Low-Current RF Switch Extends Battery Life In Wireless Handsets

The AWS5518, a high-linearity, multipurpose RF switch, targets medium-power applications in complex multimode, multiband wireless handsets. Developed using the company's pseudomorphic electron mobility transistor (pHEMT) manufacturing capabilities, it operates with low current on its control lines to ensure longer battery life for wireless devices. The single-pole, double-throw (SPDT) gallium-arsenide switch combines high isolation with a low insertion loss of 0.4 dB. Its high linearity of 48 dBm yields low distortion and low power consumption. The AWS5518 can be controlled with a positive voltage, a negative voltage, or a combination of the two. It works with a control voltage as low as 2.7 V. The switch meets needs such as diversity switching for wireless local-area networks, transmit/receive functions, and antenna selection for better signal quality. In 10,000-unit quantities, the AWS5518 (packaged in a six-pin SOT-26) costs $0.45 each.

Anadigics Inc.
www.anadigics.com; (908) 668-5000