Ku-band beamformer ICs for satellite communications

EnSilica, a leading provider of semiconductor solutions, has recently unveiled two cutting-edge Ku-band beamformer ICs, the ENS92051 and ENS92052. These innovative ICs have been specifically engineered to cater to the evolving demands of the next generation of electronically steered antennas utilized in a variety of user terminals associated with Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), and Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) satellite constellations.

Fabricated and rigorously tested in Europe, the Ku beamformer ICs offer customers a European sovereign supply chain, ensuring reliability and quality. They have been meticulously designed to comply with the stringent requirements of DO-254 DAL 5 and are qualified for AEC-Q100 automotive grade 2.

The ENS92051, one of the newly introduced ICs, functions as a dual-beam Ku-band receiver (Rx) that supports eight channels equipped with separate amplitude and phase control capabilities. Operating within a carrier frequency range of 10.7 to 12.75 GHz, the Rx boasts an impressive instantaneous bandwidth of 500 MHz. Moreover, the chipset delivers exceptional power efficiency and performance, positioning it as a top-tier solution in the market.

On the other hand, the ENS92052 serves as a Ku-band transmitter that also supports eight channels with independent amplitude and phase control functionalities. The Tx operates within a carrier frequency range spanning from 13.75 to 14.5 GHz, offering an instantaneous bandwidth of 125 MHz. This versatile transmitter can accommodate four dual-polarisation or eight single-polarisation elements, providing flexibility and scalability to users.

These highly integrated devices are characterized by their low power consumption and cost-effectiveness, leveraging advanced phase and amplitude controls along with built-in temperature sensors. The transmitter component of the chipset is equipped with an integral power detector, enhancing its functionality. Additionally, the chipset incorporates a beam table to facilitate seamless and low-latency beam switching, while also offering various power-saving modes to optimize energy efficiency.

Paul Morris, the Vice President of the RF and Communication Business Unit at EnSilica, expressed his enthusiasm about the new Ku-band beamformer ICs, stating, "The addition of these innovative ICs to our product portfolio empowers our customers to develop ultra-low power user terminals capable of connecting to existing satellite constellations like Eutelsat/OneWeb. Furthermore, these ICs contribute to strengthening the European supply chain in satellite communications, a critical aspect that has gained prominence in recent times."

For companies looking to explore the capabilities of these advanced Ku-band beamformer ICs, EnSilica has made the chipset available for sampling to lead customers, paving the way for the next wave of advancements in satellite communication technology.