The F6521 from Renesas is an 8-Channel Transmit Active Beamforming RFIC that operates from 13.75 to 14.5 GHz. It has eight output channels which are independently controlled and can drive eight single-polarized elements or four dual-polarized elements of an electronically scanned array (ESA). Each channel provides 6 bits of digital phase control covering 360° and 25 dB of gain control with a minimum step size of 0.2 dB, enabling precise beam pattern and polarization control. It includes advanced digital modes and large on-chip memory that enables a beam position switching time of less than 100 ns at the array level and greatly reduces dead time and latency. This RFIC is designed for application in Ku-band SATCOM planar phased array antennas.
The F6521 requires a DC supply of 2.3 V and features a low power standby mode as well as independent enable controls on every channel. It has an SPI bus and control pins that operate from standard 1.8 V logic levels at speeds up to 50MHz. This RFIC is available in a 62-pin FC-BGA package that measures 3.8 x 4.6 x 0.9 mm and is suitable for use in phased array antennas, Ku-band SATCOM terminals and aerospace and maritime applications.
