CMOS antenna switch beats exotic alternatives

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team Oct 22, 2004

The PE4263 SP6T RF antenna switch is the latest innovation in the expanding RF product portfolio from Peregrine Semiconductor.

The PE4263 SP6T RF antenna switch is the latest innovation in the expanding RF product portfolio from Peregrine Semiconductor.

The PE4263 switch provides a unique, high-performance solution to the quad-band GSM handset antenna switch module (ASM) market by offering: high power at 41dBm P1dB; high linearity of 65dBm IP3; and monolithic integration of key elements including a control logic decoder and driver.

This high-power device, developed on the company's patented UltraCMOS process technology, advances the cellular phone industry past traditional roadblocks in performance and size, enabling new roadmaps to be drawn for next generation ASM designs.

Today, for the first time ever, a CMOS-based IC can be directly connected to the antenna of a GSM handset.

Early designs incorporating the PE4263 have been validated and production is ramping with global cellular handset market leaders.

Peregrine's 50ohm PE4263 die provides superior performance, lower insertion loss, smaller footprint and higher integration to alternative pin-diode or pHEMT-based designs.

This innovative 2.6V RF switch operates from 100 to 3000MHz and provides many extraordinary features, including: 1500V ESD tolerance at all ports; no blocking capacitors; 45dB of isolation; low insertion loss of 0.55dB at 915MHz; and fast switch settling time.

"Designers have long been constrained by the limitations of exotic IC technologies such as pHEMT used in the development of high-power, high-throw switch ICs".

"The fundamental advantages of the UltraCMOS process - repeatability, reliability and RF monolithic integration - allow Peregrine to engineer revolutionary devices like the PE4263".

"In fact, UltraCMOS is changing the way RF applications are designed", stated Jim Cable, President and CEO of Peregrine Semiconductor.

"This device delivers a simple, and profoundly different approach to solving the toughest high-power, high-throw cellular switching challenges", he added.

The PE4263 is slated for high-volume production in multiple facilities, including those of Peregrine's strategic partner, OKI Electric (Tokyo, Japan).

The device is priced at $0.60 in 10,000-unit quantities, and is available in die form (1.24 x 1.2mm) from Peregrine and its global distribution partner, Richardson Electronics.