pSemi has announced the volume production of its PE43508 digital step attenuator (DSA). This mm-Wave product is the world’s first single-chip silicon-on-insulator (SOI) DSA to support the entire 9 kHz to 55 GHz frequency range. Ideal for 5G test and measurement applications, the PE43508 exemplifies pSemi’s high-performance capabilities at mmWave frequencies. The 55 GHz DSA maintains a monotonic response across the entire frequency range and features low insertion loss, low attenuation error and good return loss.
The product, which was first introduced at the IMS 2018 event, now has an extended operating frequency range upto 55 GHz. After additional testing, pSemi concluded that the original 50 GHz DSA name was selling this impressive product short. The PE43508 delivers exceptional performance beyond 50 GHz, further supporting the company’s claim that RF SOI can deliver a high-performing and reliable solution at high frequencies. The 55 GHz DSA joins pSemi’s high-frequency portfolio which includes a 40 GHz switch (PE42524) and two 60 GHz switches (PE42525 and PE426525) based on the same UltraCMOS technology platform. These monolithic ICs are ideal for applications, such as test and measurement and 5G wireless infrastructure, and can be used in more traditional high-frequency applications, such as very small aperture satellite terminals.
The PE43508 is a 6-bit, 50-ohm DSA that offers wideband support from 9 kHz to 55 GHz. It covers a 31.5 dB attenuation range in 0.5 dB and 1 dB steps, and it is capable of maintaining 0.5 dB and 1 dB monotonicity through 55 GHz. It also delivers glitch-safe attenuation state transitions, meaning no increased power spike during a state transition. It has an extended temperature range from −40°C to +105°C, an HBM ESD rating of 1 kV and an easy-to-use digital control interface supporting both serial addressable and parallel programming. The DSA supports 1.8 V control signals and has an optional VSS_EXT bypass mode.
Offered as a flip-chip die, volume-production parts, evaluation kits and samples are available now. For 1K-quantity orders, each PE43508 is $50 USD.
