Peregrine Semiconductor Introduces High-Isolation Absorbative CMOS Switch Targeting Wireless Applications

Peregrine’s PE4246 RF Switches Offer Higher Isolation Performance, Eliminate Need for Multiple Devices

SAN DIEGO September 16, 2002 Peregrine Semiconductor, an innovative supplier of high-performance integrated circuits for the optical networking and wireless communications markets, today announced a new high-isolation, SPST 50-ohm absorptive CMOS Switch, the PE4246. This low insertion loss switch operates broadband from DC to 5.0 GHz and covers a wide range of wireless applications.

The PE4246 Ultra-Thin-Silicon (UTSi™) MOSFET RF Switch gives exceptional isolation characteristics of 55 dB at 1 GHz and 90 dB at 5 MHz. The PE4246 has integrated 50-ohm, 0.25 watt terminations on the input and output RF ports. This RF switch is an ideal solution for applications that demand high isolation performance. One PE4246 switch can typically replace multiple, lower performing switches thereby reducing the end-product BOM.

The RF switch is available in a very small 6-lead, 3x3mm MLPM package and operates as a true, single-supply device with integrated on-chip CMOS control logic, providing a simple interface to other CMOS control devices. The flexible single-pin control interface can also be driven by a +5-volt TTL signal input. These switches exhibit ultra-low power consumption of less than 33 microamps with a nominal 3-volt supply.

“The PE4246 is a prime example of the extension of our excellent isolation, linearity performance and integrated passive technology to higher frequency applications,” stated Dennis Burman, marketing director at Peregrine Semiconductor.

The PE4246 has a 1dB compression point of +33 dBm with an insertion loss of 0.8 to 1.3 dB over the wide operating frequency range. It also exhibits a return loss on the order of 20 dB, and video feed-through of less than 15 mVp-p. An important figure of merit, the input IP3 inter-modulation, is greater than 50 dBm.

Pricing for the PE4246 starts at $1.98 per unit in volumes of ten thousand. Samples of the switch are now available through Peregrine Semiconductor and its worldwide distribution partner, Richardson Electronics.

About Peregrine Semiconductor:

Peregrine Semiconductor Corporation designs, manufactures, and markets high-speed communications integrated circuits for the wireless, satellite, and broadband cable communications markets. Using its patented Ultra-Thin-Silicon (UTSi) CMOS process, Peregrine Semiconductor has launched a series of radio frequency IC products for high-growth wireless applications (including CDMA and GSM digital cellular), space and defense radiation hard IC’s, and switching functions for video applications. Headquartered in San Diego, California, the company has established design centers and satellite operations in Chicago, Ill., Aix-En-Provence, France, and Sydney, Australia. Additional information on Peregrine Semiconductor is available on its web site: www.peregrine-semi.com. Contact Peregrine’s worldwide distribution partner, Richardson Electronics (NASDAQ: RELL), for sales information at 1-800-737-6937.

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UTSi is a registered trademark of Peregrine Semiconductor Corporation.