Date: 20/06/2012

10 Hz to 8 GHz range RF switch with insertion loss of 0.8 dB @ 3 GHz for T&M apps

Peregrine Semiconductor Corporation has announced the SP4T PE42540 RF switch with a frequency range of 10 Hz to 8 GHz and with low insertion loss of 0.8 dB @ 3 GHz, 1.0 dB @ 6 GHz, and 1.2 dB @ 8 GHz. This switch is recommended for applications requiring highly-linear RF performance and fast settling time, such as Test and Measurement (T&M), and Automated Test Equipment (ATE).

The absorptive PE42540 switch is comprised of four symmetric RF ports, with high isolation RFX to RFX of 45 dB @ 3 GHz, 39 dB @ 6 GHz, and 31 dB @ 8 GHz. On-chip CMOS decode logic facilitates a two-pin low voltage CMOS control interface and an optional external VSS feature.

Additionally, the switch features high linearity of 58 dBm IIP3, with high ESD tolerance of 2 kV HBM on RFC, and 1 kV HBM on all other pins. It also has a maximum input-power-handling capability of 30 dBm @ 8 GHz into 50 O.

“The PE42540 switch complements our PE42551 and PE42552 switches with extended frequency and low insertion loss,” said Mark Schrepferman, director of marketing for Peregrine’s High Performance Solutions business unit. “We believe this is the industry’s highest-performance SP4T switch, in terms of bandwidth, insertion loss, and linearity.”

Packaging, Pricing & Availability
The PE42540 switch is available in a 32-lead, 5 mm x 5 mm QFN package, for $4.87 each, in 10,000-unit quantities. Samples and volume-production quantities can be ordered in late June through Peregrine’s global sales representatives and worldwide distribution partners.

Peregrine Semiconductor has also announced , the SP3T PE42430 RF switch for WLAN and Bluetooth applications in the 2.4 GHz band, as well as general broadband switching applications.

An on-chip CMOS decode logic facilitates a three-pin CMOS control interface and, because VDD is derived from switch-control inputs, there is no need for a VDD pin.

Peregrine says its HaRP technology enhancements enable excellent IIP3 linearity of 66 dBm in the PE42430 device—the Company’s first SP3T RF switch. This switch features low insertion loss of 0.45 dB @ 1GHz and 0.55 dB @ 2.5 GHz, and high isolation of 40 dB @ 1 GHz and 30 dB @ 2.5 GHz. Additionally, it provides excellent ESD tolerance of 4500V HBM and 250V MM on all ports, and is available in a miniature, 8-lead 1.5 mm x 1.5 mm DFN package.

“Engineers are constantly working to improve the performance of their designs, while reducing the size and overall component count,” said Mark Schrepferman, director of marketing for Peregrine’s High-Performance Solutions business unit. “With its combination of low insertion loss, high linearity and high isolation in a tiny package, the PE42430 switch addresses these needs.”

Packaging, Pricing & Availability
The PE42430 switch is available in an 8-lead, 1.5 mm x 1.5 mm DFN package, for $0.69 each, in 10,000-unit quantities. Samples and volume-production quantities can be ordered now, through Peregrine’s global direct sales representatives. For more information, visit www.psemi.com.

For more information, visit www.psemi.com.