RF Radio Links and LMDS Communications - Module Technology, Status and Trends

摘要

Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) systems and multi-media services, such as LMDS (Local Multipoint: Distribution System) and MVDS (Microwave Video Distribution System) and related radio links are main activities of the Business Unit "MicroWave Factory" of EADS Deutschland GmbH (EADS: European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company). Based on a long term experience of modem active phased array radars and different, sensor applications up to 100 GHz the communication module market for RF radio links and LMDS communications is still a big challenge for high volume production in our MicroWave Factory. Covering a broad frequency range, our focal points are Point-to-Point radios within 20 38 64 GHz and Point-to-Multipoint radios with spectrum allocations at 26, 28, 31, 32 and 42 GHz. Cost breakdown analysis for different EADS products, like Transmit/Receive (T/R) and RF radio modules give a clear identification of today's cost drivers. The main results and recommendations will be discussed. Advanced substrate technologies, based on PCB multilayers combined with RF layers, e.g. teflon materials, and the use of single packaged RF-MMICs with LGA (Land Grid Array) and MLC (Multi Layer Ceramic) macro modules in BGA (Ball Grid Array) technology will be compared with traditional module architectures based on the use of thin film ceramics and Chip&Wire technologies. The experience of a Micro Wave Unit (MWU) with a MCM-C (Multichip Module, based on ceramics) in LTCC, (Low Temperature Cofired Ceramic) technology will be discussed. Our technology strategy and packaging roadmap is mainly driven by long-term reliability. availability of basic materials and components and modularity. In combination with the idea and challenge of a Box-of-Bricks for a standard mm-wave transceiver radio, future trends of innovative module architectures and packaging technologies will be shown.