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AG312: Designing with PIN Diodes

From M/A-COM
 

 
The PIN diode finds wide usage in RF, UHF and microwave circuits. It is fundamentally a device whose impedance, at these frequencies, is controlled by DC excitation. A unique feature of the PIN diode is its ability to control large amounts of RF power with much lower levels of DC. The PIN diode is a current controlled resistor at radio and microwave frequencies. It is a silicon semiconductor diode in which a high resistivity intrinsic I-region is sandwiched between a P-type and N-type region. When the PIN diode is forward biased, holes and electrons are injected into the I-region. These charges do not immediately annihilate each other. Instead, they stay alive for an average time called the carrier lifetime. This results in an average stored charge, Q, which lowers the effective resistance of the I-region to a value of RS. When the PIN diode is at zero or reverse bias there is no stored charge in the I-region and the diode appears as a capacitor, CT, shunted by a parallel resistance Rp.
Products & Services
Current limiting diodes (CLD) regulate current over a wide voltage range. There are several types of current limiting diodes (CLD). Examples include a current regulator diode, constant current diode, and current limit diodes. Search by Specification | Learn more about Current Limiting Diodes
Varactor diodes are p-n junction diodes that are designed to act as a voltage controlled capacitance when operated under reverse bias. Search by Specification | Learn more about Varactor Diodes
PIN diodes are three-layer semiconductor diodes consisting of an intrinsic layer separating heavily doped P and N layers. The charge stored in the intrinsic layer in conjunction with other diode parameters determines the resistance of the diode at RF and microwave frequencies. Search by Specification | Learn more about PIN Diodes
Schottky diodes in their simplest form consist of a metal layer that contacts a semiconductor element. The metal / semiconductor junctions exhibit rectifying behavior (i.e., the current passes through the structure more readily with one polarity than the other). Search by Specification | Learn more about Schottky Diodes
Diode arrays are composed of multiple discrete (usually unconnected) diodes on a single silicon chip. Diode arrays are important semiconductor products because they save assembly time and improve reliability over individually packaged diodes. In general, diode arrays use four or more diodes in a single package. Search by Specification | Learn more about Diode Arrays
Product Announcements
MITEQ, Inc. - New PIN Diode Switches from MITEQ, Inc.
Miteq announces 5 New PIN Diode Switches - Digital Single Pole switches. (2) Two-throw switches and a three, four and ten throw switchs added to Miteq's extensive line. (read more)
MITEQ, Inc. - 2-Way Power Divider
MITEQ Model PD2-1030-250N, 2-Way Power Divider, operates in the frequency range of 1,020 to 1,040 MHz and is able to handle up to 250 watts average power. Also available as RoHS compliant. (read more)
PanJit Touch Screen Solutions Division - 35V and 200V PIN Diodes
PanJit Adds PIN Diodes to its Expanding Small Signal Diode Portfolio. (read more)
iC-Haus Corporation - iC-HK/B Laser switch
The iC-HK/B laser Switch enables the spike-free switching of laser diodes with well-defined current pulses at frequencies ranging from DC to 155 MHz. (read more)
Aeroflex / Metelics - Silicon PIN Diodes: MELF
The MELF PIN Diode 7000 Series is manufactured using Aeroflex-Metelics proprietary diode process optimizing the diode ohmic contacts connected to the heat spreading metal posts within e ceramic... (read more)
MITEQ, Inc. - Miniature Digital Five Throw Switch from MITEQ
SP5T Switch - MITEQ would like to introduce its' new absorptive Single Pole Five Throw Switch, Model SW5-005180AI3NF-S0001. It covers the frequency range from 500 MHz to 18 GHz with a minimum of 60 dB... (read more)
MITEQ, Inc. - BR Series Beacon Receiver from MITEQ, Inc.
The BR Series Beacon Receiver from Miteq is a versatile receiver designed to lock onto a CW or modulated carrier and provide accurate and reliable relative power measurement indicators for either... (read more)
MITEQ, Inc. - Instrumentation Desktop Amplifier Series
MITEQ's latest offering in its instrumentation desktop amplifier series, Models NSP2000-NVG, NSP4000-NVG and NSP4000-NFG, are now available with a fre... (read more)
MITEQ, Inc. - Multiband 1/3 Rack-Mounted Block Converter - MITEQ
MITEQ adds Model DNB2-11.725TR, Multiband Block Converter, to its 1/3 rack family of products. This model is designed for applications where multiple frequency translations are needed between Ku and... (read more)
MITEQ, Inc. - Fiber Optic Receivers
Although MITEQ offers one of the broadest lines of standard catalog items, the bulk of MITEQ's business is in customized components, assemblies, and systems designed specifically around the customer's... (read more)
Topics of Interest
The most important property of the PIN diode is the fact that it can, under certain circumstances, behave as an almost pure resistance at RF frequencies, with a resistance value that can be varied... (Read More)
In electronics, a diode is a component that restricts the direction of movement of charge carriers. Essentially, it allows an electric current to flow in one direction, but blocks it in the opposite... (Read More)
References Barton, D.K. et al.: Radar Technology Encyclopedia (Artech House, Boston, MA, 1997) Hovanessian, S.A.: Radar System Design and Analysis (Artech House, Boston, MA, 1984)... (Read More)
One of the practical applications of the surface mounted PIN diode is in the design of low current, low cost RF switches. In the design of such circuits, the diode is generally treated as a current... (Read More)
14.1. BIASING THE PHOTODIODE   Although there are several types of circuits used to measure the photodiode signal current (see Section 14-5), the way that the photodiode is biased falls into one... (Read More)
See more product announcements for Current Limiting Diodes
JAN-qualified diodes

JAN-qualified diodes
Aeroflex / Metelics


Si Dual Photo Diode

Si Dual Photo Diode
PREMA Semiconductor GmbH


COMMON DIODE APPS: Steering & free-wheeling by AMS

COMMON DIODE APPS: Steering & free-wheeling by AMS
American Microsemiconductor, Inc.


11 See more product announcements for Current Limiting Diodes