Summary of Multiband LTE will need better RF design
The PE42420 is a high-isolation, absorptive SPDT RF switch utilizing HaRP™ and UltraCMOS® technologies. Designed for next-generation smartphones and LTE systems, it supports 0.1 to 6GHz frequencies with 64dB isolation at 4GHz. Ideal for digital pre-distortion loops and filter banks, it features low-voltage control logic and robust ESD tolerance without requiring blocking capacitors when DC is absent.
Parts used in the PE42420 RF Switch Project:
- HaRP technology-enhanced absorptive 50 Ohm SPDT RF switch
- UltraCMOS process technology
- Two RF ports
- Digital pre-distortion receiver
- Multiple power amplifiers (PAs)
- Microcontrollers
- 20-pin 4 mm x 4 mm LGA package
The PE42420 is a HaRP™ technology-enhanced absorptive 50 Ohm SPDT RF switch developed on the UltraCMOS® process technology. This general purpose switch is comprised of two RF ports and has very high isolation performance. It is ideal for RF and IF transceiver signal switching (signal amplitude adjust), discrete DSA stages, and filter bank switching applications. No blocking capacitors are required if DC voltage is not present on the RF ports.
Next generation smartphones are likely to have 40 radios in each handset to support the plethora of mobile standards and the need for multiple radio front-end circuits will have an impact on others parts of the design.
One example is the design of the digital pre-distortion receiver which is shared by multiple power amplifiers (PAs) in 4G LTE systems.
There is a requirement for good isolation between the various radio signal paths to ensure that the PA that is being sampled is not contaminated by other signals.
One supplier, Peregrine Semiconductor has addressed this with a high-isolation SPDT RF switch for LTE wireless basestations.
The PE42420 RF switch has isolation of 64dB at 4GHz. Linearity is specified at IIP3 of 65dBm.
According to Mark Schrepferman, product line director at Peregrine, the need for radio front-ends that are backward-compatible to replace 2G and 3G networks with LTE-ready systems supporting multiple standards and the demand for higher data rates is “requiring improved network performance, which we believe is driving market needs for high-isolation and high-linearity RF components.”
“The PE42420 switch simplifies digital pre-distortion (DPD) loop design, which reduces cost,” said Schrepferman.
The 0.1 to 6GHz PE42420 switch supports 1.8V control logic, enabling the use of lower-voltage, and lower-power, microcontrollers. ESD tolerance of 2kV HBM on all pins eases manufacturing and results in higher reliability of the end product.
The PE42420 switch is available in a 20-pin 4 mm x 4 mm LGA package.
For more read: Multiband LTE will need better RF design
- What is the primary function of the PE42420?
It is an absorptive 50 Ohm SPDT RF switch ideal for RF and IF transceiver signal switching, discrete DSA stages, and filter bank applications. - Does the PE42420 require blocking capacitors?
No blocking capacitors are required if DC voltage is not present on the RF ports. - How does the PE42420 support digital pre-distortion design?
The switch simplifies digital pre-distortion loop design, which reduces cost by ensuring good isolation between radio signal paths. - What frequency range does the PE42420 support?
The switch operates within a frequency range of 0.1 to 6GHz. - What is the isolation performance of the PE42420 at 4GHz?
The PE42420 has an isolation of 64dB at 4GHz. - Can the PE42420 be used with lower-voltage microcontrollers?
Yes, it supports 1.8V control logic, enabling the use of lower-voltage and lower-power microcontrollers. - What is the ESD tolerance of the PE42420 pins?
The device has an ESD tolerance of 2kV HBM on all pins. - What package type is the PE42420 available in?
The switch is available in a 20-pin 4 mm x 4 mm LGA package.
