The GXSC Beamformer, a Replacement for the ADAR1000, Is Widely Used in Radio Measurement

In recent years, as wireless communication, radar detection, and satellite communication systems have continued to evolve toward higher frequencies, wider bandwidths, and simultaneous tracking of multiple targets, beamforming technology has become a key means of achieving high-performance antenna arrays. Traditional beamforming technologies primarily rely on mechanical adjustment or analog phase-controlled techniques; however, these methods suffer from slow response times, low adjustment accuracy, and insufficient interference resistance. With the advancement of microelectronics, digital signal processing, and high-speed RF circuits, digital beamformers have gradually become the mainstream choice in the industry.

In high-frequency RF systems, performance metrics often directly determine the effectiveness of the entire system. The GXSC high-performance beamformer meets or exceeds industry standards in all technical specifications and can be used in modern radar systems, satellite communications, electronic countermeasures, and high-end radio measurement applications. It supports an operating frequency range of 5 GHz to 18 GHz, covering the C-band, X-band, and Ku-band.

The GXSC beamformer integrates 4 receive channels, 4 transmit channels, and corresponding power combining/distribution networks, making it a highly integrated silicon-based beamforming chip. Both the receive and transmit channels support amplitude and phase control. Phase control features 7-bit precision, supporting 0.28° increments over a 360° range; amplitude control features 6-bit precision, supporting 0.5dB increments within a 31.5dB dynamic range.

The GXSC beamformer uses a 4-wire SPI interface for register configuration and control, allowing for the configuration of amplitude and phase for each channel, as well as support for bias adjustment, channel on/off control, and transmit/receive switching. Additionally, the single chip features two address pins to enable serial control of up to four multifunction chips in an application.

The features of the GXSC beamformer are as follows:

 Internal beam storage is supported for quick switching between beam states.

Transmit/receive modes are controlled via a single pin, enabling rapid switching between transmit and receive states.

Supports power modulation and can provide bias or logic control levels for external PAs, LNAs, TR switches, fifth-channel attenuators, and fifth-channel delay lines.

Integrated temperature compensation minimizes performance variations at high and low temperatures.

Integrated four-channel power detection facilitates system monitoring.