Avnet Launches Evaluation Kit To Support Otava's First Beamformer Integrated Circuit

Designers interested in mmW beamforming can now rapidly evaluate and develop with Otava’s wideband 24-40 GHz OTBF103 device

Avnet’s complete evaluation kit for Otava’s recently announced wideband Beamformer integrated circuit (BFIC) is now available. Otava’s single chip solution, the OTBF103, simplifies the phased array system architecture while providing flexibility for specific wireless networks. Avnet’s kit will enable design engineers and system architects for mmW, small cell and 5G development to easily evaluate the Otava OTBF103.

The BFIC and the evaluation kit were developed in cooperation with Rohde & Schwarz (R&S), a leading technology solutions provider based in Germany. R&S provided advanced test equipment to ensure functionality and high performance of the solutions.

The Avnet evaluation kit includes Otava’s OTBF103-EVAL Beamformer eval board, a MicroZed-based digital controller leveraging Xilinx’s Zynq-7000 SoC, and a software GUI. The Windows GUI enables designers to easily control and modify the 158 registers and 64 quick-access positions on the OTBF103 BFIC through the MicroZed controller. This allows a developer to easily evaluate all features of the BFIC.

In addition, by using the MicroZed and GUI software, it eliminates the need to write code for a custom digital controller, since the device can be controlled from a PC through a standard USB or Ethernet connection. This allows developers to immediately focus on manipulating RF signals and quickly evaluate the function and performance of the eight-element Tx/Rx TDD Beamformer IC.

“Otava’s unwavering goal to demystify 5G mmW electronics requires innovative circuits, software, and measurement techniques that provide high value to potential customers who have plans for rapid prototyping in a myriad of applications that our wideband OTBF103 beamforming IC enables,” said Victoria Pereira, CEO and president of Otava. “In partnering with Avnet and Rohde & Schwarz, we have a complete team that tackles above grand challenges in service to our customers with affordability and ease of use in mind.”

“Otava’s beamformer IC will enable 5G applications to provide large throughput bandwidth where needed,” said Markus Loerner, market segment manager for RF and Microwave Components with Rohde & Schwarz. “Our collaboration with Otava and Avnet has enabled innovation in 5G with our industry leading Spectrum and Signal Analyzer and Vector Signal Generator solutions for high bandwidth testing at millimeter frequencies.”

“Avnet’s evaluation kit will enable new designs based on Otava’s Beamformer IC to happen even faster,” said Jim Beneke, vice president of Products and Emerging Technologies. “This is especially valuable for those design engineers working in the fast-moving areas ofradar, EW and satellite communications where you need extremely efficient data delivery routes and reduced interference, enabling a better 5G system.”

• The evaluation kit includes:
  • OTBF103 Eval Board from Otava
  • MicroZed development board with 4GB uSD card and USB cable
  • Modified MicroZed I/O carrier card
  • Two custom cable assemblies from Samtec
  • Custom software GUI for a Windows PC that can be used to control the BFIC

The Avnet evaluation kit, (Z7MB-OTVBFIC1-SK-G), is available to order now for $7,995. Details can be found at: www.Avnet.me/OtavaBFIC-Kit.

About Otava, Inc.
Otava is a fabless mmW and mixed-signal IC design company founded in 2017 in Moorestown, N.J. Otava’s goal is to provide best-in-class wideband millimeter wave SoC components and turn-key system solutions in emerging wireless markets. For more information, visit www.otavainc.com.

About Rohde & Schwarz
Rohde & Schwarz is a leading supplier of solutions in the fields of test and measurement, broadcast and media, aerospace | defense | security and networks and cybersecurity. The technology group's innovative communications, information and security products help industry and government customers ensure a safer and connected world. On June 30, 2020, Rohde & Schwarz had about 12,300 employees worldwide. The independent group achieved a net revenue of EUR 2.58 billion in the 2019/2020 fiscal year (July to June). The company is headquartered in Munich, Germany, and has subsidiaries in more than 70 countries, with regional hubs in Asia and America.

About Avnet
As a leading global technology distributor and solutions provider, Avnet has served customers’ evolving needs for an entire century. We support customers at each stage of a product’s lifecycle, from idea to design and from prototype to production. Our unique position at the center of the technology value chain enables us to accelerate the design and supply stages of product development so customers can realize revenue faster. Decade after decade, Avnet helps its customers and suppliers around the world realize the transformative possibilities of technology. For more information, visit www.avnet.com.