Peregrine's new RF switch delivers high linearity and isolation performance to broadband TV apps

IMS2011, SAN DIEGO, USA: Peregrine Semiconductor Corp., a fabless provider of high-performance radio-frequency (RF) integrated circuits (ICs), announced availability of the RoHS-compliant PE42750 75-Ohm RF Switch for broadband consumer applications including cable televisions (CATV), digital television (DTV), multi-tuner digital video recorders (DVR), set-top boxes, PCTVs and video game consoles.

Manufactured on Peregrine’s UltraCMOS technology, the HaRP-enhanced single-pole, double-throw (SPDT) device features high linearity and isolation performance in both powered and unpowered states, addressing the stringent broadband requirements of the FCC 15.115 specification.

The PE42750 RF switch features isolation of 63dB at 1 GHz (typ). Isolation levels are maintained in the unpowered state in compliance with the FCC 15.115 standard for CATV-to-antenna isolation. During unpowered operation, the ports are terminated to prevent reflected signals between the terrestrial and cable antennas. This high level of isolation is an important feature to ensure high performance in consumer TV applications.

“The PE42750 provides a great solution for broadband device manufacturers such as the cable set-top box,” said Mark Schrepferman, marketing director for Peregrine’s HPS business unit. “Until now, manufacturers of these types of products have used mechanical relays or multiple solid-state switches in their designs for high-isolation switching. The PE42750 is an elegant alternative that not only meets the FCC isolation specification, it does so in a solution that is smaller, more cost effective, more reliable, and easier to implement in the design,” he added.

Peregrine’s new switch covers a broad frequency range from 5 MHz to 2200 MHz with a single positive supply and CMOS control, and delivers low insertion loss (0.7 dB @ 5MHz and 1.0 dB @ 1000 MHz); high IIP3 (47.5 dBm at 5–2200 MHz); and ESD performance of 2000V HBM on all ports.

The PE42750 is available now in volume production, supplied in a 3x3mm 12-lead QFN package priced at $0.57 in 10K quantity orders. Samples are available to qualified customers through Peregrine’s global sales representatives and its worldwide distribution partners.