NXP and partners develop O-RAN radio unit reference solution for baseband to mmWave

NXP, Anokiwave, YTTEK and Semicomm recently demonstrated a complete 5G RF unit solution from baseband to mmWave using the O-RAN open architecture at a joint workshop in Taiwan. This new platform provides OEMs, ODMs and operators with an end-to-end solution to develop mmWave 5G RF units compatible with O-RAN and start bringing them to market in 2022. The collaboration together built a solution with measurable performance, compliant with FR2 5G NR, demonstrating the O-RAN partnership between industry players. During this joint workshop and demonstration, both companies also provided their unique industry perspectives and the latest product information supporting the new solution.

The O-RAN Alliance, established by major telecom operators, ensures compatibility and interoperability between each 5G radio part and has broad international support - providing opportunities for many new manufacturers to enter the mmWave 5G equipment supply chain.

“Anokiwave sees mmWave applications expanding into small cell radio units and CPE, which requires an ecosystem of hardware and software combined to provide a complete solution,” said Alastair Upton, Chief Strategy Officer at Anokiwave. “Working with our partners, we have created a complete plug-and-play FR2 development platform within the O-RAN architecture that addresses multiple 5G use cases, demonstrates commercial viability and provides reference designs to initial customers.”

During the seminar, YTTEK demonstrated a unique solution based on Anokiwave's mmWave beamformer IC and up/down converter integrated IC and NXP's LA1200 processor. This solution provides OEMs with an excellent reference design for their product development.

“Anokiwave has been a trusted supplier of mmWave solutions since the beginning of 5G. The announcement of our next-generation beamformer IC at this seminar further advances our support for the O-RAN ecosystem,” said Alan Chang, Director of AP Sales at Anokiwave.

As the demand for high-performance mmWave 5G radio solutions grows, the market is looking for true open architectures to leverage the best of both the RF front-end and digital back-end. This partnership between Anokiwave, NXP, and YTTEK, validated with working solutions and measurement results, is a true testament to the true O-RAN FR2 system that the three companies have built and enabled together.