RF SOI switches offer alternative to GaAs technology

The switches, which are SP4T, feature a frequency range between 9kHz and 18GHz and offer low-frequency power handling of 10dBm at 9kHz. Standard 1.8V and 3.3V input logic control and consistent performance across a 2.3V to 5.5V supply range is provided by the switches. At 120-microampere, the switches' power-supply-current consumption is significantly less than that required by competing GaAs switches.

A high linearity of 58dBm IIP3 and 118dBm IIP2, as well as a fast switching time of 3μs are offered by the PE42542. On all pins, a high ESD rating of 3.5kV HBM, 150V MM and 500V CDM is provided. The switch features a fast settling time of 7μs, eliminating gate lag in test-and-measurement equipment.

The PE42543 provides a fast settling time of 2μs and a high ESD rating of 2.5 kV HBM, 150V MM and 250V CDM on all pins. A high linearity of 59dBm IIP3 and 113dBm IIP2, as well as a fast switching time of 500ns are also offered. 

The PE42542 and PE42543, which are RoHS compliant and offered in 29-lead 4x4mm LGA packages, are sold in 10K-quantities and priced at $18.15 each. Samples, evaluation kits and volume-production parts are also available.  

“Peregrine is reaching high-frequency performance levels previously considered unachievable in RF SOI,” says Kinana Hussain, senior marketing manager. “Our in-house, high-frequency design expertise coupled with our UltraCMOS technology has enabled Peregrine to break the 13GHz RF SOI barrier last year and expand our high-frequency portfolio to 18GHz today with a roadmap to many more high-frequency components.”