Peregrine Semiconductor Corporation released four new DuNE(TM) Digitally Tunable Capacitors (DTCs). The PE64906, PE64907, PE64908, and PE64909 DTCs feature a wide capacitance range of 0.6 to 7.7 pF and support power handling up to 34 dBm into 50 Ohms (30 Vpk RF). The monolithic DTCs include integrated bias generation, RF filtering and bypassing, control interface, and ESD protection of 2 kV HBM, all incorporated into a 2 mm x 2 mm package. The devices provide an easy-to-use solution for antenna tuning and impedance matching applications, as well as tunable filters and phase shifters in the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), military radio, Test-and-Measurement (T&M), Machine-to-Machine (M2M), and wireless infrastructure markets. The growing complexity of wireless systems continues to drive the need for high-performance tunable products. The PE64906/7/8/9 DTCs support a frequency range of 100 -- 3,000 MHz and provide high tuning accuracy, linear step size, and temperature stability. HaRP(TM) technology enhancements enable high linearity of IIP3 of >+65 dBm at 50 Ohms, with exceptional harmonic performance of 2fo/3fo = -40/-40 dBm @ 34 dBm RF (900 MHz), and 32 dBm RF (1900 MHz). The devices feature direct battery voltage operation, with consistent performance enabled by on-chip voltage regulation. Low supply and standby currents of 140 and 24 microamperes (V(DD) = 2.75V), respectively, help to extend battery life in portable devices. The PE64906/7/8/9 devices are controlled through the widely supported 3-wire (SPI-compatible) interface, making it easy to incorporate them into designs. Device-Specific Feature: The PE64906/7/8 DTCs are 5-bit, 32-state devices. The PE64909 is a 4-bit, 16-state device. Capacitance ranges are 0.9 pF to 4.6 pF (5.1:1 tuning ratio) in discrete 119 fF steps for the PE64906; 0.85 pF to 2.4 pF (2.82:1 tuning ratio) in discrete 50 fF steps for the PE64907; 2.15 pF to 7.7 pF (3.6:1 tuning ratio) in discrete 180 fF steps for the PE64908; and 0.6 pF to 2.35 pF (3.9:1 tuning ratio) in discrete 117 fF steps for the PE64909.

Taoglas USA, Inc. has teamed up with Peregrine Semiconductor Corporation to bring a dynamically tunable LTE antenna solution to the M2M market. The solution contains an embedded surface-mount ceramic PIFA antenna from Taoglas -- the Warrior PA.710. A -- and Peregrine's successful PE64102 DuNE(TM) Digitally Tunable Capacitor (DTC) on one evaluation board. It enables M2M devices to reach wide bandwidths and meet requirements for high performance using similar antenna space requirements as 3G/4G systems. Additionally, it has the ability to dynamically change the antenna band "on the fly" to match the cellular band a radio module is using. This new solution can be immediately tested via Taoglas' DTAD.01 evaluation board, which will be unveiled May 21(st) at CTIA in Las Vegas at booth #5534. The evaluation board will be available directly from Taoglas and online in the coming months through its distributors. The Warrior PA.710. A wide-band antenna covers all working frequencies in the 3G/4G cellular space but will require a certain ground plane size.

Peregrine Semiconductor Corporation announced availability of a new SPDT RF switch for harsh environment and space applications. Manufactured on Peregrine's UltraCMOS(R) technology, the PE95421 switch is highly resistant to total dose and single event radiation effects, resulting in improved product reliability, as well as stable, and predictable, performance over the life of the mission. The switch features HaRP(TM) technology enhancements for high linearity of 60 dBm IIP3. It is suitable for applications such as RF switch matrices, antenna arrays, and RF communication systems, with an operating frequency up to and including the C-band in commercial satellites, manned spacecraft, and high-altitude aircraft. As a result of the inherent physical properties of the highly-insulating sapphire substrate, devices manufactured on UltraCMOS technology are naturally immune to radiation-induced latchup. Further design enhancements ensure exceptionally low levels of performance drift under total dose conditions up to 100 krads (ELDRS free). The PE95421 switch features low-complexity, single-pin 3.3V CMOS logic control in a single chip. It has low insertion loss ranging from 0.77 dB @ 100 MHz to 1.38 dB @ 8500 MHz, and high isolation ranging from 86.5 dB @ 100 MHz to 27.8 dB @ 8500 MHz. Low power consumption of 3.3 micro Watts at 3.3V and high ESD tolerance up to 1000V HBM further enhance the ease-of-use of this device. The company also announced availability of the PE95421 Evaluation Kit (part # PE95421-00) today, to enable designers to evaluate the PE95421 switch in their applications. The kit can be ordered now, from Peregrine's global direct sales team.