The product affords ultra-low insertion loss and excessive linearity within the trade, considerably outperforming typical solid-state switches.

The high-power single-pole/four-throw (SP4T) DC-to-18 GHz change, MM5120 by Menlo Micro gives the trade’s highest efficiency, reliability and integration for RF switching functions. Based mostly on Menlo Micro’s Preferrred Swap expertise, the product affords ultra-low insertion loss, 25W energy dealing with and the very best linearity within the trade, considerably outperforming typical solid-state switches and electromechanical relays (EMRs). [1]

Figure 1. High-Power RF SP4T Ideal Switch

Figure 1 shows Menlo Micro's MM5130, released in 2021, the MM5130, is similarly an SP4T switch with a wide bandwidth of DC to 26 GHz. And, like the new MM5120, it does the job of large RF electromechanical relays (EMRs) but in a much smaller form factor and with much greater linearity and lower insertion loss. However, the MM5130 required a gate bias voltage of some 90 VDC to control the four switch throws. Thanks to its integrated charge-pump driver, the MM5120 eliminates the compromises that developers face when deciding between electromechanical relays or solid-state switches for RF designs. [2]

The MM5120 includes flexible SPI bus and GPIO digital interfaces, allowing easy control from any host processor or test system. The switch’s highly integrated design reduces cost and complexity and simplifies the development of numerous RF systems, including RF filters and front ends, device interface boards for semiconductor tests, and beamforming antennas used in advanced radio architectures and radar systems. The high-channel density and low losses also make the MM5120 ideal for ultra-compact switch matrices for RF and microwave test and measurement applications.

The MM5120 also features best-in-class IP3 linearity greater than 95 dBm, enabling significant reductions in distortion which is critical for applications such as beam-steering antennas used in 5G network infrastructure. [3]

References:

1. https://electronicstechnology.in/high-power-rf-sp4t-ideal-switch/
2. https://www.mwrf.com/technologies/components/article/21214558/microwaves-rf-memsbased-sp4t-rf-switch-claims-industrys-highest-power-density
3. https://www.electronicsforu.com/special/truly-innovative-tech/high-power-rf-sp4t-ideal-switch

Cite this article:

Thanusri swetha J (2022), High-Power RF SP4T Ideal Switch, AnaTechmaz, pp. 61