Analog Devices has developed the ADRF5420, a flip-chip, silicon, single-pole double-throw (SPDT) RF switch designed to operate from 1 to 90 GHz. This SPDT switch provides insertion loss of 1.2 dB up to 40 GHz, 1.7 dB up to 67 GHz, and 3.0 dB at 90 GHz. It has an isolation of 42 dB up to 40 GHz and 40 dB up to 67 GHz, decreasing to approximately 30 dB at higher frequencies. This reflective switch is designed without low-frequency spurs, supporting cleaner signal performance and is ideal for broadband signal routing in high-frequency applications.
Control of this reflective switch uses complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) and low-voltage transistor-to-transistor logic (LVTTL)-compatible signals. The switch supports fast operation, with a typical RF switching time of 15 ns and an RF settling time of 35 ns, measured from 50% control voltage to within 0.1 dB of the final RF output level.
The ADRF5420 emphasizes on linearity and power handling, with input linearity specified by a P0.1dB of 24 dBm and a third-order intercept point (IP3) of 45 dBm. It supports RF input power levels up to 24 dBm in the through path and 21 dBm under hot-switching conditions, while maintaining a return loss better than 10 dB.
The device is designed to operate from a dual-supply configuration, drawing 130 μA from a +3.3 V positive supply and 490 μA from a −3.3 V negative supply. It can also function using a single positive supply with the negative supply tied to ground. In this mode, small-signal performance is maintained, while switching speed, linearity, and power handling are reduced, as noted in the device documentation.
All RF ports on the ADRF5420 are designed to match a characteristic impedance of 50 ohms. The device is supplied as a bare die in a 30-ball configuration, with dimensions of 1.56 × 2.04 mm. It is specified to operate over an ambient temperature range from −40°C to +105°C. This switch is intended for applications including test and instrumentation systems, cellular infrastructure such as 5G millimeter-wave networks, military radios, radar and electronic countermeasure systems, as well as microwave radios and very small aperture terminal (VSAT) platforms.
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