This Product Selection Guide contains information to help select products in the RF Switches category on DigiKey.com
Radio frequency switch products are devices used for routing RF, IF, or microwave signals between multiple available signal paths. Example applications include antenna selection in multi-antenna (diversity) receivers, selection of a transmit-receive path in multi-mode systems, or switching an antenna between a transmit and receive signal chain.
SelectionCharacteristics
RF Type: The specific wireless communication standard for which the RF switch is designed to operate.
Topology: The internal configuration and design of the switch.
Circuit: Refers to the specific operation or behavior of a switch, indicating the primary purpose or mode of operation. For more information please see: Switch Basics, Examples of Pole and Throw
Frequency Range: The frequency or frequencies this product is designed to be compatible with.
Isolation: A measure of the difference in power applied to a device’s input port and the portion thereof that appears at its isolated port, when properly terminated.
Insertion Loss: A measure of power losses incurred by signals passing through a device.
Test Frequency: The test signal frequency used to characterize a device and measure other device parameters, such as insertion loss…
P1dB: 1 dB compression point; the power level at which a device’s gain or transfer function is reduced by 1 dB relative to its small-signal value.
IIP3: Input 3rd Order Intercept Point: a measure of device linearity. Higher is generally better.
Features: These are different capabilities or properties of the device such as DC blocked or single line control.
Impedance: The total impedance that a switch presents to the signal passing through.
Voltage - Supply: Typically represented by a range, this indicates the low and high voltage limits which one can expect standard operation. Voltages outside this range may damage the device and other system components.
Operating Temperature: Recommended operating temperature, typically given in a range or as a maximum. Exceeding these temperatures may affect performance or damage the device and other system components.
Grade: Indicates whether the device is rated for automotive use.
Qualification: Indicates which automotive standard the device meets, if applicable.
Mounting Type: Indicates how the device is attached.
Package / Case: Indicates the type of protective case used on an electronic component to allow easy handling, installation, and protection. This selection was determined to be the closest industry standard applicable to the supplier device packaging. Typically it is best to check the actual dimensions from the datasheet rather than depend on this terminology when designing your circuit.
ProductExamples
| MFR PART # | AS213-92LF |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | 863-1238-2-ND - Tape & Reel (TR) |
| MANUFACTURER | Skyworks Solutions Inc. |
| DESCRIPTION | RF Switch IC Bluetooth, WLAN SPDT 3 GHz 50Ohm SC-70-6 |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | CG2409X3-C2 |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | CG2409X3-C2TR-ND - Tape & Reel (TR) |
| MANUFACTURER | CEL |
| DESCRIPTION | RF Switch IC 802.11a/b/g/n/ac SPDT 6 GHz 50Ohm 6-TSON (1.5x1.5) |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | R570313000 |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | 2201-R570313000-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | Radiall USA, Inc. |
| DESCRIPTION | RF Switch IC General Purpose SPDT 50Ohm Module |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | MA8334-004 |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | 1465-MA8334-004-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | MACOM Technology Solutions |
| DESCRIPTION | RF Switch IC General Purpose SP3T 50Ohm 844-004 |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
MediaLinks
Videos
Fundamentals of Analog Devices’ RF MEMS Switch Technology
RF Switch Presentation
Switches in Silicon Technology Replace PIN Diodes
Articles
Choosing an RF Switch
Product Training Modules
RF Switches Overview - Skyworks
Blogs
Blogs on RF Switches
TechForum
Operation of a Diode Based RF Switch: A PIN Diode Demonstration
More TechForum posts on RF Switches