Terminology » Electro-mechanical vs. Solid State RF Switches: Key Differences

Electro-mechanical vs. Solid State RF Switches: Key Differences

rf switch solid state electro-mechanical switch technology rf components

This article compares electro-mechanical RF switches with solid-state RF switches, highlighting the differences between the two technologies.

FeaturesElectro-mechanical RF SwitchSolid State RF Switch
FunctionRelies on mechanical contacts for switching.Uses solid-state devices for switching. These devices include PIN diodes, GaAs FETs, or a combination of both.
Frequency RangeFrom DCFrom MHz (solid state PIN diode), From KHz (hybrid-combined PIN and FET)
Insertion LossLowerHigher
Return LossGoodGood
IsolationGood across all frequenciesGood at low-end frequencies (FET); Good at high-end frequencies (PIN diode)
Switching SpeedIn milliseconds (slow)In nanoseconds (fast)
Settling Time< 15ms< 1µs
Power HandlingHigherLower
LifeMediumHigher
ESD ImmunityHighLow
RepeatabilityGoodExcellent
SensitivitySensitive to vibrationSensitive to RF power over-stress and temperature.