Analog Devices will participate in IMS 2026 as both an exhibitor and contributor, with a program focused on unlocking physical intelligence in RF and microwave systems. At Booth 23035, the company will showcase its latest technologies in integrated signal chains, beamforming, and wideband signal processing, demonstrating how complex real-world signals can be translated into actionable insights.
A key part of its presence will be its contributions to keynote sessions and the RF Bootcamp. Through the keynotes, Analog Devices will share insights on system-level design, integrated sensing and communication, and phased-array technologies. In the RF Bootcamp, the focus will be on building a clear understanding of RF fundamentals and practical design approaches, helping engineers strengthen their skills and apply them to modern RF challenges.
Keynotes
Session Title: Integrated Sensing and Communications (ISAC) Technologies and Applications
Keynote Title: Ubiquitous Apertures at the AI-Driven Frontier of Phased-Array Systems for Integrated Sensing and Communications
When & Where: 1:30 – 1:50 pm | Tuesday, June 9 | Room 253ABC
This keynote focuses on how integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) systems can move from theory into practical, real-world deployment. It shares system-level design approaches and lessons learned from developing and testing modern phased-array RF front ends, covering everything from transceiver design to over-the-air validation.
The talk is built around three main areas. First, it looks at scalable synchronization of clocks and local oscillators, which allows large antenna arrays to work coherently without increasing size, weight, and power. Second, it covers calibration methods that remain stable across scan angles, wide bandwidths, different polarizations, and changing temperatures, while accounting for real antenna behavior. Third, it explains over-the-air measurement techniques, linking metrics like beam patterns, EVM, and emissions to practical engineering decisions.
A key theme is the use of AI and machine learning in a responsible and practical way. The keynote highlights how physics-based and measurement-driven AI tools can improve calibration stability and detect issues, while still remaining easy to interpret and validate. It concludes by outlining ongoing challenges, such as scaling system verification, maintaining performance in dynamic environments, and ensuring that large, distributed antenna systems are reliable and trusted in real-world use.
Session Title: The Future is Directed: Innovations in Phased Array Systems and Subsystems
Keynote Title: Beamforming Technology Advancements for Phased Array Radar Systems
When & Where: 1:30 – 1:50 pm | Tuesday, June 9 | Room 156AB
This keynote explores how phased array radar systems are evolving to meet growing demands for better range, resolution, and flexible beam control, while also reducing size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C). A key challenge is the physical limitation of fitting electronics into tightly spaced antenna designs—for example, at 12 GHz, antenna elements are only 12.5 mm apart, making size and power efficiency critical. This challenge becomes even greater at higher frequencies like Ku-band.
The session highlights recent advances that are helping address these constraints, including silicon-based beamforming, SOI switch technologies, compact GaN power amplifiers, and advanced packaging methods. Together, these technologies are enabling high-performance flat-panel phased array antennas across S, C, X, and Ku bands.
The talk will also cover how these systems are used in both military and commercial applications, such as air surveillance, air traffic control, weather monitoring, and imaging. Flat-panel antennas are especially valuable because they are space-efficient and support modular designs, making systems easier to scale and faster to develop. However, they also require high levels of integration and innovation in packaging and thermal management, which will be key focus areas in this session.
RF Bootcamp
RFMW Application Focus: Tx/Rx Communication and Phased-Array
When & Where: 8:00 am – 5:20 pm | Monday, June 8 | Room 259AB
This full-day RF Bootcamp session focuses on the design of multi-channel transmit and receive (Tx/Rx) RF and microwave communication systems, highlighting how RF and digital technologies are increasingly combined to enable advanced design and testing methods.
The session walks through the complete development of a microwave Tx/Rx system, including phased-array architectures, from initial simulation and system trade-offs to testing, calibration, and production. It explains how system-level performance and environmental requirements influence electrical and mechanical design, packaging choices, and material selection.
Attendees will also learn about modeling and simulation techniques at both device and system levels, covering electrical and mechanical aspects. Practical strategies such as breadboarding will be discussed to validate designs early and reduce risk. The session concludes with an overview of production test methods and approaches used to ensure final system performance meets required standards.
Click here to learn more about Analog Devices.
IMS 2026 (IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Symposium) is the world’s premier RF and microwave conference, bringing together thousands of industry professionals from around the globe to explore the latest technologies, tools, and technical developments.
