The bright future of Open RAN in 5G design

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The bright future of Open RAN in 5G design [Copy link]

Original text: https://www.eeworld.com.cn/zt/Qorvo/view/1552

Open RAN (Open Radio Access Network), as a standardized approach to separating RAN hardware and software, will drive competition and innovation among network vendors. It opens these system configurations to manufacturers so that they can provide services for these networks. Open RAN provides greater flexibility and more choices in the design and implementation of 5G products.

In the traditional model, radio access network components are highly integrated and controlled by a single supplier, limiting the choices of product designers. By adopting the Open RAN model, designers can use a more open and standardized architecture to select and match various components from multiple suppliers. This flexibility allows designers to choose the most suitable software and hardware solutions to improve product performance, innovation and cost-effectiveness.

In the market, Open RAN can promote competition, benefiting both designers and consumers. By breaking the traditional supplier lock-in and promoting interoperability, Open RAN encourages the participation of multiple suppliers and start-ups. This more competitive situation accelerates the results of technological advances to the market. As a result, designers can access a wider range of cutting-edge technologies, and consumers can enjoy more diverse and innovative 5G products to meet their specific needs.

Reference Design Board: 8W mMIMO 3.4-3.8GHz RF Front End

Qorvo's latest Open RAN 5G support

Qorvo provides the latest solution for Open RAN; it includes QPB3810, QPB9362 and QPA9122M in a complete 5G mMIMO application RF front-end (RFFE) reference design. The reference design shown in the figure below provides a complete RF front-end solution for mMIMO 5G applications with an average output power of 8W in the n78 frequency band (3.4-3.8GHz). It builds a transmit and receive solution from the digital front end to the antenna filter in a compact layout that can be directly implemented in a unit array.

The transmit chain uses the QPA9122M as a broadband, high-linearity pre-driver and the QPB3810 as a highly efficient GaN final-stage power amplifier module. The transmit chain also includes a directional coupler for the DPD monitoring path and a circulator. For the receive chain, the reference design uses the QPB9362 switch-low noise amplifier.

8W mMIMO 3.4GHz RF Front-End Reference Design Block Diagram

As the first commercial GaN module released, the QPB3810 has an integrated bias controller that is factory programmed to set the optimal bias point for the Doherty power amplifier module (PAM). The QPB3810 is a 48V, 8W average power PAM that covers the 3.4-3.8GHz frequency band. The bias controller includes a temperature sensor that automatically adjusts the bias when the temperature changes, and an enable pin for fast TDD switching. The QPB3810 uses a compact 12mm x 8mm SMT package, which significantly reduces the board area compared to traditional discrete component solutions; and similar to Qorvo's other PAM products, only minimal external circuitry is required.

Qorvo also released the QPB9362, a receiver module for 5G wireless infrastructure applications configured with a TDD mMIMO architecture. It integrates an LNA and a high-power switch; the switch can be used as a fault protection path for connecting high-power loads when the system is in transmit mode. In receive mode, the QPB9362 provides 34.5dB of gain and a typical noise figure of 1.1dB across the entire operating band. The LNA shutdown mode can be achieved through the transmit/receive control pin on the module. The product is packaged in a compact 5mm x 3mm LGA that complies with RoHS standards.

Faster development and greater security

Open RAN obviously helps the rapid deployment and scalability of 5G networks, benefiting both designers and consumers. Open and standardized interfaces make it easier to integrate and interoperate network components, simplifying the deployment process. This simplified approach shortens the design-to-market cycle for electronic product designers, enabling them to launch innovative 5G products more quickly. On the other hand, consumers also benefit from faster network expansion and greater coverage, resulting in better connectivity and a more superior user experience.

Open RAN enables 5G products and networks to have higher security and resilience. In a closed network architecture, vulnerabilities or defects in a single supplier's equipment could endanger the entire network. In contrast, Open RAN's multi-vendor model allows components from different suppliers to be independently evaluated and updated, thereby reducing the impact of security vulnerabilities. This enhanced security framework reassures electronic product designers and consumers, giving them greater confidence in the reliability and integrity of 5G products and networks.