What is the role of the passive switch network in the RF Sampler, and why is it important?

The passive switch network in the RF Sampler facilitates frequency conversion with high linearity, minimizing signal distortion. This network, controlled by high-speed logic and timing circuits, connects the RF input to the in-phase (I) and quadrature (Q) signal components in the baseband network. This precise timing in switch operation allows the RF Sampler to accurately capture and convert incoming RF signals into a digital format. Without the passive switch network, maintaining the signal integrity during frequency conversion would be substantially more difficult.

How does the RF Sampler make element-level digital beamforming (EL-DBF) more practical and cost-effective?

Element-level digital beamforming (EL-DBF) architectures have traditionally been complex and costly due to the requirements of conventional RF components. The RF Sampler addresses these issues by integrating key RF functionalities into a compact and reconfigurable chipset, making EL-DBF a more practical and cost-effective solution. This allows for more precise control and manipulation of radio signals, which leads to improvements in signal strength, interference reduction, and overall system efficiency, opening up EL-DBF to a wider range of applications.

What is the Arrays on Commercial Timescales (ACT) program, and how does it relate to the RF Sampler?

The Arrays on Commercial Timescales (ACT) program seeks to dramatically shorten the development and deployment cycles of electromagnetic array technology. By fostering the development and implementation of technologies like the RF Sampler, the ACT program aims to make advanced communication and radar systems more accessible beyond high-budget military applications. This vision includes adapting these technologies for a multitude of everyday uses, effectively democratizing access to advanced electromagnetic array technology.

What role do the SiGe Pulse Generator IC and reconfigurable op-amp play in the RF Sampler's operation?

The RF Sampler incorporates a SiGe Pulse Generator IC to convert a sinewave LO input into quadrature 25% duty cycle signals required to operate the GaAs switches. This design is crucial for minimizing jitter and maintaining signal integrity. Additionally, the baseband filter/amplifier IC utilizes a reconfigurable op-amp to tune the filter response, enabling precise control over gain and bandwidth. Without these components, the efficiency and precision of the RF Sampler would be significantly compromised, affecting its overall performance and utility.

Futuristic city skyline with radio waves representing advanced digital beamforming technology.

Unlock the Future of Connectivity: How Chip-Scale RF Samplers Are Revolutionizing Digital Beamforming

Q: What is the RF Sampler and how does it work?

The RF Sampler is a compact chipset designed to integrate highly linear frequency conversion and filtering. Developed through a collaboration between Raytheon and Cornell University, it efficiently converts radio frequency signals into a digital format, bridging the gap between traditional RF systems and commercially available digital components. This enables more affordable and versatile digital beamforming systems. This is achieved through a sophisticated architecture featuring a passive switch network, digitally reconfigurable feedback amplifier, high-speed logic and timing circuits, and a tunable low-pass filter.

Avery Sinclair in Tech & Innovation September 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover how cutting-edge RF Sampler technology is making advanced digital beamforming more affordable and accessible than ever before."

Imagine a world where advanced communication and radar systems are not confined to high-budget military applications, but are readily available and adaptable for a multitude of everyday uses. This vision is becoming a reality thanks to the Arrays on Commercial Timescales (ACT) program, which seeks to dramatically shorten the development and deployment cycles of electromagnetic array technology. At the heart of this revolution lies the RF Sampler, a compact chipset that integrates highly linear frequency conversion and filtering.

Developed collaboratively by Raytheon and Cornell University, the RF Sampler bridges the gap between traditional RF systems and commercially available digital components. By efficiently converting radio frequency signals into a digital format, this technology paves the way for more affordable and versatile digital beamforming systems. Its high performance across several octaves of bandwidth makes it suitable for various applications, from advanced radar systems to enhanced wireless communications.

Digital beamforming, a technique that allows for precise control and manipulation of radio signals, has long promised significant improvements in areas like signal strength, interference reduction, and overall system efficiency. However, the complexity and cost associated with traditional RF components have often been a barrier to widespread adoption. The RF Sampler overcomes these hurdles, making element-level digital beamforming (EL-DBF) architectures a practical and cost-effective solution for a wide range of applications.

The Architecture Behind the Revolution

Futuristic city skyline with radio waves representing advanced digital beamforming technology.

The RF Sampler achieves its capabilities through a sophisticated architecture designed for efficient frequency down conversion. It takes a digitally selected portion of a broad operational bandwidth and converts it down to baseband frequencies, with programmable instantaneous bandwidths ranging from 40 MHz to 500 MHz. This conversion is facilitated by a passive switch network, ensuring high linearity and minimal signal distortion.

At the core of the RF Sampler is a carefully designed network of switches controlled by high-speed logic and timing circuits. These switches connect the RF input to one of four inputs in the baseband network, representing the in-phase (I) and quadrature (Q) signal components. By precisely timing the opening and closing of these switches, the RF Sampler effectively captures and converts the incoming RF signal into a digital format suitable for further processing.

Key features of this architecture include:

Passive Switch Network: Provides frequency conversion with high linearity.
Digitally Reconfigurable Feedback Amplifier: Allows for precise control over the filter profile.
High-Speed Logic and Timing Circuits: Ensure accurate and efficient switch operation.
Tunable Low-Pass Filter: Formed by the baseband amplifier, creates an effective bandpass filter response at RF.

The design incorporates a SiGe Pulse Generator IC, which converts a sinewave LO input into the quadrature 25% duty cycle signals needed to operate the GaAs switches. This is crucial for minimizing jitter and maintaining signal integrity. Furthermore, the baseband filter/amplifier IC uses a reconfigurable op-amp to tune the filter response, enabling precise control over gain and bandwidth.

The Future is in Reach

The RF Sampler technology represents a significant step forward in making advanced digital beamforming systems more accessible and affordable. By integrating key RF functionalities into a compact and reconfigurable chipset, this technology is poised to revolutionize various industries, from telecommunications to defense. As the demand for more efficient and versatile wireless systems continues to grow, the RF Sampler offers a promising path toward a more connected and digitally empowered future.