20 W absorptive and reflective Ka-Band switches provide radar, communication and VSAT system designers with a low loss and high isolation solution to simplify their RF front end line-up

M/A-COM Technology Solutions Inc. (MACOM), a leading supplier of high performance analog semiconductor solutions, introduced a pair of 20W Ka-Band SPDT Switch DIE for high-performance VSAT, radar, and communication systems.

MACOM provides cost-effective and industry proven solutions for high frequency and high power applications with its new AlGaAs diode high power absorptive and reflective switch solutions. Both the MASW-011036 and MASW-010646 are highly linear SPDT switches, developed specifically for Ka-Band applications that require up to 20 W of linear power handling, while maintaining low insertion loss and high isolation. Unlike the competition, these switches boast the industry’s lowest loss while providing customers an efficient and easy-to-implement die solution.

The MASW-011036 is an absorptive SPDT Switch DIE operating from 26 GHz to 40 GHz and operates up to 20 Watts of incident power. With a fast switching speed of 8nS and low Insertion Loss of 0.7dB, the power handling of the off-state port can handle up to 26dBm of power with better than 10dB return loss - improving system performance. For simplicity, the design incorporates the RF Bias Network and DC Blocks on the DIE which reduces the bill of materials requirements in the system line-up.

The MASW-010646 is a reflective SPDT Switch DIE operating from 28 GHz to 40GHz and operates up to 20 Watts of incident power. With a fast switching speed of 8nS and low Insertion Loss of 0.6dB, the device also incorporates the RF Bias Network and DC Blocks onto the DIE.

The table below outlines typical performance:

Both devices have full backside metallization to easily mount to PCBs using standard conductive epoxy in manufacturing for the 4mm thick DIE. Both die are fully passivated with silicon nitride and have an added polymer layer providing scratch protection. The protective coating also shields the DIE during handling and assembly processes.

“Ka-Band VSAT and radar system designers are challenged to reduce the size, weight, and cost of next generation system designs, while meeting new requirements of higher power, efficiency and reliability,” said Kevin Harrington, MACOM, A&D Product Line Manager. “MACOM’s High Power Ka-Band AlGaAs switches simplify the system designers RF Line-up by offering low loss, high isolation solutions in a small sized solution.”

Samples of both MASW-011036 and MASW-010646 DIE are available upon request. Datasheets and additional product information can be obtained from MACOM’s website: www.macomtech.com.