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RF Micro Devices’ (RFMD) four new high-isolation broadband switches, the RF3021, RF3023, RF3024, and RF3025, have expanded the company’s RF component portfolio. These symmetric RF switches are intended to function in multiple-market segments, such as cellular infrastructure, Wi-Fi, WiMAX, and mobile appliances’ antenna-tuning applications.

Using RFMD’s gallium-arsenide (GaAs) pseudomorphic-high-electron-mobility-transistor (pHEMT) technology, the four new RF switches are high-performance devices, according to RFMD. Their operating frequency band is a typical 6 GHz, wider than other high-isolation switches at 3.5 GHz, and feature low-insertion loss and high isolation, says the company.

An on-chip driver allowing a single voltage control line is included with each switch. RFMD also believes that its switches’ plastic packages decrease costs. Their pricing is 50% lower than that of their competitors with enhanced performance, the company says.

Providing high isolation and single-bit control, the RF3021 and RF3025 are symmetric single-pole, double-throw (SPDT) switches. In addition, the RF3025, an absorptive switch, offers a 50-Ω termination while turned off.

The RF3023 and RF3024, also symmetric SPDT switches designed for general-purpose switching applications, afford low-insertion loss and moderate isolation, says RFMD. A 16-pin 3- by 3-mm quad flat no-lead (QFN) package houses the RF3021 and RF3025, while a six-lead SC70 package holds the RF3023 and RF3024.

RF3021 and RF3025 samples are currently available, and the RF3023 and RF3024 samples will be available this July. The company expects the September 2009 quarter to start its volume shipments of the switches. The RF3021 and RF3025 switches cost $0.99 for orders of 10,000, and the RF3023 and RF3024 cost $0.45 for orders of 10,000.