News: Microelectronics
6 April 2021
CML launches SµRF RFICs and MMICs
CML Microcircuits (part of CML Microsystems plc) has launched SµRF, a new range of high-frequency, high-bandwidth radio-frequency integrated circuits (RFICs) and monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs) targeting RF and millimeter-wave (mmWave) applications. As wireless communications move further into the gigahertz (GHz) range, the need for high-quality RF building blocks to enable high bandwidth and low latency is growing rapidly, says the firm.
Global demand for faster downloads and more data is driving bandwidths up, notes CML. Moving to GHz frequencies is the only way to deliver wider pipelines to the handset, desk, home and office, it adds. However, RF design in the GHz band is challenging, even for specialist companies with experienced engineering teams. The SµRF ‘Semiconductor Microwave RF’ range aims to address this by democratizing mmWave design, with easy-to-use unique solutions in standard IC packaging.
Through the SµRF product family, engineers will have access to products that are easy to design with, easy to evaluate, and easy to manufacture, says CML. SµRF products can accelerate new mmWave and GHz product design, simplify manufacturing and enable high-frequency solutions, it adds.
“The demand for easily accessible RF excellence in the GHz and mmWave band is building rapidly,” says managing director Mark McCabe. “The new SuRF product range provides an exciting opportunity for us to partner with some of the most advanced communications companies around the world in delivering leading-edge RF and mmWave solutions.”
Applications such as virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR), high-definition imaging, high-performance computing and even the connected car all need higher bandwidth. Delivering high bandwidth to small and portable devices over wireless interfaces requires excellence in RF design, says CML. The SµRF range lowers the design barrier to GHz frequencies by harnessing CML’s expertise in off-the-shelf integrated solutions, the firm adds.
CML is using its expertise in advanced IC design to develop the SµRF range, providing continuity from sub-GHz frequencies (for which CML already offers products) up to 100GHz and potentially beyond. This wide frequency spectrum will address the majority of new and existing applications. It will service the Internet of Things (IoT), from long-range data links and the smart grid, to emerging applications in 5G, such as pico-cells and fixed-line broadband, as well as global broadband networks and satellite communications.
The new products will be supported by simple-to-use, low-cost evaluation tools, allowing engineers to quickly explore benefits including RF performance, matched input-output impedances and standard IC packaging for easier circuit and PCB design and manufacture.
