Teravicta has developed the TT612, an ultra-low loss, 300 kHz to 6 GHz RF MEMS single-pole, double-throw (SPDT) switch.

RF MEMS switches combine the performance advantages of electromechanical relays with the manufacturability advantages of solid state switches. MEMS switches also provide ultra-low losses, high isolation, and high linearity of relays, but with the significant size, power consumption, and cost advantages of high volume wafer fabricated solid state switches such as GaAs FETS and PIN diodes. MEMS-based technology has inherent performance advantages for wireless applications in that they are broadband.

MEMS-based products synergistically combine both mechanical and electronic devices on a monolithic microchip to provide tremendous performance advantages over solid-state components, especially for wireless applications. The immediate benefits of RF MEMS switches for end-users are longer battery life and greater connection quality as well as extended range of communication, fewer dropped calls, enhanced call quality, and increased bandwidth for wireless data applications. RF MEMS will also more easily meet the requirements placed on them by the need to deliver high-quality broadband data in 3G systems.

The key advantage of the TT612 is its extremely low insertion loss. switches have losses of 0.15 dB to 0.3 dB (or 1% to 4%) at frequencies from 2 GHz to 6 GHz. Traditional GaAs switches and PIN diodes have losses of 0.6 dB to 1.5 dB (10 to 35%) depending on frequency and power. This allows MEMS switches to significantly increase the range (20 to 30%) or battery life (15 to 25%) of radios.

This switch combines ultra-low losses with flat linearity (IP3 >65 dBm) and high-power handling capability (3 W continuous RF power), encased in a surface-mount package. Applications include multi-band/multi-mode switching, diversity switch, CDMA systems, CATV set top boxes, cellular/wireless handsets, smart antennas, and general RF signal routing & switching.
Terravicta
www.teravicta.com

Device highlights:

• Low-loss — 0.1 dB @ 900MHz, 0.3 dB @ 6 GHz
• 300 kHz to 6 GHz RF frequency response
• High linearity, IP3 >65 dBm
• Insensitive to magnetic fields