会社ブログについて Qorvo AWMF-0109 High Integrated Silicon Quad Core Beamformer For Satellite Communications

Shenzhen Mingjiada Electronics Co., Ltd. supplies and recycles the Qorvo AWMF-0109, a highly integrated silicon quad-core beamformer for satellite communications.

I. AWMF-0109 Product Overview

The AWMF-0109 is the first-generation Ka-band satellite communications beamforming chip developed by Qorvo following its acquisition of Anokiwave. It is a highly integrated silicon-based quad-core 4×2 transmit (Tx) beamforming IC, operating in the 27.5–30.0 GHz Ka-band uplink frequency range, and is specifically designed for LEO/MEO/GEO flat-panel phased-array satellite terminals. As a commercially mature silicon-based beamforming solution, it integrates four dual-polarisation RF channels, digital phase shifting, gain control, and temperature monitoring and compensation circuits onto a single chip. This significantly simplifies the active flat-panel antenna hardware architecture and effectively reduces system size, weight and power consumption (SWaP-C), making it widely applicable in in-motion communication, fixed satellite earth stations, and airborne/shipborne satellite communication terminals. Suitable for phased array communication systems on Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) and Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) satellites.

II. Core Architecture and Key Electrical Characteristics of the AWMF-0109

The AWMF-0109 employs a quad-core, 4-channel dual-polarisation architecture. A single chip can drive four sets of dual-polarisation radiating elements, supporting flexible switching between left-hand circular polarisation (LHCP), right-hand circular polarisation (RHCP) and linear polarisation, thereby meeting the RF polarisation protocol requirements of various satellites.

Operating frequency band: 27.5 GHz to 30.0 GHz (Ka-band satellite uplink)

Channel Gain: Typical gain of 22 dB per channel; output power of 12 dBm per polarisation unit

Amplitude Control: 5-bit digital gain control, LSB = 0.5 dB, total dynamic range of 15.5 dB

Phase Control: 5-bit phase shift control, LSB = 11.25°, enabling continuous electronic beam scanning

Power Supply Configuration: Single +1.8 V DC supply, simplifying power management design

Integrated Features: On-chip temperature sensing and reporting, temperature-adaptive gain compensation, full-pin ESD protection

Package Specifications: 6×6 mm, 48-pin QFN surface-mount package; dimensions compatible with antenna element grid layouts, facilitating high-density tile-based phased array configurations

The complete set of beam control functions is fully integrated onto a single chip, eliminating the need for a large number of external discrete phase shifters and attenuators. This reduces BOM costs and shortens the antenna development cycle, whilst supporting multi-chip cascading for flexible configuration of phased array antennas with different apertures and EIRP specifications.

III. Core Technical Advantages of the AWMF-0109

1. Silicon-based highly integrated solution, optimising SWaP-C

Unlike traditional discrete MMIC solutions, this CMOS silicon-based monolithic integrated circuit incorporates an RF amplifier, digitally controlled phase shifters, a digital control interface and temperature sensing circuitry. This reduces the number of peripheral components, minimises the RF board footprint and enables a lightweight design that perfectly meets the miniaturisation requirements of airborne, vehicle-mounted and portable satellite terminals.

2. Programmable dual-polarisation, suitable for multi-orbit satellite systems

Four sets of dual-polarisation channels are independently controllable, with real-time software switching between polarisation modes. In scenarios involving high-speed transits of LEO (Low Earth Orbit) satellites, it can work in conjunction with servo algorithms to rapidly perform beam agile tracking, ensuring continuous connectivity for the satellite uplink.

3. On-chip temperature compensation, stable operation across a wide temperature range

As the gain of Ka-band millimetre-wave devices drifts significantly with temperature, the AWMF-0109 integrates a gain temperature compensation mechanism. Coupled with a built-in temperature telemetry output, the system’s main controller can acquire the chip temperature in real time. In conjunction with internal compensation circuits, this suppresses RF amplitude fluctuations at both high and low temperatures, ensuring stable phased array sidelobe performance and beam pointing accuracy, thereby meeting the demands of harsh outdoor operating conditions such as those encountered in aviation and vehicle applications.

4. Easy Scalability for Array Expansion

With a standardised quad-core channel architecture, multiple AWMF-0109 devices can be daisy-chained to form scalable planar phased arrays of 8, 16, 32 or even more elements. The output EIRP covers the 30–70 dBmi range, catering to both small, portable terminals and high-power fixed ground station designs.

IV. Typical Application Scenarios for the AWMF-0109

LEO (Low Earth Orbit) satellite internet flat-panel phased array transmit terminals

MEO (Medium Earth Orbit) and GEO (Geostationary Earth Orbit) Ka-band satellite in-motion communication systems (ship-borne, vehicle-borne and airborne SATCOM)

Lightweight, portable satellite communication ground terminals

Active flat-panel antennas and tile-type phased array RF front-ends for commercial space applications

Aerospace broadband satellite uplink communication systems

V. Summary of the AWMF-0109

As a benchmark product for the first generation of commercial Ka-band silicon-based beamforming, the AWMF-0109 has become the classic choice for low-cost flat-panel satellite phased-array antennas, thanks to its mature and stable RF performance, highly integrated monolithic architecture, and flexible polarisation and beam control capabilities. With a view to the development of the next generation of low-Earth orbit satellite internet, this device is well-suited to satellite terminal manufacturers seeking solution maturity and rapid deployment into mass production, and represents a highly cost-effective beamforming solution for Ka-band active phased array transmit front-ends.