RF Switches

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.

P1dB image

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
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MFR PART # AS213-92LF
DIGI-KEY 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

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MFR PART # CG2409X3-C2
DIGI-KEY 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

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MFR PART # R570313000
DIGI-KEY PART # 2201-R570313000-ND
MANUFACTURER Radiall USA, Inc.
DESCRIPTION RF Switch IC General Purpose SPDT 50Ohm Module
DATASHEET Click Here

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MFR PART # MA8334-004
DIGI-KEY 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

If you have any general questions on the specifications for selecting RF Switches, please reply using the button below. If you have questions on specific RF Switches please post those questions in the Wireless and IoT category.