MACOM Technology Solutions Holdings, Inc.
MONOLITHIC MULTI-I REGION DIODE SWITCHES

Abstract:

A number of monolithic multi-throw diode switch structures are described. The monolithic multi-throw diode switches can include a hybrid arrangement of diodes with different intrinsic regions, all formed over the same semiconductor substrate. In one example, two PIN diodes in a monolithic multi-throw diode switch have different intrinsic region thicknesses. The first PIN diode has a thinner intrinsic region, and the second PIN diode has a thicker intrinsic region. This configuration allows for both the thin intrinsic region PIN diode and the thick intrinsic region PIN diode to be individually optimized. As one example, for a switch functioning in a dedicated transmit/receive mode, the first transmit PIN diode can have a thicker intrinsic region than the second receive PIN diode to maximize power handling for the transmit arm and maximize receive sensitivity and insertion loss in the receive arm.