High-performance GaAs switch ICs fabricated using MESFETs with two kinds of pinch-off voltages [for handy phone]

GaAs MESFET switch ICs operating at low control voltages of 0V/-3V and +3V/0V have been developed for use in the personal handy phone using 1.9 GHz band. The switch ICs have excellent RF characteristics, and have no need for external circuit installation. The unique points of these ICs are the use of GaAs MESFETs with two kinds of pinch-off voltages and a symmetrical source and drain pattern configuration with respect to the gate. The 0V/-3V IC had a low insertion loss of 0.55 dB and 0.65 dB, and high isolation of 31 dB and 24 dB at receiving and transmitting operation, respectively. The +3V/0V IC also had excellent characteristics such as insertion loss of 0.73 dB and 0.95 dB, and isolation of 27 dB and 23 dB, respectively. Both ICs had an output power at 1 dB gain compression point of 25.4 dBm and third-order intercept point of more than 46 dBm.<>