Peregrine Semiconductor SPDT Switch Operates to 8.5 GHz

Isolation up to 82 dB at 100 MHz ideal for IF to X-band applications

San Diego, California, and Munich, Germany, November 10, 2008 Peregrine Semiconductor Corporation,  a leading supplier of high-performance RF CMOS and mixed-signal communications ICs, today announced the UltraCMOS™ PE95420 SPDT RF Switch. Delivering excellent broadband performance up to 8.5 GHz and exceptional isolation, the new switch is ideal for the demanding rigors of high-rel applications such as telecom infrastructure, microwave radios, test instrumentation and space. As with all UltraCMOS silicon-on-sapphire ICs, the PE95420 offers a superior isolation and insertion loss, making it appropriate for applications such as switch matrix, antenna array, and any RF communication system requiring hermetically sealed ceramic package performance in high temperature, high humidity or radiation environments such as down-hole drilling, automotive, military radios and VSAT systems.

“With a broadband product operating DC to 8500 MHz, our customers can greatly reduce qualification cost by eliminating the need to qualify additional devices in the system,” stated Dale Robinette, director of product marketing. “High isolation, low insertion loss, high frequency, ultra-low power and untouchable IP3 translate into unparalleled system-level performance,” he added.

The PE95420, an absorptive, non-reflective switch, utilizes Peregrine’s innovative HaRP™ design methodology which enables exceptional RF performance to meet system-level requirements:

  • An Input IP3 of +60 dBm at 6500 MHz for increased data rates, which is 11 dB improvement over competing devices
  • Low insertion loss of 0.8 dB at 100 MHz and 1.7 dB at 8500 MHz with no IL or Phase drift
  • High isolation of +82 dB at 100 MHz and +33 dB at 8500 MHz
  • Input 1 dB Compression Point of +33 dBm at 6500 MHz for high power signal paths
  • ESD 2000 V HBM making it manufacturable with common ESD protection and handling
  • HaRP-enhancements eliminate gate and phase lag

The new SPDT incorporates a single-pin 3.3 V CMOS logic control which dramatically lowers the number of control lines, reducing the signal routing and potential failures in a system.

The PE95420 will be offered in the 7-lead hermetic surface-mount CSOIC and in die form. Engineering samples are expected to be available in February 2009. Pricing and lead-time are available by contacting Peregrine.

About UltraCMOS Technology For Space

UltraCMOS mixed-signal process technology is a proprietary, patented variation of silicon-on insulator (SOI) technology on a sapphire substrate providing with high yields and competitive costs. It combines the RF, mixed- signal, and digital capabilities of any other CMOS process, yet is inherently rad-hard making it an ideal process for demanding space applications. Recent advancements on UltraCMOS have enabled significant new product performance in the rad-hard portfolio. These significant performance advantages exist over competing processes such as GaAs, SiGe, BiCMOS and bulk silicon CMOS in applications where RF performance, ultra-low power, reduced size and integration are paramount.

About Peregrine Semiconductor

Peregrine Semiconductor Corporation designs, manufactures, and markets high-performance communications RF ICs for the wireless infrastructure and mobile wireless; broadband CATV/DTV; communications infrastructure; and space and avionics markets. Manufactured on the Company’s proprietary UltraCMOS™ mixed-signal process technology, Peregrine products are uniquely poised to meet the needs of a global RF design community in high-growth applications such as WCDMA, EDGE and GSM digital cellular, broadband, DTV, DVR and hi-rel space and defense programs. The Company, headquartered in San Diego, California, maintains global sales support and manufacturing operations and a worldwide technical distribution network. Additional information is available on the web at psemi.com.

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The Peregrine Semiconductor name and logo are registered trademarks and UltraCMOS, HaRP and DuNE are trademarks of Peregrine Semiconductor Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.