FAQ: Operating SOI Switches with a Single Supply

Many of the RF and Microwave SOI switches require dual voltage supplies (VDD and VSS). Which of these may be operated with only a single positive supply (VDD)?

Certain switches from the SOI portfolio may be operated using only a single positive VDD supply, and with the VSS pin grounded.

Operating the switch in such a manner has minimal effects on the small signal performance (insertion loss, isolation and return loss). However, there may be differences in the large signal (linearity - compression, intermodulation distortion, and power handling) and transient response (switching speed and settling time).

As of Mar 2023, below table summarizes the RF CW power handling of dual supply SOI switches for single supply operation:

Part Number		Dual Supply CW RF Power Handling (Vdd = +3.3V , Vss = -3.3V)		Single Supply CW RF Power Handling (Vdd = +3.3V , Vss = 0V)
Part Number		Through	Terminated	Through	Terminated
Non-Reflective	HMC1118	35 dBm	27 dBm	27 dBm	22 dBm
	ADRF5019	35 dBm	27 dBm	27 dBm	22 dBm
	ADRF5020	24 dBm	24 dBm	21 dBm	21 dBm
	ADRF5021	24 dBm	24 dBm	21 dBm	21 dBm
	ADRF5023	30 dBm	24 dBm	15 dBm	10 dBm
	ADRF5026	24 dBm	24 dBm	N/A	N/A
	ADRF5027	24 dBm	24 dBm	N/A	N/A
	ADRF5040	33 dBm	27 dBm	28 dBm	24 dBm
	ADRF5042	24 dBm	24 dBm	N/A	N/A
	ADRF5043	24 dBm	24 dBm	N/A	N/A
	ADRF5044	24 dBm	24 dBm	N/A	N/A
	ADRF5045	24 dBm	24 dBm	N/A	N/A
	ADRF5049	30 dBm	18 dBm	15 dBm	10 dBm
	ADRF5050	33 dBm	18 dBm	22 dBm	12 dBm
Reflective	ADRF5024	27 dBm		21 dBm
	ADRF5025	27 dBm		21 dBm
	ADRF5046	27 dBm		N/A
	ADRF5047	26 dBm		N/A
	ADRF5144	40 dBm		30 dBm

Note:

Please refer to the application note, AN-1440, for more details on single supply operation. This app note also contains single supply performance on the HMC1118.
The ADRF5250 has an integrated negative voltage generator. User may choose to enable or disable the NVG. Please refer to the datasheet.

Recommended