Switches address complex carrier aggregation and data rate challenges

Paul Boughton

Peregrine Semiconductor Corporation has announced expanded its family of MultiSwitch STeP8 dual single-pole, seven throw (SP7T/SP7T) UltraCMOS antenna switches. These are optimised to solve the significant carrier aggregation challenges of 4G mobile wireless applications as adopted by leading RF front-end module suppliers, such as Murata Manufacturing.

The PE42128x devices support simultaneous multi-band operation of up to 14 frequency bands while delivering exceptional linearity, insertion loss performance and small size.

The LTE-A protocol calls for carrier aggregation – or the simultaneous reception of multiple frequency bands – which improves data delivery speed to dramatically improve consumer experience. Peregrine’s new PE42128x antenna switches are designed specifically to solve the challenges of carrier aggregation. Each of the new MultiSwitch devices features an innovative combination of two SP7T switches in a single IC to support 14 different frequency bands including simultaneous multiband operation.

With HaRP technology enhancements, the PE42128x devices deliver high linearity with an IIP3 of +75dBm, as well as extremely low insertion loss (0.35dB @ 900MHz; and 0.45 at 1900MHz) and high isolation (38dB at 698-2170MHz; and 33 dB at 2500-2690MHz).

The switches also feature industry-leading 2fo and 3fo for LTE of less than -80dBm at 700MHz. High linearity and isolation performance are critical in LTE-Advanced Smartphones to ensure that radio signals don’t spill into other bands during multi-band operation.
 
For more information, visit www.psemi.com