High performance L-band pin diode switches for base station antennas with reconfigurable sector capability

The design of low-cost L-band p-i-n diode series and parallel switches for use in a cellular base station antenna system with reconfigurable sector capability is presented. Parasitic elements of the diode are tuned out using LC compensating circuits. While doing that, proper bias conditions are established to prevent RF signal rectification. The developed switches show very good performances over a considerable bandwidth.