![](/ext/resources/images/Figures/2023/Oct/10M21/f1.jpg)
Figure 1 ICAMB2629-A BGA package.
5G cellular networks promise massive connectivity, ultra-low latency and higher data rates. The first 5G deployments have been focused on the sub-6 GHz spectrums of frequency range 1 (FR1). To deliver this promised performance, these networks will eventually require mmWave frequency deployments.
Such a deployment brings many challenges as moving to higher frequencies increases the path losses and reduces the range of the signal to the end user. To overcome these challenges, mmWave 5G deployments demand densification of the small cell network and the introduction of beamforming to increase the range of the signal. This network densification requires a huge investment from mobile network operators, which slows down the current roll-out at mmWave frequencies.
To help with these challenges in the mmWave infrastructure market, iCana is launching the ICAMB2629-A, a highly integrated cost-effective beamforming IC with eight channels supporting dual polarization. It targets n257 and n261 5G New Radio (NR) frequency range 2 (FR2) wireless infrastructure applications. iCana plans to disrupt the market with this device by delivering a low-cost, high performance solution that will enable mobile network providers to deploy 5G mmWave networks more cost-effectively. The ICAMB2629-A comes in a 90-pin, 4.6 × 5.1 mm BGA-based package, as shown in Figure 1. The functional block diagram is shown in Figure 2.
![Figure 2](/ext/resources/images/Figures/2023/Oct/10M21/f2.jpg)
Figure 2 Functional block diagram.
FEATURES AND BENEFITS
To enable high data rates, the ICAMB2629-A provides 800 MHz of signal bandwidth across the 26.5 to 29.5 GHz frequency range. The ICAMB2629-A can operate in two polarizations simultaneously across this band. This allows operators to offer an improved and more stable communication link compared to a single polarized beamforming solution. In transmit mode (Tx), the IC provides an average output power of more than 10 dBm per channel at three percent error vector magnitude, 100 MHz 5G NR, 64 QAM with a gain of 27 dB. In receive mode (Rx), it provides a gain of 27 dB with a noise figure of less than 4.5 dB while only consuming 0.7 W of power. With these features, the ICAMB2629-A improves the link stability, link quality, overall link capacity and coverage; all benefits 5G users are desperately awaiting.
GOOD AMPLITUDE AND PHASE ACCURACY
Beamforming is a combination of beam steering and beam shaping. To steer the beam in the desired direction, each antenna element in an antenna array is fed with the same, but phase-shifted or time-delayed signal. This phase shifting is one of the most important functions provided by beamforming ICs. With many beamforming ICs in each mmWave small cell, the cost of each IC becomes a crucial factor in enabling a dense network roll-out.
Besides beam steering, the ICAMB2629-A can also shape the beam by tapering or nulling certain signals to further reduce the undesired interference between different users. This sidelobe suppression allows the operator to optimize the communication link and maximize the throughput to each user. This requires highly accurate gain and phase control with high linearity across a wide frequency range. These parameters must remain under tight control across temperature and this is exactly what iCana’s beamforming IC offers.
To enable beamforming with this level of accuracy, the ICAMB2629-A offers a channel gain range of 7 dB in 0.5 dB steps and 6-bit phase resolution with a 5.6-degree phase step. The beamformer IC offers gain accuracy with less than 0.15 dB RMS gain error and less than 2 degrees RMS phase error at 28 GHz. This performance enables both beam steering and shaping functionality and delivers excellent tapering and nulling performance.
CONTROL CIRCUITRY GUARANTEES PERFORMANCE
The ICAMB2629-A performance is guaranteed for every beamforming IC across various operating conditions, thanks to the built-in digital control circuitry and sensor platform. This sensor platform monitors temperature, RF power and power consumption. With this input, smart control is enabled to guarantee gain and phase accuracy and maximum orthogonality to get the best beamforming performance. The IC achieves fast beam switching between 2048 pre-stored different transmit and receive beams. Automatic control loops based on the built-in sensors guarantee this performance across different operating temperature conditions.
CALIBRATION
A pre-configured set of correction settings stored in non-volatile memory in the ICAMB2629-A allows the device to fully calibrate itself at boot-up. This ensures the best performance for every channel with limited variation from channel to channel. In addition, the ICAMB2629-A requires minimal effort to calibrate the IC performance, maximizing the overall performance of the active phased array that will contain multiple beamforming ICs.
The above features come at what iCana believes to be a competitive cost. This makes the ICAMB2629-A an attractive beamforming IC solution to deliver on the 5G promises of massive connectivity, ultra-low latency and greater bandwidth. This IC will provide benefits for wireless communications infrastructure, customer premises equipment, repeaters and fixed wireless access applications.
EXPANDING ICANA’S 5G MMWAVE PRODUCT LINEUP
In addition to the beamforming IC, iCana will launch an up/down-converter (UDC) in 2024 to complete the total mmWave beamforming lineup, as shown in Figure 3. For incoming intermediate frequencies in the 3 to 7 GHz range, the UDC will up-convert to an mmWave frequency as part of a dual-channel solution that provides both horizontal and vertical polarization. This signal feeds multiple beamforming ICs connected in the antenna array to enable beamforming of the RF signal.
![Figure 3](/ext/resources/images/Figures/2023/Oct/10M21/f3.jpg)
Figure 3 Block diagram for iCana phased array solutions.
iCana is a fabless semiconductor component supplier specializing in the design and manufacturing of RF components for wireless communication. iCana’s primary markets are 5G NR FR1 and FR2 infrastructure, together with automotive connectivity. By managing the end-to-end process from IC design through qualification and mass production, iCana is committed to providing unrivaled performance, quality and reliability. Headquartered in Taiwan, iCana has additional research and development centers located in Belgium and the U.S.
iCana
New Taipei City, Taiwan
www.icana-rf.com