New Configuration for T/R Switches Used in RF Transmitters

Maty RF simplex transceivers employ a T/R switch configuration to switch between receive and transmit modes of operation. These switches usually employ a series switching diode on the transmit path. This diode is problematic; it introduces additional loss on the transmit path which can stress the final power stage of the transmitter; it presents a potential hot spot, the series configuration making it difficult to heat sink and it is also expensive since it is by definition a higher power diode. In addition it usually requires a high biasing current when in transmit mode. These problems are especially pronounced in higher power applications. The following paper presents a new T/R switch configuration which solves all the above problems.