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Overview

Description

The F6521 is an 8-channel transmit active beamforming RFIC designed for application in Ku-Band SATCOM planar phased array antennas. The IC has a single common RF input port and eight output channels. The eight independently controlled output channels can drive eight single-polarized elements or four dual-polarized elements of an electronically scanned array (ESA). Each channel has 6-bits of digital phase control covering 360° and 25dB of gain control with a minimum step size of 0.2dB, enabling precise beam pattern and polarization control. Operating from a single supply of 2.1–2.5V, the RFIC has 28dB of nominal small signal gain with a typical P1dB of 10.5dBm per channel.

The device is highly efficient and features a low power standby mode as well as independent enable controls on every channel. The device SPI bus and control pins operate from standard 1.8V logic at speeds up to 50MHz. Advanced digital modes and large on-chip memory allows for < 100ns beam position switching times at the array level, greatly reducing dead time and latency. Finally, the compact and CTE-matched FCCSP organic package with all single-ended 50Ω matched RF ports greatly simplifies the physical integration of these devices onto large antenna panels.

Features

  • 13.75–14.5 GHz operation
  • Supports 4 dual-polarized elements or 8 single-polarized
  • 360° phase control with 6-bit resolution
  • 25dB gain control with 0.2dB minimum step
  • 25dB small signal gain
  • 10.5dBm output P1dB
  • 2.3V nominal single supply input
  • Standard 1.8V digital logic
  • Temperature compensation
  • Temperature sensor with digital readout
  • Advanced digital modes with fast beam steering
  • On-chip beam-state memory
  • 3.8 × 4.6 × 0.9mm 62-pin FCCSP package

Comparison

Applications

Documentation

Type Title Date
Datasheet Log in to Download PDF 2.20 MB
Datasheet - Short-form PDF 50 KB
Guide PDF 2.24 MB
Product Brief PDF 1.08 MB
Product Brief PDF 728 KB
5 items

Design & Development

Software & Tools

Software Downloads

Type Title Date
Software & Tools - Software Log in to Download ZIP 2.39 MB
Software & Tools - Evaluation Software Log in to Download ZIP 3.84 MB
2 items

Boards & Kits

Models

ECAD Models

Schematic symbols, PCB footprints, and 3D CAD models from SamacSys can be found by clicking on products in the Product Options table. If a symbol or model isn't available, it can be requested directly from the website.

Diagram of ECAD Models

Videos & Training

Active Beamforming ICs and LNAs for Satcom and Radar Phased Array Antennas

An overview of the next-generation portfolio of active beamforming solutions with lowest NF and power consumption for Satcom and Radar antennas.