Application Note: PIN Diode Control Products

RF and microwave components based on PIN diodes have been essential tools in the designer's toolkit for decades. Their unique characteristics make them the best choice for a wide variety of control applications, such as switches, attenuators, phase shifters, limiters, and modulators. PIN diodes are fundamentally similar to standard diodes, but have an RF impedance that is determined by an externally- supplied bias current. Their versatility makes them excellent building blocks in a wide variety of configurations within each product category, which allows diverse system requirements to be served. In short, the PIN diode enables all systems – from the least complex to the most sophisticated – to achieve their intended missions, while requiring very little space, power, or cost.