Choosing the Right RF Switches for Smart Mobile Device Applications

Modern smart phones and tablet computers typically incorporate multiple wireless services at different frequency bands ranging from FM radio to LTE. An increasing number of designs utilize more than one antenna to enhance sensitivity and suppress cross-talk. As a result of this the miniature RF solid-state switch plays an increasingly crucial role in smart mobile device RF front end designs. This paper gives an overview of both high and low throw-count RF switches used in different circuit locations in a typical mobile device design, and discusses how each performance specification and design feature impacts the overall performance of a system. It also goes deeper in to each RF switch module and reveals current and future trends in core RF switching technologies.