Microwave Journal
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Movandi array

Movandi Brings Innovative RF Front-End Technology to Emerging mmWave 5G Networks

Internationally recognized siblings Maryam and Reza Rofougaran form new company to introduce innovative approach to RF and antenna design

September 6, 2017

Movandi, a venture-backed startup with a mission to revolutionize millimeter wave networks, announced BeamX technology, a scalable RF front-end system solution. The high performance of Movandi’s RFIC, phased array antenna and beamforming techniques enable the next generation of 5G and multi-gigabit connectivity that will drive new applications.

Movandi’s BeamX front-end integrates RF, antenna, beamforming and control algorithms into a modular 5G millimeter wave solution for customer premises equipment (CPE), small cells and base stations. Movandi’s technology is configurable to support different baseband/modem system on chip (SoC) solutions and is being positioned by the company to be a complete RF and antenna system, from baseband interface to antenna, for new applications in 5G, indoor gigabit access, the last mile and satellite networks.

Movandi’s proprietary solution combines what the company claims is disruptive: RFIC technology designed in low-cost bulk CMOS and a high efficiency antenna. BeamX achieves breakthrough levels of performance and significant range improvement by optimizing the front-end design, improving antenna efficiency, using high efficiency amplifiers and optimizing the entire RF subsystem.

Developing high frequency networks operating in the millimeter wave band present unique technical challenges versus traditional connectivity and cellular systems. First, higher frequencies have greater transmission losses caused by distance, blockage and non-line-of-sight conditions, depending on the environment and the application. To achieve longer range, beamforming antennas are often required, adding to system complexity. Solving these challenges will unlock the huge potential offered by much greater bandwidth, spatial reuse and frequency reuse, which support much higher performance systems in the same regions.

Joe Madden, founder and president of market research firm Mobile Experts, said, “The implementation of 5G mm-wave radios will require high levels of integration between the antenna and the radio. The industry is looking for innovative solutions that combine high-efficiency amplifiers with a steerable array of antennas, packaged in a cost-effective way. We believe that the best approach is for a single supplier to optimize the entire integrated antenna radio unit as a module, instead of separate suppliers for each RF component. This is a long term market opportunity with potential to grow into the billions of dollars.”

BeamX Architecture

The BeamX 28 and 39 GHz solutions combine a modular architecture, power efficient designs, phased arrays and beamforming techniques to provide what the company claims as unmatched performance, cost and size advantages that can unlock the potential of 5G and other multi-gigabit networks.

Features:

  • Modular and scalable system architecture
  • Integrated cost effective and high efficiency design
  • Low cost manufacturing
  • Extended range and reliability
  • Radical improvements versus traditional millimeter RF and antenna solutions

Benefits:

  • Performance: multi-gigabit, low latency wireless
  • Range: extended range over existing designs
  • Cost: modular approach enables optimization for specific applications
  • Size: reduced footprint to support link
  • Power consumption: optimized power consumption

Reza Rofougaran, CTO and Co-CEO of Movandi, said, “At Movandi, we have taken a unique approach in the industry, going far beyond the role of a traditional fabless semiconductor company, innovating from the device level to the system level and relentlessly challenging old assumptions. We believe we have accomplished an industry leading milestone that enables a significant time to market performance and power consumption advantages over similar competing products.”

Maryam Rofougaran, Co-CEO and COO of Movandi, said, “The demand for greater throughput and performance is driving the industry to utilize 10 times greater high frequency spectrum. I could not be prouder of our astounding innovation and engineering execution tapping our world-class experts in radio, antenna and beamforming design. We started the company one year ago, and today we are demonstrating our technology for the next wireless revolution of multi-gigabit connectivity.”

MWC Americas Live Demonstration

Movendi will demonstrate its innovative technology at MWC Americas in San Francisco, September 12-14. To schedule a private demonstration or meeting during MWC Americas, September 12-14, please contact info@movandi.com or call Craig Ochikubo at +1 949-922-1707.