Solid state switches use the same voltage and power supply as the RF amplifier. This simplifies circuit design and reduces input power requirements

Vanek, C. S.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

rf 
Input 
rf 
Ch
Ut® 
It® 
April 1970	 Brief 70-10278 
NASA TECH BRIEF 
NASA Tech Briefs announce new technology derived from the U.S. space program. They are issued to encourage commercial 
application. Tech Briefs are available on a subscription basis from the Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific and Technical 
Information, Springfield, Virginia 22151. Requests for individual copies or questions relating to the Tech Brief program may 
be directed to the Technology Utilization Division, NASA, Code UT, Washington, D.C. 20546. 
PIN Diode Switch 
PIN 
Diode 
PIN Diode Switch 
The problem: 
Switch the output power of an rf amplifier to one of 
several outputs using solid-state switches requiring no 
special voltages and using minimum power. 
The solution: 
A PIN diode switch was designed using the same 
voltage and power supply as the rf amplifier. 
How it's done: 
A PIN diode has the property of attenuating rf 
power in proportion to the inverse logarithm of the
current flowing through it. The current required for 
full conduction is relatively high and the voltage drop 
is low. Normally, this would require either a separate 
power supply or a power loss in voltage-dropping 
resistors. The circuit shown in the figure requires 
neither a separate power supply nor voltage dropping 
resistors. The current needed to operate the diodes is 
obtained from the same power supply that powers 
the rf amplifier. The flow of rf power is determined 
by the point of application of the B+ voltage. For 
(continued overleaf) 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National	 Government assumes any liability resulting from the use of the 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States	 information contained in this document, or warrants that such use 
Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United States	 will be free from privately owned rights.
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19700000267 2020-03-17T00:18:38+00:00Z
example, if B+ voltage is applied to point V 1 , the rf 
power flows to output A, at the same time PIN diode B 
is kept in full attenuation by the lack of voltage at V2 
and by the 50k-ohm resistor RB2. 
Notes: 
1. The use of PIN diode switching in rf amplifier 
stages simplifies circuit design and reduces the in-
put power requirements. This innovation may be 
useful in mobile and fixed-base radio equipment, 
and in microwave communications systems.
2. No additional documentation is available. Specific 
questions, however, may be directed to: 
Technology Utilization Officer 
Goddard Space Flight Center 
Greenbelt, Maryland 20771 
Reference: B70-10278 
Patent status: 
No patent action is contemplated by NASA. 
Source: Charles S Vanek of 
Goddard Space Flight Center 
(GSC- 1066.1) 
Brief 70-10278	 Category 01


P-I-N diode switch

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