Xilinx extends RF capabilities for Zynq UltraScale+ RFSoC to sub-6GHz
For 5G wireless, cable access and radar applications, Xilinx has extended its Zynq UltraScale+ radio frequency (RF) system-on-chip (SoC) portfolio, extending RF performance and scalability. The Zynq UltraScale+ RFSoC next-generation devices can cover the sub-6GHz spectrum. This is critical for next-generation 5G deployment, argues Xilinx. The SoCs support direct RF sampling of up to 5Gsamples per second, 14-bit analogue to digital converters (ADCs) and 10Gsamples per second 14-bit digital to analogue converters (DACs), both up to 6GHz of analogue bandwidth.
According to Xilinx, its RFSoC portfolio is the only single-chip adaptable radio platform that is designed to address current and future industry requirements. The company offers the Xilinx Zynq UltraScale+ RFSoC Gen 2, which meets regional deployment timelines in Asia and supports 5G New Radio. It is sampling now and with production scheduled for June 2019.
There is also Xilinx Zynq UltraScale+ RFSoC Gen 3. This provides full sub-6GHz direct-RF support, extended millimeter wave interface, and up to 20 per cent power reduction in the RF data converter subsystem, compared to the base portfolio. This will be available in the second half of 2019.
The its Zynq UltraScale+ RFSoCs monolithically integrate higher performance RF data converters that deliver the broad spectrum coverage required for the deployment of 5G wireless communications systems, cable access, advanced phased-array radar solutions and additional applications including test and measurement and satellite communications. By eliminating discrete components, the devices enable up to a 50 per cent power and footprint reduction, making them suitable for the needs of telecommunications operators seeking to enable massive multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) basestations for 5G systems.
The RFSoCs are pin-compatible aross the portfolio, enabling customers to design and deploy systems now using first-generation devices with a roadmap to Gen 2 and Gen 3.
Xilinx will be showcasing its RFSoC portfolio and other adaptable, intelligent 5G infrastructure demonstrations at MWC19 in Barcelona, Spain (25 to 28 February) Hall 6, Stand 6M30.
