A 14W SPST Switch with Four PIN-Diodes in a 0402-SMD-Package

A so-called X-SPST switch is proposed for high power RF-applications. Based on a differential circuit, a special characteristic of the X-SPST switch is that for the on-state the switching elements (e.g. PIN-diodes) are turned off. For this reason, this switch architecture is especially suitable for supporting high power applications. This paper presents the first high power experiment using a X-SPST switch, realized with standard 0402-SMD PIN-diodes and distributed lines. Four standard PIN-diodes for wireless application were used and power handling in standard switches of only 2W. The measurements show power handling of the XSPST switch of 14W for cold switching.