MA4AGSW1A
SPST Non-Reflective AlGaAs PIN Diode Switch
Rev. V6
FEATURES
Ultra Broad Bandwidth : 50 MHz to 50 GHz
Functional Bandwidth : 50 MHz to 70 GHz
0.5 dB Insertion Loss at 50GHz
46 dB Isolation at 50 GHz
Low Current consumption
-5V for low loss state
+10mA for Isolation state
Silicon Nitride Passivation
Polymer Scratch protection
RoHS Compliant* and 260°C Reflow Compatible
DESCRIPTION
Yellow areas indicate bond pads
The MA4AGSW1A is an Aluminum-Gallium-Arsenide,
single pole, single throw (SPST), absorptive PIN
diode switch. The switch features enhanced AlGaAs
anodes which are formed using M/A-COM Tech’s
patented hetero-junction technology. This technology
produces a switch with less loss than conventional
GaAs processes. As much as a 0.3 dB reduction in
insertion loss can be realized at 50GHz. These
devices are fabricated on an OMCVD epitaxial wafer
using a process designed for high device uniformity
and extremely low parasitics. The diodes themselves
exhibit low series resistance, low capacitance, and
fast switching speed. They are fully passivated with
silicon nitride and have an additional polymer layer for
scratch protection. The protective coating prevents
damage to the diode junction and anode air-bridges
during handling and assembly. Off chip bias circuitry
is required.
APPLICATIONS
The output port of this device, J2, is terminated into 50Ω
during isolation mode, which allows this signal to be
absorbed rather than reflected back. This functionality
makes it ideal for instrumentation and radar applications.
An absorptive switch can be added to other AlGaAs
reflective switches to improve isolation VSWR and
increase isolation magnitude. The ultra low capacitance
of the PIN diodes makes it ideal for usage in low loss
and high isolation microwave and millimeter wave switch
designs through 70 GHz. The lower series resistance of
the AlGaAs diodes reduces the total insertion loss and
distortion of the device. AlGaAs PIN switches are used
in applications such as switching arrays for radar
systems, radiometers, and other multi-function
components.
1
Absolute Maximum Ratings @ TAMB = +25°C
Parameter
Maximum Rating
Operating Temperature
-55°C to +125°C
Storage Temperature
-55°C to +150°C
Incident C.W. RF Power
+23dBm C.W.
Breakdown Voltage
25V
Bias Current
± 25mA
Junction Temperature
+150°C
Maximum combined operating conditions for RF Power, D.C. bias,
and temperature: +23 dBm C.W. @ 10 mA (per diode) @ +85°C.
* Restrictions on Hazardous Substances, European Union Directive 2002/95/EC.
M/A-COM Technology Solutions Inc. (MACOM) and its affiliates reserve the right to make changes to the product(s) or information contained herein without notice.
Visit www.macom.com for additional data sheets and product information.
For further information and support please visit:
https://www.macom.com/support
MA4AGSW1A
SPST Non-Reflective AlGaAs PIN Diode Switch
Rev. V6
Electrical Specifications @ TAMB = 25°C
(On-wafer measurements)
Parameter
Ports
Bias Conditions
Insertion Loss
J1 - J2
-5V at J1 and B
Isolation
J1 - J2(Terminated by 50Ω)
Input return Loss
J1- J2
Output Return Loss
J2- J1
Output Return Loss
(Isolation)
J2(Terminated by 50Ω)
Switching Speed
(10% - 90% RF Voltage)
J1 - J2
Frequency Typical
50GHz
1.2dB
+10mA at J1 and B
50GHz
30dB
-5V at J1 and B
50GHz
15dB
-5V at J1 and B
50GHz
18dB
+10mA at J1 and B
50GHz
18dB
10GHz
10nS
±5V PIN TTL Driver
1MHz Repetition Frequency.
Notes:
1. Typical switching speed is measured from 10% to 90% of the detected RF voltage driven by a TTL
compatible driver. Driver output parallel RC network uses a capacitor between 390 pF - 560 pF and
a resistor between 150 - 220 Ohms to achieve 10 ns rise and fall times.
2. Bias nodes, J1 and B may be connected together
2
M/A-COM Technology Solutions Inc. (MACOM) and its affiliates reserve the right to make changes to the product(s) or information contained herein without notice.
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For further information and support please visit:
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MA4AGSW1A
SPST Non-Reflective AlGaAs PIN Diode Switch
Rev. V6
Typical RF Performance (Probed on Wafer)
Isolation
Isol (dB)
Freq. (GHz)
Input Return Loss
Loss (dB)
Freq. (GHz)
3
M/A-COM Technology Solutions Inc. (MACOM) and its affiliates reserve the right to make changes to the product(s) or information contained herein without notice.
Visit www.macom.com for additional data sheets and product information.
For further information and support please visit:
https://www.macom.com/support
MA4AGSW1A
SPST Non-Reflective AlGaAs PIN Diode Switch
Rev. V6
Typical RF Performance (Probed on wafer)
Output Return Loss (Insertion Loss State)
Loss (dB)
Freq. (GHz)
Output Return Loss (Isolation Loss State)
Loss (dB)
Freq. (GHz)
4
M/A-COM Technology Solutions Inc. (MACOM) and its affiliates reserve the right to make changes to the product(s) or information contained herein without notice.
Visit www.macom.com for additional data sheets and product information.
For further information and support please visit:
https://www.macom.com/support
MA4AGSW1A
SPST Non-Reflective AlGaAs PIN Diode Switch
Rev. V6
Operation of the MA4AGSW1A Switch
An external bias network and D.C return is required for successful operation of the MA4AGSW1A absorptive
SPST AlGaAs PIN diode switch. The backside area of the die is the RF and D.C. ground return plane. In the
low loss state, the series diode is forward biased with negative current at D.C. Bias B1 and the match diode is
biased at 0V at D.C. Bias B. In the isolated state, the shunt diode and the match diode are both forward biased
at D.C. Bias B1 and D.C. Bias B (series diode becomes reverse biased ). This isolation state bias results in a
good 50Ω match into Port J2. Typical driver connections are shown in Table I below. The bias network design
shown in the schematic should yield > 30dB RF to DC isolation.
Available for use in conjunction with M/A-COM Tech’s line of AlGaAs switches are two, fully integrated, broadband, monolithic, bias networks which may be used as an alternative to the suggested individual component
bias network shown below. Refer to datasheets for the MA4BN1840-1 and MA4BN1840-2 for additional
information.
The lowest insertion loss, P1dB, IP3, and switching speed is achieved by applying a minimum value of | -2V |
at D.C. Bias node, which is achievable with a standard, ± 5V TTL Controlled PIN Diode Driver.
MA4AGSW1A Schematic with Bias Network for 10-30GHz
DC Bias
B1
MA4AGSW1A
DC Ground
Return
10 pF
4.7 nH
4.7 nH
DC and RF ground re-
10 pF
10 pF
Matching
MA4AGSW1A
Notes:
1. D.C. Bias 1 and D.C. Bias B nodes can be connected together.
2. Diode junction forward bias voltage, Δ Vf @ 10 mA ~ 1.35 V @ + 25° C.
TYPICAL DRIVER CONNECTIONS
J1-J2 Low Loss : Good VSWR at J1 & J2 J1-J2 Isolation : Good VSWR at J2
5
D.C. Bias 1 = -10mA
D.C. Bias B = 0V
D.C. Bias 1 = +10mA
D.C. Bias B = +10mA
M/A-COM Technology Solutions Inc. (MACOM) and its affiliates reserve the right to make changes to the product(s) or information contained herein without notice.
Visit www.macom.com for additional data sheets and product information.
For further information and support please visit:
https://www.macom.com/support
MA4AGSW1A
SPST Non-Reflective AlGaAs PIN Diode Switch
Rev. V6
Chip Dimensions and Bonding Pad Locations (In Yellow)
Dimension
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
Thickness
mils
Min
44.9
36.9
10.4
22.8
17.3
20.3
37.9
3.4
3.5
mm
Max
46.9
38.9
11.4
23.4
17.9
20.9
38.5
4.4
4.5
Min
1.14
0.94
0.26
0.58
0.44
0.52
0.96
0.09
0.09
Max
1.19
0.99
0.29
0.59
0.45
0.53
0.98
0.11
0.11
6
M/A-COM Technology Solutions Inc. (MACOM) and its affiliates reserve the right to make changes to the product(s) or information contained herein without notice.
Visit www.macom.com for additional data sheets and product information.
For further information and support please visit:
https://www.macom.com/support
MA4AGSW1A
SPST Non-Reflective AlGaAs PIN Diode Switch
Rev. V6
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
CLEANLINESS
These chips should be handled in a clean environment.
STATIC SENSITIVITY
These Devices are considered ESD Class 1A, HBM. Proper ESD techniques should be used when handling
these devices.
GENERAL HANDLING
The protective polymer coating on the active areas of the die provides scratch and impact protection,
particularly for the metal air bridge, which contacts the diode’s anode. Die should primarily be handled with
vacuum pickup tools, or alternatively with plastic tweezers.
ASSEMBLY TECHNIQUES
The MA4AGSW1A, AlGaAs device is designed to be mounted with electrically conductive silver epoxy or with
a low temperature solder perform, which does not have a rich tin content.
SOLDER DIE ATTACH
Only solders which do not scavenge gold, such as 80Au/Sn20, or Indalloy #2 is recommended. Do not expose
die to temperatures greater than 300°C for more than 10 seconds.
ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVE EPOXY DIE ATTACH
Use a controlled thickness of approximately 2 mils for best electrical conductivity and lowest thermal
resistance. Cure epoxy per manufacturer’s schedule. Typically 150°C for 1 hour.
RIBBON/WIRE BONDING
Thermo-compression wedge or ball bonding may be used to attach ribbons or wire to the gold bonding pads.
A 1/4 x 3 mil gold ribbon is recommended on all RF ports and should be kept as short as possible for the
lowest inductance and best microwave performance. For more detailed handling and assembly instructions,
see Application Note M541, “Bonding and Handling Procedures for Chip Diode Devices” at
www.macomtech.com.
Ordering Information
Part Number
Package
MA4AGSW1A
Waffle Pack
7
M/A-COM Technology Solutions Inc. (MACOM) and its affiliates reserve the right to make changes to the product(s) or information contained herein without notice.
Visit www.macom.com for additional data sheets and product information.
For further information and support please visit:
https://www.macom.com/support
MA4AGSW1A
SPST Non-Reflective AlGaAs PIN Diode Switch
Rev. V6
M/A-COM Technology Solutions Inc. All rights reserved.
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8
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customers using or selling MACOM products for use in such applications do so at their own risk and agree to
fully indemnify MACOM for any damages resulting from such improper use or sale.
M/A-COM Technology Solutions Inc. (MACOM) and its affiliates reserve the right to make changes to the product(s) or information contained herein without notice.
Visit www.macom.com for additional data sheets and product information.
For further information and support please visit:
https://www.macom.com/support