Abstract
Four-terminal indirectly heated phase-change switches (IPCSs) have emerged as excellent candidates for radio-frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) applications due to their state-of-the-art cutoff frequency, nonvolatility, CMOS compatibility, and exceptional linearity. However, IPCS performance is limited by relatively low-power handling capabilities in the OFF-state, limited by the Ovonic threshold switching (OTS) phenomenon. In this article, we propose the use of a quad configuration consisting of two series-connected IPCS in parallel with another two series-connected IPCS. This series connection increases the effective threshold voltage, thereby enhancing power handling compared to a single device. We experimentally demonstrate the implementation of this quad configuration in asymmetric and symmetric single-pole double-throw (SPDT) switches. Fabricated using an in-house process, these designs achieve an insertion loss (IL) below 0.8 dB and isolation higher than 17 dB within the dc-15 GHz frequency band. Furthermore, we explore techniques, such as reducing the probing pads and series-shunt configuration, to boost isolation beyond 30 dB. Thanks to the quad configuration, the threshold voltage increases from 5 to 13.5 V, predicatively enabling power handling above 35 dBm.
Original language | English |
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Journal | IEEE Transactions on Electron Devices |
DOIs | |
State | Accepted/In press - 2024 |
Keywords
- GeTe
- indirectly heated phase-change switch (IPCS)
- ovonic threshold switching (OTS)
- phase change
- phase-change material (PCM)
- power handling
- RF
- single-pole double-throw (SPDT)
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering