RF Switch Ups Power Density and Integration for 5G Networks

Jeff Child for All About Circuits – April 13, 2022

The new RF switch device from Menlo Micro offers 25 W power handling and an integrated charge pump driver circuit.

As 5G network services deploy across the globe, demand is on the rise for sub-6 GHz—and for the C-band spectrum in particular. Such mid-band 5G networks rely on key infrastructure that includes advanced beamforming antennas and similar applications.

Those system designs call for highly reliable, high-performance RF switching technology. With that in mind, Menlo Micro has rolled out its MM5140 switch aimed at those needs. The MM5140 is a single-pole/four-throw (SP4T) DC-to-6 GHz switch.

Key specs include:

• 25 W (continuous wave), 150 W (pulsed) maximum power handling
• -40°C to +85°C temperature range
• Operating lifetime: >3 billion switching cycles
• Linearity IP3 (3rd order intercept point) greater than 90 dBm

In this article, we share insights from our conversation with Menlo Micro. We look at how its switch technology contrasts with GaN (gallium nitride)-based solutions. We also get the company’s take on what specs are important for applications like 5G beam-steering and the significance of the integrated charge pump driver.

Read the full article here.