FET RF Switch Vs PIN diode RF Switch | Difference between FET RF Switch and PIN diode RF Switch
This page compares FET RF Switch vs PIN diode RF Switch and mentions difference between FET RF Switch and PIN diode RF Switch.
Both are solid state devices and hence the switches are known as solid state switches. Combination of both FET and PIN diode based switches are known as hybrid switches.
| Features | FET RF Switch | PIN diode RF Switch |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | It uses GaAs FET devices. | It uses PIN diode devices. |
| Working operation | FET switch will create channel i.e. depletion layer which allows current to flow from Drain terminal to the Source terminal of the FET. | PIN diode consists of high resistivity intrinsic layer which is sandwitched between P (positively charged ) and N (negatively charged) materials. |
| SPDT Switch schematic Diagrams | 
This is SPDT type simple schematic using FETs. The other configurations include double stack structure consisting of two FETs in series, hybrid types etc. |
This is series PIN diode RF switch. The other configurations are shunt type, series-shunt type and anti series type etc. |
| Operating Frequency | from DC | from MHz |
| Insertion Loss | Higher | Medium |
| Isolation | Good at lower end frequencies | Good at higher end frequencies |
| Repeatability | Excellent | Excellent |
| Return Loss | Good | Good |
| Switching speed | faster | faster |
| Power handling | Lower | Lower |
| Life of switch | Higher | Higher |
| ESD immunity | Lower | Medium |
Also refer difference between electro-mechanical and solid state RF switch>> types.
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