IDT unveils first RF switch with high isolation, linearity

Integrated Device Technology Inc. (IDT) launched the F2912 switch, the first in a line of new radio frequency (RF) switch products planned by the semiconductor company. The F2912 has a combination of low insertion loss, high isolation and linearity making, it an ideal choice for base stations (2G, 3G and 4G), microwave backhaul and front haul, test equipment, CATVheadend, WiMAX radios, wireless systems, and general switching applications.

"We expect LTE technology to comprise 90 per cent of all RF base station system shipments by 2018," said Earl Lum, president of EJL Wireless Research. "The continuing evolution of LTE technology calls for high-linearity, high-performance chips, placing IDT in a strong position to differentiate itself with its unique products and RF capabilities."

The F2912 supports the latest system requirements for multiple applications with features that include:

• Frequency range of 300kHz to 8GHz, achieving broad bandwidth without sacrificing performance across the entire frequency range
• Low IL of 0.4dB, providing low path loss without compromising performance
• High isolation of 60dB at 2GHz to reduce signal leakage between adjacent RF port paths
• High OIP3 of 64dBm to reduce intermodulation distortion
• P1dB of 30dBm, providing 1W compression point, ensuring rugged operation for a variety of applications
• 3.3V and 1.8V control logic consistent with common FPGA and microcontroller logic levels
• Operating temperature range of -55°C to 125°C for high reliability in harsh thermal environments

"The F2912 represents IDT's entry into the RF switch market, where it integrates seamlessly with our other leading RF products to provide engineers a reliable and efficient development path," said Chris Stephens, IDT's senior director of Wireless Product Definition and Marketing. "With its set of high-performance metrics, the F2912 is ideal for a multitude of wireless and other RF applications."