pSemi 5G mmWave switch reaches volume production

Offered in a compact 3 x 3mm LGA package, the PE42546 is designed to enhance 5G millimetre wave (mmWave) systems and short-range connectivity with best-in-class linearity, switching time and power handling combined with superior manufacturability and ease-of-use.

This low-loss SP4T is part of a family of mmWave SPDT and SP4T switches designed to simplify layout and assembly while improving overall system efficiency in designs for wireless infrastructure, point-to-point communication, test and measurement and satellite communication applications.

"With the market release of this packaged version of our low-insertion loss broadband RF switch, we continue to demonstrate our capability to advance the mmWave cutting edge," says Vikas Choudhary, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at pSemi. "This product will accelerate mmWave usage in multiple applications and significantly improve manufacturability and ease-of-use for our customers."

Features and benefits

The PE42546 UltraCMOS SP4T switch delivers RF performance, reliability and size to meet challenging mmWave system designs from 9kHz to 52GHz and is available in a 20-lead 3 × 3mm LGA package.

• Wideband coverage — Best-in-class performance with proprietary design technique delivers RF performance up to 52GHz.
• Low latency — Extremely fast switching for rapid transmit and receive data patterns in advanced communication schemes.
• Power handling and linearity — High input P1dB and IP3 enable high data rate transmission capability in wireless communication.

Beamforming – a 5G mmWave SP4T Case Study

As demand for virtual reality, augmented reality, 5G mmWave and connectivity applications increases, so does the demand for beamforming using phased arrays. The PE42546 SP4T offers a wider range of design options and flexibility combined with manufacturability for phased arrays using fixed beamformers.

Beamforming architecture falls into two major categories:

• Adaptive beamformers
• Fixed or switched beamformers

Adaptive beamformers generally handle multiple users and require independently controlled phase shifters and attenuators such as pSemi's beamforming front ends. Devising the control circuit for handling multiple users can add to the expense and complexity of a design.

In contrast, fixed or switched beamformers employ high-performing RF switches like the PE42546 to establish point-to-point communication with limited users. The latter architecture, illustrated below, offers several advantages over the former:

• Simplified architecture and overall cost
• Reduced design and system complexity
• Faster beam switching
• High-power transmission support

The PE42546's excellent RF performance, high linearity, low insertion loss, and compact footprint makes it a perfect candidate for applications like fixed or switched beamformers in 5G mmWave applications.