What is TRX?
A TRX (Transceiver) is an electronic device or module that integrates both a transmitter and a receiver, enabling bidirectional wireless communication through a single unit. In 5G NR base stations, each TRX chain comprises the complete analog and mixed-signal circuitry for one antenna path — including power amplifier (PA), low-noise amplifier (LNA), filters, mixers, and ADC/DAC. The number of TRX chains in a base station determines its MIMO capability: a 64T64R massive MIMO panel contains 64 TRX chains.
How Does TRX Work?
A TRX chain in the transmit direction includes: digital-to-analog converter (DAC), up-conversion mixer, driver amplifier, power amplifier (PA), band-pass filter, and antenna interface (via duplexer for FDD or switch for TDD). In the receive direction: antenna interface, LNA, band-pass filter, down-conversion mixer, and ADC. Modern 5G TRX designs integrate many of these functions into highly integrated RF SoCs (System-on-Chip) or RF front-end modules. For massive MIMO, each TRX must be individually calibrated for amplitude and phase to ensure accurate beamforming. At mmWave, TRX chains are extremely compact, enabling integration of 64+ TRX in a single antenna panel module.
Use Cases
5G NR massive MIMO base station design, mmWave phased array module design, UE RF front-end architecture, TRX calibration for beamforming accuracy, and base station power consumption optimization.
3GPP / Standards Reference
3GPP TS 38.104 (NR BS radio — TRX requirements), 3GPP TS 38.101 (NR UE radio — TRX requirements)
Related Terms
Rx | Tx | Massive MIMO | Phased array antenna | gNB
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This glossary entry is part of the 5GWorldPro Complete 5G Glossary. To go deeper into 5G architecture and technology, explore our 5G Training courses.
