MA4AGSW1A
SPST Non-Reflective AlGaAs PIN Diode Switch
Rev. V7
Features
Ultra Broad Bandwidth : 50 MHz to 50 GHz
Functional Bandwidth : 50 MHz to 70 GHz
0.5 dB Insertion Loss at 50 GHz
46 dB Isolation at 50 GHz
Low Current consumption:
-5 V low loss state
+10 mA Isolation state
Silicon Nitride Passivation
Polymer Scratch protection
RoHS Compliant*
Description
The MA4AGSW1A is an Aluminum-GalliumArsenide, single pole, single throw (SPST),
absorptive PIN diode switch. The switch features
enhanced AlGaAs anodes which are formed using
MACOM’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
50 GHz. 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.
Yellow areas indicate bond pads
Applications
1
The output port of this device, J2, is terminated into
50 Ω 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.
Ordering Information
Part Number
Package
MA4AGSW1A
Waffle Pack
* Restrictions on Hazardous Substances,
European Union Directive 2011/65/EU.
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. V7
Electrical Specifications: TA = +25°C (on wafer measurements)
Parameter
Test Conditions
Units
Min.
Typ.
Max.
Insertion Loss (J1 - J2)
-5 V @ J1 and B, 50 GHz
dB
—
1.2
—
Isolation (J1 - J2 (terminated by 50 Ω))
10 ma @ J1 and B, 50 GHz
dB
—
30
—
Input Return Loss (J1 - J2)
-5 V @ J1 and B, 50 GHz
dB
—
15
—
Output Return Loss (J2 - J1)
-5 V @ J1 and B, 50 GHz
dB
—
18
—
Isolation (J2 (terminated by 50 Ω))
10 ma @ J1 and B, 50 GHz
dB
—
18
—
Switching Speed (J1 - J2)
(10% -90% RF Voltage)
±5 V PIN TTL Driver
1 MHz Repetition Frequency, 10 GHz
ns
—
10
—
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 - 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
Absolute Maximum Ratings3,4
Parameter
Absolute Maximum
CW RF Incident Power
23 dBm
Breakdown Voltage
25 V
Bias Current
±25 mA
Junction Temperature7,8
Static Sensitivity
+150°C
Operating Temperature
-55°C to +125°C
Storage Temperature
-55°C to +150°C
These electronic devices are sensitive to
electrostatic discharge (ESD) and can be damaged
by static electricity. Proper ESD control techniques
should be used when handling these devices.
Handling Procedures
Please observe the following precautions to avoid
damage:
3. Exceeding any one or combination of these limits may cause
permanent damage to this device.
4. MACOM does not recommend sustained operation near these
survivability limits.
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.
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. V7
Typical RF Performance (Probed on Wafer)
Insertion Loss @ -5 V
Isolation @ +10 mA
0.0
0
-0.5
-20
(dB)
(dB)
-1.0
-40
-1.5
-60
-2.0
-2.5
0
10
20
30
40
-80
50
0
10
Frequency (GHz)
-10
-10
-20
-20
-30
-30
(dB)
(dB)
0
-40
-50
-60
-60
20
30
40
50
Frequency (GHz)
-70
0
10
20
30
40
Frequency (GHz)
Output Return Loss @ -5 V (Isolation Loss State)
0
-10
(dB)
-20
-30
-40
-50
-60
-70
3
0
10
20
30
40
50
Frequency (GHz)
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
50
-40
-50
10
40
Output Return Loss @ -5 V (Insertion Loss State)
0
0
30
Frequency (GHz)
Input Return Loss @ -5 V
-70
20
50
MA4AGSW1A
SPST Non-Reflective AlGaAs PIN Diode Switch
Rev. V7
Operation of the MA4AGSW1A Switch
An external bias network and DC 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 DC ground return plane. In the low
loss state, the series diode is forward biased with negative current at DC Bias B1 and the match diode is biased
at 0 V at DC Bias B. In the isolated state, the shunt diode and the match diode are both forward biased at DC
Bias B1 and DC Bias B (series diode becomes reverse biased ). This isolation state bias results in a good 50 Ω
match into Port J2. Typical driver connections are shown in the table below. The bias network design shown in
the schematic should yield >30 dB RF to DC isolation.
Available for use in conjunction with MACOM’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 | -2 V | at
DC Bias node, which is achievable with a standard, ±5 V TTL Controlled PIN Diode Driver.
MA4AGSW1A Schematic with Bias Network for 10 - 30 GHz5,6,7
DC Bias B1
10 pF
MA4AGSW1A
DC Ground
Return
4.7 nH
10 pF
4.7 nH
DC and RF ground re-
10 pF
Matching
B
MA4AGSW1A
5. DC Bias 1 and DC Bias B nodes can be connected together.
6. Diode junction forward bias voltage, Δ VF @ 10 mA ~ 1.35 V @ + 25°C.
7. External resistor values at ports “B” and “B1” can be chosen by subtracting 1.35 V voltage drop
from the DC supply voltage, and dividing by the desired forward current. For port “B”, subtract 50
ohms from this value to account for the internal termination resistors.
Typical Driver Connections
J1 - J2 Low Loss: Good VSWR @ J1 & J2
J1 - J2 Isolation: Good VSWR @ J2
DC Bias 1 = -10 mA
DC Bias 1 = +10 mA
DC Bias B = -5 V
DC Bias B = +10 mA
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. V7
Chip Dimensions and Bonding Pad Locations (In Yellow)
Dimension
mils
mm
Min
Max
Min
Max
A
44.9
46.9
1.14
1.19
B
36.9
38.9
0.94
0.99
C
10.4
11.4
0.26
0.29
D
22.8
23.4
0.58
0.59
E
17.3
17.9
0.44
0.45
F
20.3
20.9
0.52
0.53
G
37.9
38.5
0.96
0.98
H
3.4
4.4
0.09
0.11
Thickness
3.5
4.5
0.09
0.11
5
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. V7
Assembly Instructions
Assembly Technique
Cleanliness
The MA4AGSW1A, AlGaAs switch is designed to be
mounted with electrically conductive silver epoxy or
with a lower temperature solder perform, which does
not have a rich tin content.
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 pickups, or alternatively with plastic
tweezers.
Solder Die Attach
All die attach and bonding methods should be
compatible with gold metal. Solder which does not
scavenge gold, such as 80/20, Au/Sn 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.
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. V7
MACOM Technology Solutions Inc. All rights reserved.
Information in this document is provided in connection with MACOM Technology Solutions Inc ("MACOM")
products. These materials are provided by MACOM as a service to its customers and may be used for
informational purposes only. Except as provided in MACOM's Terms and Conditions of Sale for such products or
in any separate agreement related to this document, MACOM assumes no liability whatsoever. MACOM
assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in these materials. MACOM may make changes to
specifications and product descriptions at any time, without notice. MACOM makes no commitment to update
the information and shall have no responsibility whatsoever for conflicts or incompatibilities arising from future
changes to its specifications and product descriptions. No license, express or implied, by estoppels or otherwise,
to any intellectual property rights is granted by this document.
THESE MATERIALS ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED, RELATING TO SALE AND/OR USE OF MACOM PRODUCTS INCLUDING LIABILITY OR
WARRANTIES RELATING TO FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, CONSEQUENTIAL OR
INCIDENTAL DAMAGES, MERCHANTABILITY, OR INFRINGEMENT OF ANY PATENT, COPYRIGHT OR
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OR COMPLETENESS OF THE INFORMATION, TEXT, GRAPHICS OR OTHER ITEMS CONTAINED WITHIN
THESE MATERIALS. MACOM SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, LOST REVENUES OR LOST PROFITS,
WHICH MAY RESULT FROM THE USE OF THESE MATERIALS.
MACOM products are not intended for use in medical, lifesaving or life sustaining applications. MACOM
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.
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