized for its broad catalog portfolio of technologies and products, MACOM serves diverse markets, including CATV, wireless and optical communications infrastructure, satellite, radar, automotive, industrial, medical, and mobile devices. A pillar of the RF and microwave industry, we thrive on more than 60 years of solving our customers’ most complex problems.
Headquartered in Lowell, Massachusetts, MACOM is certified to the ISO9001 international quality standard and ISO14001 environmental management standard. MACOM has design centers and sales offices throughout North America, Europe, Asia and Australia.
MACOM, M/A-COM, M/A-COM Technology Solutions, M/A-COM Tech, Partners in RF & Microwave, The First Name in Microwave and related logos are trademarks of MACOM. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
ABOUT FIRST RF CORPORATION:
FIRST RF Corporation is committed to delivering high-performance, high-value antennas and RF systems to military and commercial customers. We have the capability and expertise of a large company, but with the versatility and efficiency of a small company. Our number one focus is delivering value to our customers. The name FIRST RF represents our core competencies, our objectives, and our ability to establish a best-in-class team for our customers. The primary objective of our organization is to develop and manufacture state-of-the-art antennas and RF technology and products for various applications. FIRST RF is a women-owned small business headquartered in Boulder, CO. We have over 115 dedicated employees and are ISO 9001:2008 certified. Please visit our website at: http://www.firstrf.com/
