Analog Devices has introduced an absorptive SPDT switch that operates in the 9 KHz to 13 GHz frequency band. The HMC1118LP3DE has a high isolation of 48 dB and low insertion-loss of 0.6 dB at 8 GHz. The device is the first offering within ADI’s new RF and microwave control product portfolio to exhibit the inherent advantages of silicon process technology, which offers critical advantages over legacy GaAs RF switches. These advantages include a settling time that is considerably faster than GaAs, robust ESD (electro-static discharge) protection (2000 V vs. 250 V compared to GaAs), and the ability to extend the switch’s low frequency-end one thousand times lower than GaAs while maintaining high linearity.
The HMC1118LP3DE can handle up to 4 W of power and 0.5 W in hot-switching operating modes. Hot-switching power handling is more than two times better than competitive parts with similar RF bandwidth, which allows engineers to increase allowed RF power in their applications and systems without the risk of damage to the part. The switch is optimized for high-isolation and extremely flat transfer characteristics within a wide operating frequency range up to 13 GHz, while maintaining high signal fidelity down to 9 kHz. This switch can be used for demanding test and measurement, automated test equipment, defense electronics, and wireless communication applications as a lower cost alternative to legacy GaAs switches.
