FET RF Switch vs PIN Diode RF Switch: A Comparison
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This page compares FET RF Switches and PIN Diode RF Switches, highlighting the key differences between them. Both are solid-state devices, making these switches solid-state switches. A combination of both FET and PIN diode-based switches is known as a hybrid switch.
| Features | FET RF Switch | PIN Diode RF Switch |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | Uses GaAs FET devices. | Uses PIN diode devices. |
| Working Operation | A FET switch creates a channel (depletion layer) allowing current to flow from the Drain terminal to the Source terminal of the FET. | A PIN diode consists of a high resistivity intrinsic layer sandwiched between P (positively charged) and N (negatively charged) materials. |
| SPDT Switch Schematic Diagrams |  This is a SPDT type simple schematic using FETs. Other configurations include double stack structure (two FETs in series), hybrid types, etc. |  This is a series PIN diode RF switch. 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 |