Macom announces three AlGaAs PIN diode switches

Macom is introducing three PIN-based AlGaAs switches designed to minimise signal losses at very high frequencies.

Built using the company’s patented AlGaAs technology, the devices are the MASW-011094, a 24 to 37GHz  Ka-Band high power terminated SPDT PIN diode switch; the MASW-011029, a 60 to 110GHz wideband SP3T PIN diode switch; and the MASW-011087, a 14 to 38GHz  Ka-Band SP4T PIN diode switch.

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The low loss translates to less noise generated, while maintaining transmit and receive signal integrity. In addition, the lower power loss allows for less compensation needed further down the RF and microwave signal chain.

According to Macom, AlGaAs-based switches have a clear advantage due to their power handling and low loss characteristics. A discrete heterojunction AlGaAs PIN diode switch demonstrates a factor of two reduction in high frequency insertion loss compared to other switches in its class which equates to reliable system performance at higher frequency bands.

“These parts complement our existing series of broadband AlGaAs switches,” said Jack Kennedy, senior VP and general manager, Aerospace & Defence Solutions, at Macom. “We’ve also designed bias network chips, the MABT-011000, MA4BN1840-1 and MA4BN1840-2 for the existing MA4AGSW broadband series, altogether providing a breadth of AlGaAs offerings for a wide array of broadband applications.”