pSemi's high-linearity sub-6GHz RF switches reach volume production

By using the new high linearity switches in hybrid architecture topologies, base station designers can save valuable board space and improve thermal management, reducing the overall system's cost, weight and power consumption.

pSemi's advanced SP4T switches deliver fast settling time plus best-in-class linearity, low insertion loss and superior power handling performance to improve spectral efficiency in sub-6GHz active antenna systems.

5G base stations covering sub-6GHz offer network providers an immediate path to wider bandwidths and increased data throughput. Newly licensed spectrum allocations in 3–5GHz and 6.4–7.1GHz, along with added antenna design complexities, create the need for new hybrid beamforming and phase-shifting topologies.

Massive MIMO systems use hybrid architectures to minimise power-hungry digital processing and reduce the number of power amplifier components. These hybrid architectures offer the ideal balance of digital and analogue, combining the flexibility of digital beamforming with the power efficiency and design simplicity at the analogue RF front end (RFFE).

"Active antenna systems are driving a drastic increase in demand for RFFE components, along with tougher FR1 switching requirements for advanced 5G networks," says Vikas Choudhary, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at pSemi. "As the industry leader in RF and mmWave switching, pSemi continues to push the boundaries of SOI technology and design RFIC solutions that empower base station OEMs and support the demands of 5G and beyond."

High linearity RF switches features & benefits

Covering a frequency range of 1.8 to 5 GHz, each UltraCMOS PE42443 and PE42444 switch delivers superb RF performance across the n41, n77, n78 and n79 bands. Available in two pin-to-pin compatible configurations, the PE42443 (negative and positive supply voltage) and the PE42444 (positive supply voltage only) are offered in 4 x 4mm LGA packages.

• Spectral efficiency – High linearity and high-power handling maximises data throughput.
• Energy conservation – Low insertion loss improves overall system efficiency.
• Flexible beam management – Fast switching speed supports symbol-level analogue beam adjustments to enable massive MIMO systems.