Advanced software-defined signal processing solution for next-gen applications

Analog Devices, Inc has released the Apollo MxFE, the most advanced software-defined, direct RF-sampling, wideband mixed-signal front-end platform. It allows next-generation applications such as phased array radar, electronic surveillance, test and measurement, and 6G communications in the aerospace and defence, instrumentation, and wireless communications industries.

The growth of data-intensive applications is growing the demand for wider bandwidths and more rapid data processing and analysis for 5G, 6G, Wi-Fi 7 and Wi-Fi 8, radar, signal intelligence, and other applications at the network edge. Consequently, customers require a solution that allows higher-speed data conversion and processing capabilities while decreasing electronic testing complexity.

Developed for application versatility and rapid customisation, the platform provides instantaneous bandwidths as high as 10GHz while directly sampling and synthesising frequencies up to 18GHz (Ku Band). This monolithic 16nm CMOS device utilises state-of-the-art high dynamic range RF ADC and RF DAC cores with the best spurious free dynamic range and noise spectral density available. As such, the platform assists customers to accelerate design cycles and bring new products to market faster and at lower cost while future-proofing product designs.

“The flexibility and simplicity designed into the Apollo MxFE platform have the potential to transform future engineering design for Intelligent Edge devices,” said Bryan Goldstein, vice president, Aerospace and Defence at ADI. “Demand for higher data rates with shorter latencies at lower overall system power is accelerating across industries. Apollo MxFE gives design engineers the flexibility to design for those requirements today, as well as an ability to enhance performance over time using simple, software-defined design changes.”