MACOM Introduces New, Optimized Negative Voltage Drivers

MACOM Technology Solutions has released two new negative voltage drivers designed for use with a broad range of MACOM’s AlGaAs and HMIC PIN diode switches. The MADR-011020 and MADR-011022 drivers complement the performance of MACOM’s advanced PIN diodes, providing designers with layout-efficient and cost-effective solutions, while eliminating the design complexities and time-to-market constraints imposed by discrete components.

The MADR-011020 enables back bias voltage selection between −20 and −50 V and provides up to 50 mA sinking and sourcing bias current for medium power SPDT switches.

The MADR-011022 accommodates between −10 and −25 V with up to 25 mA sinking bias current and 20 mA sourcing for use with low power SPDT switches.

The 4 mm, 16-lead PQFN packaged drivers feature built-in power sequencers, eliminating the need for external power sequencing, and can be easily controlled with standard TTL logic. Achievable switching speeds range from sub-50 ns (MADR-011020) to sub-80 ns (MADR-011022).

The drivers can be used as building blocks where two or more drivers can be paralleled to control 2- to 8-throw switch configurations. An all-off RF switch state can be achieved using the drivers’ enable pins.

The MADR-011020 and MADR-011022 drivers are available to customers today.

MACOM is a complete solution provider for high performance RF control components, providing discrete PIN diodes with I-layer thickness from 1 to 400 µm for frequency-specific switching and power limiting applications, discrete chip capacitors and quartz chip inductors for custom bias networks/filters, drop in wideband (2 to 18 GHz) bias decoupling networks for use with discrete or integrated switching circuits, multi-throw switches using MACOM’s HMIC or AlGaAs technologies with on-chip biasing networks and TTL-compatible positive and negative voltage switch/PIN diode drivers with very fast switching speed. MACOM offers standard band-specific control circuits and supports customers with devices for custom designs and circuits.

“Designers count on MACOM to provide the highest-performing PIN diode switches available in the industry leveraging our proprietary AlGaAs and HMIC technologies. The new drivers introduced today are worthy complements, comprising a complete solution that makes it exceptionally easy for designers to architect and evaluate their RF switch designs.” — Graham Board, senior director of product marketing

Switch Driver Selection Table

For over 60 years, MACOM’s design and applications experts have spearheaded innovation in the RF, microwave and millimeter wave domains, developing a broad portfolio of MMICs and components spanning the entire RF signal chain. Leveraging advanced, proprietary technologies, MACOM’s heterogeneous semiconductor and packaging strategy help designers optimize each individual RF system function for maximum performance at the appropriate cost. MACOM is committed to delivering competitive advantage to customers, providing superior technology, expertise, cost structures and supply chains.