MACOM switches. Photo: MACOM

[Via Satellite 03-04-2014] M/A-COM Technology Solutions (MACOM) has announced a new 20 W Pin-diode switch suited for power X-Band applications. The MASW-010647 is a monolithic, terminated Silicon PIN diode SPDT switch designed for X-Band high power, high performance applications. The switch can handle more than 20W of CW power over the 8.0-10.5 GHz frequency band, and it offers customers low insertion loss of 0.8 dB along with high isolation performance of 37 dB for their high power applications.

The MASW-010647 integrates a bias network to allow for simplified bias application and switch control. The device is fabricated using MACOM’s HMIC process, which allows for the integration of silicon pedestals that embed series and shunt diodes in low loss, low dispersion glass. This solution benefits customers by smaller size, lower number of components, and improved yield and repeatability.

“The MASW-010647 has been designed for customers who require a small-size, integrated solution with high power handling in conjunction with low insertion loss” said Paul Beasly, product manager of aerospace and defense at MACOM. “The combination of integrated bias networks +/-5V operation, and excellent performance at 20 W of CW power, makes this device an excellent candidate for high power applications such as X-band radar.”