• Detachable antenna module for flexible antenna swapping
• Highly integrated FEM with embedded UDC & beamformer
• Dual arrays with independent RHCP/LHCP control for real-world simulation
• 6-bit phase resolution achieves precise beamforming
• Supports LEO and 5G FR2 mmWave bands
• DCI-enabled for real-time codebook testing
The YTTEK FlexBeam is a highly flexible and integrated 28 GHz mmWave Front-End Module (FEM) designed for LEO and 5G mmWave R&D. Featuring a detachable antenna module for easy swapping and up to 64 customizable antenna elements, FlexBeam streamlines testing workflows and delivers reliable performance—making it an indispensable tool for advanced mmWave over-the-air (OTA) testing.
FlexBeam’s detachable antenna module enables the swapping of different antenna arrays, making it easy for antenna designers to evaluate arrays built on various substrates—such as Rogers or LTCC—and to compare linear and circular polarization performance across diverse testing scenarios.
The modular sub-board design allows customers to tailor the number of sub-boards (each driving eight antenna elements) to fit specific testing requirements. Supporting up to eight sub-boards for a total of 64 antenna elements, FlexBeam achieves EIRP levels of up to 48 dBm—delivering the flexibility and performance needed for demanding testing environments.
FlexBeam integrates critical mmWave components—including a wide IF input frequency range up/down converter (UDC), T/R switch, power amplifier (PA), low-noise amplifier (LNA), phase shifters, and antenna array—into a single, compact module. This high level of integration reduces setup complexity and ensures consistent, repeatable testing.
FlexBeam’s dual-array architecture provides independent control (Pol. A and Pol. B) of right-hand circular polarization (RHCP) and left-hand circular polarization (LHCP), enabling researchers and engineers to explore polarization diversity and improve signal reliability in multipath environments.
With up to 64 controllable RF channels—each supporting 360° phase shifting (in 5° steps) and 24 dB attenuation (in 0.5 dB steps)—FlexBeam provides precise beam control and steering, ideal for rigorous algorithm testing and real-world validation.
Through the DCI interface, FlexBeam seamlessly integrates with YTTEK’s PluSDR Software-Defined Radio Platform. This integration enables real-time codebook testing with precise synchronization, accelerating algorithm development and advanced wireless research.
Controlling FlexBeam is simple and flexible, offering both GUI and API options. The GUI provides essential and intuitive graphical controls for quick setup and monitoring, while the MATLAB API allows for advanced parameter tuning, giving deeper control. Both interfaces can be utilized simultaneously, enhancing operational efficiency and testing flexibility.
FlexBeam is engineered to simplify mmWave OTA testing across a wide range of R&D scenarios, offering exceptional flexibility and integration.
FlexBeam’s precise 6-bit phase control and dual-polarization arrays make it an ideal tool for testing and validating beamforming algorithms in real-world OTA environments. Allow you to rapidly prototype, adjust, and compare beam patterns to fine-tune your algorithms for optimal performance.
Ideal for accessibility and hands-on experimentation, FlexBeam is a versatile platform for teaching advanced mmWave concepts. Its intuitive GUI and robust API enable students and researchers to visualize antenna behavior and manipulate beam configurations.
Designed for LEO and 5G FR2 mmWave OTA testing, FlexBeam seamlessly integrates with YTTEK’s PluSDR platform, enabling precise synchronization and real-time codebook testing, making it ideal for system-level validation and compliance testing.
With its detachable antenna module, FlexBeam empowers researchers and engineers to integrate and evaluate their own custom-designed antenna arrays directly on the platform. This flexibility enables rapid development, calibration, and validation of antenna performance across diverse testing scenarios.
| Operation frequency | 1. 26.5 – 29.5 GHz 2. 27.5 – 28.5 GHz |
| Antenna element | 8 – 64 |
| Polarization | LHCP/RHCP |
| Max scan range | +/-60 ° |
| Phase adjustment resolution | 5.6 degree |
| Gain adjustment resolution | 0.5 dB |
| IF frequency range | 2.6 – 5.8 GHz |
| Control interface | SPI/GPIO |
| Duplex mode | TDD |
| Power | 12 V |
| Dimension | 102.6 x 76.9 x 102.6 mm |
