PIN Diodes for Microwave Switch Designs

Rev. V2

AN3021

2

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and/or prototype measurements. Commitment to develop is not guaranteed.

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Table 1: Relative Switch Performance and Design Evaluation Matrix

Parameter

Series Diodes Exclusive

Shunt Diodes Exclusive

Series-Shunt Diodes

Insertion Loss

Worst

Moderate

Best

VSWR

Moderate

Worst

Best

Isolation

Worst

Moderate

Best

P1dB

Moderate

Moderate

Moderate

Input IP3

Moderate

Moderate

Moderate

RF Incident Power

Worst

Best

Moderate

RF Power Dissipation

Worst

Best

Moderate

Switching Speed

Worst

Best

Moderate

D.C. Power Consumption

Best (Single +5 V)

Moderate (+5 V, -5 V)

Worst (+5 V, -5 V)

PIN Diode Driver Design Simplicity

Best (+5 V Only)

Moderate (+5 V, -5 V)

Moderate (+5 V, -5 V)

RF Design Simplicity

Best

Worst

Moderate

Cost

Best

Moderate

Moderate

Overall Evaluation

34 Points

38 Points

40 Points

Switch Design Configuration

Notes:

 Evaluation based upon following grading : Best = 5 Points, Moderate = 3 Points, Worst = 1 Point. The higher

the score, the better the overall relative design advantage.

 Where there is No significant relative advantage, a “ Moderate ” weighting can be used.

Assumptions for SP2T Design:

 Design is a Reflective SP2T.

 (2) Diodes are used per RF port.

 Frequency Bandwidth is 3.0 : 1 maximum.

Conclusions:

The Series-Shunt Design is the Best in terms of Overall Switch Performance and value. Since each Design has

a specific advantage, the decision for a Switch Design Selection is determined by the Specific Design Priorities

for the requirement.