FET RF Switch vs PIN Diode RF Switch: A Comparison

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