CMOS switch goes straight to the antenna

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team Nov 18, 2004

The PE4268 SP6T RF antenna switch is a packaged complement to the PE4263 die announced last month.

Peregrine Semiconductor Corp has released the PE4268 SP6T RF antenna switch, a packaged complement to the PE4263 die announced last month.

The PE4268 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 multiband wireless devices.

With the introduction of these new devices, a CMOS-based IC can be directly connected to the antenna of a GSM handset for the first time.

Peregrine's 50ohm PE4268 device 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 need for blocking capacitors; 45dB of isolation; low insertion loss of 0.55dB at 915MHz; and fast switch settling time.

"Since their recent introduction, Peregrine's multiband GSM handset switches have had a remarkable market reception", stated Jim Cable, President and CEO of Peregrine Semiconductor.

"The PE4268 QFN packaged version now offers this innovative product in a form that can be used in a variety of wireless applications", he added.

The PE4268 is slated for high-volume production in multiple facilities, including those of Peregrine's strategic partner, Oki Electric.

The device is priced at $0.94 each (10,000 units), and is available in a 4 x 4mm 20-lead QFN package from Peregrine and its global distribution partner, Richardson Electronics.