Independent Control of Branch FETs for RF Performance Improvement

摘要

A FET-based RF switch architecture and method that provides for independent control of FETs within component branches of a switching circuit. With independent control of branch FETs, every RF FET in an inactive branch that is in an “open” (capacitive) state can be shunted to RF ground and thus mitigate impedance mismatch effects. Providing a sufficiently low impedance to RF ground diminishes such negative effects and reduces the sensitivity of the switch circuit to non-matched impedances.

主权项

1. A FET-based switch circuit including at least one switching branch, each switching branch including at least two programmable gateway switches configured to be connected to external circuit elements, a common node coupled to the at least two programmable gateway switches, and a shunt switch connected to the node, wherein the shunt switch is programmatically activated to shunt such node to circuit ground in order to selectively isolate such node with respect to any external circuit elements connected to such programmable gateway switches.