A 50 watt monolithic surface-mount series-shunt PIN diode switch with integrated thermal sink

A new monolithic surface-mount RF PIN diode switch topology that provides a significant improvement over the power handling and bandwidth characteristics of discrete surface-mount PIN diode switches has been developed. It employs M/A-COM Technology Solutions' patented silicon-glass HMIC process, and a unique patented HMIC topology providing 1) a separate series PIN diode thermal sink for increased power handling performance and 2) lower parasitic impedances than discrete packaged components. Test results of an HMIC-fabricated SPST switch are presented and compared with simulations and measurements of a discrete diode switch.