Communications: PIN Diodes Now Available In Space-Saving SOD-323 Packages

April 13, 2006

2 min read

Three high-performance PIN diodes housed in RoHS-compliant (Restrictions on Hazardous Substances) lead-free SOD-323 (small-outline diode) plastic packages consume less board space than prior versions housed in three-lead SOT-23 (small-outline transistor) and SOT-323 packages. The SOD-323 measures just 1.7 by 1.25 by 0.95 mm, versus the 3- by 2.5- by 1.1-mm and the 2- by 2.1- by 1.1-mm size of the SOT-23 and 323 packages, respectively. The HSMP-389Z is optimized for RF switching applications. Its 3.8-Ω series resistance at 1 mA drops to 1.5 Ω at 10 mA. It offers a total capacitance of 0.2 pF with a reverse voltage of 5-V at 1 MHz. The HSMP-386Z is optimized for low distortion. It provides a series resistance of 15 Ω at 1 mA and 1.5 Ω at 10 mA, as well as a total capacitance of 0.23 pF. The HSMP-381Z targets low distortion and high-linearity attenuation. It presents a series resistance of 70 Ω at 1 mA and 7 Ω at 10 mA, in addition to a capacitance of 0.3 pF. All three are specified for operation at up to 3 GHz. They can be used in wireless infrastructure, CATV, mobile handset, cordless phone, and wireless local-area network applications. Prices range from $0.11 each for the HSMP-389Z in 220,000-unit quantities to $0.16 each for the 381Z in 150,000-unit lots.

See associated figure

About the Author

Dave Bursky

Technologist

Dave Bursky, the founder of New Ideas in Communications, a publication website featuring the blog column Chipnastics – the Art and Science of Chip Design. He is also president of PRN Engineering, a technical writing and market consulting company. Prior to these organizations, he spent about a dozen years as a contributing editor to Chip Design magazine. Concurrent with Chip Design, he was also the technical editorial manager at Maxim Integrated Products, and prior to Maxim, Dave spent over 35 years working as an engineer for the U.S. Army Electronics Command and an editor with Electronic Design Magazine.