SPDT RF antenna switch aids 5G network expansion

The SPDT RF (TCWA1225G) switch is important for the expansion of 5G networks. This is because the expansion requires antennae that are increasingly composed of complex signal transmission paths that need RF switching with low insertion loss and high input power, but in a compact package.

In response, the SPDT RF offers an input peak power of 46 dBm (at 8dB PAR) in a very small footprint. This means that while antenna size can be maintained, or even reduced, power output can remain consistent.

Toshiba’s SPDT RF switch was designed and produced in response to the increased introductions of massive MIMO (Multiple Input, Multiple Output) technology in telecommunications base stations, which use multiple transmit and receive antennae to provide ultra-high speed and ultra-large capacity radio communications services essential for 5G.

Individual antenna are also increasingly composed of super-multi-element antennae and complex signal transmission paths. Traditionally, RF switching is generally used for switching between complex transmission paths. However, the RF switch must have low insertion loss, high input power and be small enough so that the number of RF switches and the size of antennae would not increase due to space limitations. The SPDT RF switch resolves both of those limitations.

Jose Lok, Farnell Product Category Director, Semiconductors, said, “This switch is a major accelerator for 5G and it’s essential that it’s widely and readily available to fulfil the promise of 5G networks. We are delighted to work with Toshiba to ensure this space and cost-saving device delivers its full potential in ensuring 5G implementation.”

The SPDT RF switch from Toshiba is now available and shipping from authorised distributor Farnell in EMEA region  Newark in North America and element14 in APAC region..