GaN Switch Controls 20 GHz

Nov. 21, 2013

A monolithic SPDT switch operates from DC to 20 GHz.

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A high-linearity single-pole, double-throw (SPDT) switch monolithic-microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) based on gallium nitride (GaN) promises high linearity from DC to 20 GHz. The switch features a third-order intercept point (IP3) of +62 dBm with an insertion loss of just 0.75 dB at 1 GHz and rising to just 1.3 dB at 20 GHz. The switch die, which measures just 1.6 x 1.6 mm, delivers more than 45-dB isolation across the frequency range.

Plextek RF Integration, Plextek Ltd., London Rd., Great Chesterford, Essex, CB10 1NY, United Kingdom; (44) (0) 1799 533200.

About the Author

Jack Browne | Technical Contributor

Jack Browne, Technical Contributor, has worked in technical publishing for over 30 years. He managed the content and production of three technical journals while at the American Institute of Physics, including Medical Physics and the Journal of Vacuum Science & Technology. He has been a Publisher and Editor for Penton Media, started the firm’s Wireless Symposium & Exhibition trade show in 1993, and currently serves as Technical Contributor for that company's Microwaves & RF magazine. Browne, who holds a BS in Mathematics from City College of New York and BA degrees in English and Philosophy from Fordham University, is a member of the IEEE.