GXSC beamformer replaces ADAR1000 for phased array radar system application

Beamforming technology is the core of phased array antenna systems, whose main purpose is to construct antenna beams with desired directionality and shape by precisely controlling the phase and amplitude of each channel. The GXSC beamformer utilizes various advanced technologies and combines digital and analog control methods to ensure the accuracy and flexibility of beam pointing in dynamic environments.

Traditional analog beamforming mainly relies on radio frequency distribution networks and fixed phase adjusters. Although the implementation is relatively simple, the adjustment accuracy and dynamic response capability are relatively low. Digital beamforming utilizes high-speed digital signal processing technology to achieve real-time phase and amplitude adjustments and adaptive algorithm compensation. The GXSC beamformer combines the advantages of both, utilizing a highly integrated analog front-end to ensure low noise and distortion of the signal, and achieving precise dynamic adjustment through an embedded digital control module to achieve the desired beamforming effect.

The highly integrated 4-channel X/Ku band beamforming chip of GXSC demonstrates excellent performance and engineering value in satellite communication and phased array radar systems. The chip includes 4 receiving channels and 4 transmitting channels, as well as corresponding power allocation (transmission) and synthesis networks (reception), integrating amplitude and phase control circuits for each channel.

The chip supports a frequency range of 8GHz to 16GHz and is suitable for both transmission and reception modes. It adopts a half duplex mechanism and is controlled by switching through a single pin. The chip can provide a gain adjustment dynamic range of ≥ 31dB and complete 360 ° phase adjustment capability in the RF path, with a gain resolution of ≤ 0.5dB and a phase resolution better than 2.8 °, meeting the requirements of high-precision beam pointing control.

This beamformer is based on an autonomous forward design architecture, supporting power modulation, temperature sensing, power detection, beam storage, etc. The RF ports are symmetrical on both sides, and a single port controls the switching of transmission and reception; Adopting the standard SPI wave control protocol. The device can provide products in the form of bare chips or packaged chips, which can meet the needs of different application scenarios. Bare chips are suitable for user applications such as COB, custom packaging, microassembly, and miniaturized SIP; Plastic encapsulated chips are suitable for users to adopt large-scale mounting, which is conducive to reducing the difficulty of micro assembly and facilitating rapid array verification of system performance.