Peregrine Semiconductor Corp. has introduced several high-performance UltraCMOS RF switches. Featuring a 50-W 1-dB compression point, the PE42510A SPDT and PE42650A SP3T offer high linearity and very low insertion loss at high power. The third device, the PE95420 SPDT switch, delivers excellent broadband performance up to 8.5 GHz and exceptional isolation.

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The high-power PE42510A and PE42650A feature a 10-W VSWR of less than 8:1 (normal operation), 38-db transmit-receive isolation, 0.3-dB transmit insertion loss (typical), second and third harmonics less than –81 dB at 10 W, and ESD capability of 2.0 kV HBM. The PE42650A operates near dc (30 MHz) to 1 GHz, while the PE42510A operates up to 2 GHz. As with all UltraCMOS ICs, no blocking capacitors are needed.

The devices come in 32-lead 5- by 5-mm QFN packages and are available for sampling. The PE42510A costs $11.85 and the PE42650A is $14.48, both for 10,000 units.

The PE95420 is well-suited for high-reliability applications such as telecom infrastructure, microwave radios, test instrumentation, and space. The IC incorporates the company’s HaRP design methodology, which eliminates gate and phase lag. For increased data rates, the switch features an input IP3 of +60 dB at 6.5 GHz, which is 11 dB better than competing devices, according to the company. Insertion loss is 0.8 dB at 100 MHz and 1.7 dB at 8.5 GHz with no IL or phase drift. Isolation is +82 dB at 100 MHz and +33 dB at 8.5 GHz. For high-power signal paths, the input 1-dB compression point is +33 dB at 6.5 GHz.

The PE95420 incorporates a single-pin 3.3-V CMOS logic control, which dramatically lowers the number of control lines and reduces the signal routing and potential failures in a system. The IC will come in a 7-lead hermetic surface-mount CSOIC and in die form. Engineering samples are expected to be available in February 2009.

• Peregrine Semiconductor Corp.

As one of three new high-performance UltraCMOS RF switches from Peregrine Semiconductor, the SPDT PE95420 delivers broadband performance up to 8.5 GHz.