High power positive logic switch

Abstract

A positive-logic FET switch stack that does not require a negative bias voltage, and which can withstand application of a high voltage RF signal without requiring terminal capacitors. Some embodiments include a stack of FET switches, with at least one FET requiring a negative VGS to turn OFF and configured so as to not require a negative voltage, series-coupled on at least one end to an end-cap FET that turns OFF when the VGS of such end-cap FET is essentially zero volts, wherein at least one end-cap FET is configured to be coupled to a corresponding RF signal source and has a gate coupled to the corresponding RF signal source through an associated switch circuit. The switch circuit may include an NMOSFET and a PMOSFET, or a diode and an NMOSFET, or a diode and an NMOSFET and a PMOSFET.

Description

BACKGROUND

(1) Technical Field

The invention relates to electronic circuits, and more particularly to radio frequency electronic switch circuits and related methods.

(2) Background

In radio frequency (RF) systems, such as cellular phones and WiFi networks, electronic switch circuits are often used in series with RF signal lines to selectively block or conduct RF signals, such as between an antenna and a transceiver circuit. Electronic switch circuits are also often used in a shunt configuration between an RF signal line and a reference potential (e.g., circuit ground), for example, to selectively isolate nodes of the RF signal line from significantly influencing other circuitry.

As one example, FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic circuit 100 of a common prior art series-shunt RF switch circuit configuration. In the illustrated configuration, a first series switch 102, shown in a closed (conducting or ON) state, is coupled between a first antenna port ANT1 and a transmission TX port. A second series switch 104, shown in an open (blocking or OFF) state, is coupled between a second antenna port ANT2 and the TX port. A shunt switch 106 is coupled between the TX port and circuit ground.

Ideally, switches such as those shown in FIG. 1 should not appreciably alter or affect an RF signal. However, in integrated circuits, RF switching circuits are generally implemented with transistors, particularly field-effect transistors (FETs), and more particularly MOSFETs. A FET in a conducting (ON) state presents some resistance, R_ON, to a conducted signal, and in a blocking (OFF) state presents some capacitance, C_OFF, which may be in series, shunt, or parallel to an RF signal line. Accordingly, FET-based switch circuits generally behave less than ideally in an RF circuit.

A further issue with FET-based switch circuits is that the voltage that a single FET can withstand between drain and source without breaking down is generally limited to a few volts. In an electronic system, there may be parts of the system where the voltage that must be withstood far exceeds the voltage handling capability of a single FET. A common solution is to series stack FETs so that the drain-source voltage across any one FET is less than its drain-source breakdown voltage.

For example, FIG. 2 is a schematic circuit of a prior art RF switch circuit 200 using FET stacks. In the illustrated embodiment, an RF signal (e.g., from a transmitter to an antenna) may be coupled from terminal RF1 to terminal RF2 through a stack of series-coupled FETs M1-Mx. In this example, the FETs M1-Mx are configured as “positive-logic” devices, and may be, for example zero-Vt, low-Vt, or high-Vt FETs of a type that require a negative V_GS to turn OFF but are configured so as to not require a negative voltage to turn OFF. Stated another way, positive-logic devices require a negative VGS to turn OFF but operate with positive control voltages (although the drain voltage may be biased to a positive voltage as well). In contrast, conventional FETs require a negative voltage supply to control switching, often from a negative voltage charge pump.

Each positive-logic FET M1-Mx includes a dedicated gate resistor Rg coupled between the corresponding FET gate and a non-negative gate bias voltage Vgate. In addition, the source and drain of each positive-logic FET M1-Mx is coupled to a non-negative drain-source (DS) bias voltage Vdrain through a corresponding drain-source resistor Rds (some of the resistors Rds are shared by adjacent FETs). Other bias networks may be used, such as taught in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/939,132 referenced above.

A switch circuit based on positive-logic FETs is useful for applications where generating a negative supply voltage is either not desired or not practical due to design constraints; in some applications, use of a negative charge pump is not even possible. These are generally applications with stringent requirements, such as extremely low current and power consumption, extremely low noise sensitivity, and/or very small IC die areas. Moreover, in biasing schemes wherein charge pumps are used to generate negative supply power, switching speed is limited by the current sourcing capability of the charge pumps. In addition, the bias voltage has to go through the series gate resistors of the FETs, which can slow the switching process.

In the circuit illustrated in FIG. 2, the positive-logic FETs M1-Mx are turned ON by applying a positive Vgate voltage (e.g., +3V) to the FET gates through respective gate resistors Rg, while applying a Vdrain voltage of 0V to the FET drains and sources through respective Rds resistors. This configuration effectively creates a positive DC gate-source voltage, V_GS, for every FET M1-Mx (i.e., V_GS=+3V with respect to the source voltage of 0V if Vgate=+3V). The FET stacks are turned OFF by applying a Vgate voltage of 0V to the FET gates through respective gate resistors Rg, while applying a positive Vdrain voltage (e.g., +3V) to the FET drains and sources through respective Rds resistors. This effectively creates, in relative terms, a negative V_GS for every FET M1-Mx (i.e., V_GS=−3V with respect to the source voltage of +3V if Vgate=0V).

Obtaining a negative V_GS for the OFF state is accomplished by including at least one “end-cap” FET M₀ on the end of, and series-coupled to, the positive-logic FETs M1-Mx. An end-cap FET M₀ is a FET having a high-Vt that turns OFF when the V_GS of the FET is essentially zero volts. The end-cap M₀ FETs selectably provide either a capacitive DC blocking function or a resistive signal path. With the capacitive DC blocking function of the end-cap M₀ FETs, when a positive Vdrain voltage is applied, a positive voltage can be built up on the drain and source nodes of the positive-logic FETs M1-Mx. Without the capacitive DC blocking function of the end-cap M₀ FETs, the source or drain of the FET closest to an RF signal input (e.g., FET Mx adjacent to input RF1 and/or FET M1 adjacent to RF2) would be DC biased by low impedance circuitry connected to the RF signal input terminals and not by Vdrain.

Some embodiments of the RF switch circuit 200 may comprise a stack of only M₀ FETs, or a mix of positive-logic FETs and M₀ FETs, so long as at least one end-cap FET is an M₀ FET. In general, embodiments of the RF switch circuit 200 are bidirectional, and accordingly RF1 and RF2 are interchangeable terminals, and the designation of “drain” and “source” for each FET depends on connections of RF1 and RF2 to external components (including circuit ground). Further details of the circuit configuration shown in FIG. 2 may be found, for example, in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/939,128, referenced above.

While the RF switch circuit 200 of FIG. 2 works well for many applications, an area for improvement is in handling high voltage. During the OFF state, high enough RF power levels applied to the terminal M₀ FETs 202, 204 will cause the AC gate voltage to rise high enough for those FETs to turn ON due to capacitive voltage division of the RF signal. This “forced ON” possibility for the terminal M₀ FETs 202, 204 limits the power handling of the RF switch circuit 200. One solution, described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,236,872 referenced above, is to couple a respective terminal capacitor C_S, C_D between an RF terminal RF1, RF2 and the gate of the respective terminal M₀ FET 202, 204 nearest the RF terminal RF1, RF2, as shown in FIG. 2. In an alternative configuration, the terminal capacitors C_S, C_D may be coupled across the source and drain of respective terminal M₀ FETs 202, 204 (shown in FIG. 2 with dotted connecting lines for the terminal capacitors C_S, C_D). Due to the terminal capacitors C_S, C_D, the AC component of RF power applied to RF1 or RF2 is capacitively coupled to the respective gates of the terminal M₀ FETs 202, 204, while any DC component of RF power is blocked. The C_S, C_D capacitors, in parallel or series with the parasitic capacitors of the devices themselves, balance the AC voltage division across an OFF stack of FETs. Accordingly, the V_GS of the terminal M₀ FETs 202, 204 remains below the threshold of turning ON, preventing the terminal M₀ FETs 202, 204 from turning ON at high RF power levels. A large RF signal voltage only appears between nodes A, A′, across the “gate-drain/gate-source” junctions of the positive-logic FETs M1-Mx. The values of the terminal capacitors C_S, C_D may be determined by the sizing of the FETs M1-Mx and M₀ used in the stack.

A drawback of using terminal capacitors C_S, C_D to increase the power handling capability of the RF switch circuit 200 is that the capacitor values need to be relatively large to be effective at protecting the circuit at high power levels. Large capacitors not only consume large areas on integrated circuit (IC) dies, but also increase the insertion loss (IL) of the RF switch circuit 200 in an ON state.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved FET-based RF switch stack that does not require a negative bias voltage, and which can withstand application of a high voltage RF signal without consuming large IC areas. The present invention addresses these and other needs.

SUMMARY

The invention encompasses an improved FET-based RF switch stack that does not require a negative bias voltage, and which can withstand application of a high voltage RF signal without requiring terminal capacitors.

Some embodiments include a stack of FET switches, with at least one FET switch requiring a negative V_GS to turn OFF and configured so as to not require a negative voltage, series-coupled on at least one end to an end-cap FET that turns OFF when the V_GS of such end-cap FET is essentially zero volts, wherein at least one end-cap FET is configured to be coupled to a corresponding RF signal source and has a gate coupled to the corresponding RF signal source through an associated switch circuit.

Some embodiments include a stack of FET switches, including at least one positive-logic FET requiring a negative V_GS to turn OFF and configured so as to not require a negative voltage, series-coupled on at least one end to an end-cap FET that turns OFF when the V_GS of such end-cap FET is essentially zero volts, wherein at least one end-cap FET is configured to be coupled to a corresponding RF signal source and has a gate coupled to the corresponding RF signal source through an associated switch circuit.

Some embodiments include a FET switch stack, including: one or more positive-logic FETs requiring a negative V_GS to turn OFF and configured so as to not require a negative voltage; a first end-cap FET that turns OFF when the V_GS of the first end-cap FET is essentially zero volts, series-coupled to a first end of the one or more series-coupled positive-logic FETs wherein at least one end-cap FET has a gate and is configured to be coupled to a corresponding RF signal source; and at least one switch circuit, each switch circuit coupled between the gate of an associated end-cap FET and the corresponding RF signal source.

In the various embodiments, the switch circuit may include an NMOSFET series-coupled to a PMOSFET, and/or a diode coupled to the corresponding RF signal source and an NMOSFET coupled between the diode and the gate of the associated end-cap FET, and/or a diode coupled to the corresponding RF signal source and an NMOSFET series-coupled to a PMOSFET between the diode and the gate of the associated end-cap FET.

The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic circuit of a common prior art series-shunt RF switch circuit configuration.

FIG. 2 is a schematic circuit of a prior art RF switch circuit using FET stacks.

FIG. 3 is a schematic circuit of an RF switch circuit using a stack of “positive logic” FETs, where the stack has zero-V_GS end-cap FETs with selectable gate connections.

FIG. 4A is a schematic circuit of a first embodiment of a switch circuit Sw that may be used in the RF switch circuit of FIG. 3.

FIG. 4B is a schematic circuit of a second embodiment of a switch circuit Sw that may be used in the RF switch circuit of FIG. 3.

FIG. 4C is a schematic circuit of a third embodiment of a switch circuit Sw that may be used in the RF switch circuit of FIG. 3.

FIG. 4D is a schematic circuit of a fourth embodiment of a switch circuit Sw that may be used in the RF switch circuit of FIG. 3.

FIG. 4E is a schematic circuit of a fifth embodiment of a switch circuit Sw that may be used in the RF switch circuit of FIG. 3.

FIG. 4F is a schematic circuit of a sixth embodiment of a switch circuit that may be used in the RF switch circuit of FIG. 3.

FIG. 4G is a schematic circuit of a seventh embodiment of a switch circuit that may be used in the RF switch circuit of FIG. 3.

Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements unless the context suggest otherwise.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention encompasses an improved FET-based RF switch stack that does not require a negative bias voltage, and which can withstand application of a high voltage RF signal without requiring terminal capacitors.

FIG. 3 is a schematic circuit of an RF switch circuit 300 using a stack of “positive logic” FETs, where the stack has zero-V_GS end-cap FETs with selectable gate connections. More specifically, the RF switch circuit 300 includes a stack of one or more series-coupled positive-logic FETs M1-Mx (i.e., zero-Vt, low-Vt, or high-Vt FETs of a type that require a negative V_GS to turn OFF but are configured so as to not require a negative voltage), series-coupled on at least one end to an “end-cap” FET M₀, where “M₀” designates a FET of a high-Vt type that turns OFF when the V_GS of such FET is essentially zero volts. The end-cap M₀ FETs selectably provide either a capacitive DC blocking function or a resistive signal path. Some embodiments may comprise a stack of only M₀ FETs, or a mix of positive-logic FETs and M₀ FETs, so long as at least one end-cap FET is an M₀ FET. Optional end-cap capacitors (not shown) in parallel with the end-cap M₀ FETs may be included to prevent early breakdown of corresponding end-cap M₀ FETs.

In the illustrated embodiment, each positive-logic FET M1-Mx includes a dedicated gate resistor Rg coupled between the corresponding FET gate and a non-negative gate bias voltage Vgate. In addition, the source and drain of each positive-logic FET M1-Mx is coupled to a non-negative drain-source (DS) bias voltage Vdrain through a corresponding drain-source resistor Rds (some of the resistors Rds are shared by adjacent FETs). Alternative embodiments may use other bias networks, such as taught in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/939,132 referenced above, including various combinations of series-connected bias resistor ladders (a “rail” configuration) and/or parallel-connected bias resistor ladder (a “rung” configuration) and/or a combination of rail-and-rung bias resistor ladders.

While the RF switch circuit 300 of FIG. 3 is similar in many respects to the RF switch circuit 200 of FIG. 2, an important difference is that the terminal capacitors C_S, C_D coupled between an adjacent RF terminal RF1, RF2 and the gate of a respective terminal FET 202, 204 are replaced with a switch circuit Sw 302 (note that the control line to each switch Sw 302 is omitted in FIG. 3, but shown in FIGS. 4A-4G).

The function of the switch circuits Sw 302 is to reduce the voltage swing across the terminal M₀ FETs 202, 204 to make sure they do not turn ON at higher RF power levels when the RF switch circuit 200 is in an OFF state, yet allow normal function of the terminal M₀ FETs 202, 204 when the RF switch circuit 200 is in an ON state. For example, when the RF switch circuit 200 is in an OFF state, the switch circuits Sw 302 are set to an essentially CLOSED (conductive) state such that the gate voltage for the terminal M₀ FET 202, 204 to which power is applied follows the voltage applied to the source of that terminal M₀ FET. Conversely, when the RF switch circuit 200 is in an ON state, the switch circuits Sw 302 are set to an essentially OPEN (blocking) state such that the gate voltage for the terminal M₀ FET to which power is applied is set only by Vgate, and not by any component of DC or RF applied to node.

Described below are a number of circuits for implementing the switch circuits Sw 302, which need not be identical. However, it should be understood that other circuits may be used to implement the switch circuits Sw 302 without departing from the teachings of this disclosure.

Embodiments of Switch Circuit Sw

FIG. 4A is a schematic circuit of a first embodiment of a switch circuit Sw 302a that may be used in the RF switch circuit 300 of FIG. 3. The illustrated switch circuit Sw 302a includes a switch 402 coupled to a control signal Ctrl1. The switch 402 would be coupled between a terminal RFx (e.g., RF1 or RF2) and the gate of a terminal M₀ FET 202, 204.

The switch 402 may be implemented in any suitable technology compatible with fabrication of the RF switch circuit 300, including (but not limited to) FET, MOSFET, micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) switches, bipolar, GaAs HBT, GaN HEMT, GaAs pHEMT, and MESFET technologies.

In operation, the switch 402 is set by the control signal Ctrl1 to an essentially CLOSED state when the RF switch circuit 200 is in an OFF state, and to an essentially OPEN state when the RF switch circuit 200 is in an ON state. In general, the ON or OFF state of the control signal Ctrl1 is opposite the state (i.e., OFF or ON) of the RF switch circuit 300 as set by Vgate (see FIG. 3). However, in some embodiments, there may be brief periods of time where the control signal Ctrl1 and the RF switch circuit 300 are in the same state.

FIG. 4B is a schematic circuit of a second embodiment of a switch circuit Sw 302b that may be used in the RF switch circuit 300 of FIG. 3. The illustrated switch circuit Sw 302b includes an NMOSFET M_N having its gate coupled through a gate resistor R to a control signal Ctrl1. The NMOSFET M_N would be coupled between a terminal RFx (e.g., RF1 or RF2) and the gate of a terminal M₀ FET 202, 204 (keeping in mind that the source and drain terminals of the NMOSFET MN are generally interchangeable).

In essence, switch circuit Sw 302b is an NMOSFET implementation of the switch 402 of FIG. 4A. In operation, the NMOSFET M_N is set by the control signal Ctrl1 to an essentially CLOSED state when the RF switch circuit 200 is in an OFF state, and to an essentially OPEN state when the RF switch circuit 200 is in an ON state. In general, the ON or OFF state of the control signal Ctrl1 is opposite the state (i.e., OFF or ON) of the RF switch circuit 300 as set by Vgate. However, again, in some embodiments there may be brief periods of time where the control signal Ctrl1 and the RF switch circuit 300 are in the same state.

If the gate-drain voltage difference for the NMOSFET M_N becomes too great due to high RF power applied to the RFx terminal of switch circuit Sw 302b in FIG. 4B, the NMOSFET M_N may itself be forced to turn ON. Accordingly, for applications in which such levels of high RF power may be encountered, the switch function of the NMOSFET M_N of FIG. 4B can be enhanced so as to withstand a higher voltage.

For example, FIG. 4C is a schematic circuit of a third embodiment of a switch circuit Sw 302c that may be used in the RF switch circuit 300 of FIG. 3. The illustrated switch circuit Sw 302c includes an NMOSFET M_N having its gate coupled through a gate resistor R1 to a control signal Ctrl1, and a series-connected PMOSFET M_P having its gate coupled through a gate resistor R2 to a control signal Ctrl2. The NMOSFET M_N and the PMOSFET M_P would be coupled between a terminal RFx (e.g., RF1 or RF2) and the gate of a terminal M₀ FET 202, 204 (note the order of the NMOSFET M_N and the PMOSFET M_P may be reversed from the illustrated example).

In operation, the NMOSFET M_N and the PMOSFET M_P are biased by Ctrl1 and Ctrl2 such that, when the NMOSFET M_N is set to OFF, then the PMOSFET M_P is set to OFF, and vice versa. Thus, the NMOSFET M_N and the PMOSFET M_P normally switch between ON and OFF states in unison. However, if the gate-drain voltage difference for the NMOSFET M_N becomes too great due to high RF power applied to the RFx terminal, thus forcing the NMOSFET M_N to an ON state, that same gate-drain voltage difference will force the PMOSFET M_P to an even “harder” OFF state, due to the complementary switching behavior of NMOS and PMOS FETs.

It should be noted that a switch comprising a series-connected NMOSFET M_N and PMOSFET M_P (or a stack of such switches) may be quite useful in other applications in which an NMOSFET M_N (or a stack of such transistors) alone may be forced into an ON (conducting) state by a gate-drain voltage difference.

It has been found that it may be useful to include a diode as part of a switch circuit Sw 302. For example, FIG. 4D is a schematic circuit of a fourth embodiment of a switch circuit Sw 302d that may be used in the RF switch circuit 300 of FIG. 3. The illustrated switch circuit Sw 302d includes an NMOSFET M_N having its gate coupled through a gate resistor R to a control signal Ctrl1. The NMOSFET M_N is shown as coupled between a terminal RFx (e.g., RF1 or RF2) through a diode D, and to the gate of a terminal M₀ FET 202, 204. However, the diode D may be positioned on the other side of NMOSFET M_N. The diode D may be implemented in known fashion as a diode-connected MOSFET, in which the gate and drain of a MOSFET are directly connected.

When the RF switch circuit 300 is OFF, when the voltage (Vs) at RFx starts to drop below the voltage (V_G) at the gate of the M₀ FET during the negative cycle of an applied RF signal, the diode D turns ON (is unidirectionally conductive), essentially making the voltage at the gate of the M₀ FET follow the voltage at RFx. Conversely, when V_S starts to rise above V_G during the positive cycle of an applied RF signal, the diode D essentially turns OFF (is unidirectionally blocking), essentially preventing the voltage V_S at RFx from being applied to the gate of the M₀ FET, thereby preventing the terminal M₀ FETs 202, 204 from being forced ON.

It should be noted that if the diode D was connected directly between a terminal RFx (e.g., RF1 or RF2) and the gate of a terminal M₀ FET 202, 204, then when the RF switch circuit 300 is ON, the diode D would turn ON when the gate of the associated terminal M₀ FET 202, 204 is biased at a sufficiently high level (e.g., 1.8V). The ON state of the diode D would prevent the associated terminal M₀ FET 202, 204 from turning ON state. Accordingly, an NMOSFET M_N having its gate coupled through a gate resistor R1 to a control signal Ctrl1 may be interposed between the diode D and the gate of the associated terminal M₀ FET 202, 204. The NMOSFET M_N functions as a switch as in the switch circuit Sw 302b of FIG. 4B so as to disconnect the diode D from the gate of the associated terminal M₀ FET 202, 204 when the RF switch circuit 300 is ON. Thus, the NMOSFET M_N is OFF (blocking) when the RF switch circuit 300 is ON, and the NMOSFET M_N is ON (conducting) when the RF switch circuit 300 is OFF.

The switch circuit Sw 302d of FIG. 4D works well in applications where the OFF power applied to the RF switch circuit 300 may be high, but the ON power is low. However, in applications where the ON power applied to the RF switch circuit 300 may be high, the NMOSFET M_N may be forced ON when it is supposed to be OFF. Accordingly, for applications in which such levels of high RF power may be encountered, the switch function of the NMOSFET M_N of FIG. 4D can be enhanced so as to withstand a higher voltage.

For example, FIG. 4E is a schematic circuit of a fifth embodiment of a switch circuit Sw 302e that may be used in the RF switch circuit 300 of FIG. 3. The illustrated switch circuit Sw 302e includes an NMOSFET M_N having its gate coupled through a gate resistor R to a control signal Ctrl1. The NMOSFET M_N is shown as coupled to a terminal RFx (e.g., RF1 or RF2) through a diode D. As with the switch circuit Sw 302c of FIG. 4C, a PMOSFET M_P having its gate coupled through a gate resistor R2 to a control signal Ctrl2 is series-connected to the NMOSFET M_N and to the gate of a terminal M₀ FET 202, 204. However, the diode D may be positioned on either side of either the NMOSFET M_N or the PMOSFET M_P, and the order of the NMOSFET M_N and the PMOSFET M_P may be reversed from the illustrated example. Stated another way, the diode D, the NMOSFET M_N, and the PMOSFET M_P may be series-coupled in any order. The diode D may be implemented in known fashion as a diode-connected MOSFET.

As with the switch circuit Sw 302c of FIG. 4C, in operation, the NMOSFET M_N and the PMOSFET M_P are biased by Ctrl and Ctrl2 such that, when the NMOSFET M_N is set to OFF, then the PMOSFET M_P is set to OFF, and vice versa. Thus, the NMOSFET M_N and the PMOSFET M_P normally switch between ON and OFF states in unison. When both the NMOSFET M_N and the PMOSFET M_P are OFF, the diode D is disconnected from the gate of the associated terminal M₀ FET 202, 204 (the desired state when the RF switch circuit 300 is ON). However, if the gate-drain voltage difference for the NMOSFET M_N becomes too great due to high RF power applied to the RFx terminal, thus forcing the NMOSFET M_N to an ON state, that same gate-drain voltage difference will force the PMOSFET M_P to an even “harder” OFF state, thereby keeping the diode D disconnected from the gate of the associated terminal M₀ FET 202, 204.

Further, as with the switch circuit Sw 302d of FIG. 4D, when the RF switch circuit 300 is OFF, then both the NMOSFET M_N and the PMOSFET M_P are set to ON and the diode D is connected to the gate of the associated terminal M₀ FET 202, 204. When the voltage (Vs) at RFx starts to drop below the voltage (V_G) at the gate of the M₀ FET during the negative cycle of an applied RF signal, the diode D turns ON (is unidirectionally conductive), essentially making the voltage at the gate of the M₀ FET follow the voltage at RFx. Conversely, when V_S starts to rise above V_G during the positive cycle of an applied RF signal, the diode D essentially turns OFF (is unidirectionally blocking), essentially preventing the voltage V_S at RFx from being applied to the gate of the M₀ FET, thereby preventing the terminal M₀ FETs 202, 204 from being forced ON.

FIG. 4F is a schematic circuit of a sixth embodiment of a switch circuit Sw 302f that may be used in the RF switch circuit 300 of FIG. 3. The illustrated switch circuit Sw 302f includes an NMOSFET M_N having its gate coupled through a gate resistor R to a control signal Ctrl1. The NMOSFET M_N is shown as coupled between a terminal RFx (e.g., RF1 or RF2) through a capacitor C, and to the gate of a terminal M₀ FET 202, 204. The capacitor C allows the gate of the M0 FET to track the RF signal when the NMOSFET M_N is switched to a CLOSED (conducting) state. The capacitor C may be positioned on either side of the NMOSFET M_N. Operation is otherwise the same as the embodiment of FIG. 4B.

FIG. 4G is a schematic circuit of a seventh embodiment of a switch circuit Sw 302g that may be used in the RF switch circuit 300 of FIG. 3. The illustrated switch circuit Sw 302g includes an NMOSFET M_N having its gate coupled through a gate resistor R1 to a control signal Ctrl1, and a series-connected PMOSFET M_P having its gate coupled through a gate resistor R2 to a control signal Ctrl2. The NMOSFET M_N is shown as coupled to a terminal RFx (e.g., RF1 or RF2) through a capacitor C, and the PMOSFET M_P is shown as coupled to the gate of a terminal M₀ FET 202, 204 (note the order of the NMOSFET M_N and the PMOSFET M_P may be reversed from the illustrated example). The capacitor C allows the gate of the M0 FET to track the RF signal when the NMOSFET M_N and the PMOSFET M_P are both set to a conducting state. The capacitor C, the NMOSFET M_N, and the PMOSFET M_P may be series-coupled in any order. Operation is otherwise the same as the embodiment of FIG. 4C.

Diode Rectifying Effect

A beneficial aspect of including the diode D in the switch circuits Sw 302d, 302e of FIGS. 4D and 4E, respectively, is a rectifying effect when the RF switch circuit 300 is OFF. An RF voltage applied at the RFx terminal will generally have an average DC voltage of zero due to equal positive and negative AC excursions. However, the presence of the diode D will cause the voltage V_GS between RFx and the gate of the M₀ FET to have an average negative DC value, essentially creating a self-generating negative voltage that will drive the associated terminal M₀ FET 202, 204 to a “harder” OFF state. This “harder” OFF state has the effect of reducing signal compression compared to RF switch circuit 200 that utilize terminal capacitors C_S, C_D to prevent forced-ON states for the terminal M₀ FETs 202, 204.

For example, in one simulation of a series-shunt two-port RF switch circuit similar to the circuit of FIG. 1 using an RF switch circuit 200 (i.e., having terminal capacitors C_S, C_D) for the shunt switch 106 (the other switches 102, 104 were modeled as ideal switches), with input power at the TX port being greater than or equal to about 35 dBm, the shunt switch 106 caused compression of about 1 dB at the ANT1 port. While the 1 dB compression point could be adjusted by increasing either the stack height of the shunt switch 106 or the value of the compensation terminal capacitors C_S, C_D, doing so would hurt the small signal performance of the RF switch circuit 200.

In contrast, under similar modeling conditions but using an RF switch circuit 300 (i.e., having a diode-based switch circuit Sw 302d, 302e) for the shunt switch 106 (the other switches 102, 104 were modeled as ideal switches), with input power at the TX port being greater than or equal to about 35 dBm, the shunt switch 106 caused essentially no compression at the ANT1 port.

Benefits

All of the switch circuits Sw 302x described above have the advantage of lower IC area compared to using terminal capacitors C_S, C_D to prevent forced-ON states for the terminal M₀ FETs 202, 204. In addition, the switch circuits Sw 302x that include a diode provide the benefits of rectification described above.

Methods

Another aspect of the invention includes methods for enabling a FET-based RF switch stack to withstand application of a high voltage RF signal without requiring terminal capacitors. For example, one such method applies to a stack of FET switches, at least one FET switch requiring a negative V_GS to turn OFF and configured so as to not require a negative voltage, series-coupled on at least one end to an end-cap FET that turns OFF when the V_GS of such end-cap FET is essentially zero volts. The method includes: coupling a switch circuit between the RF signal source and the gate of at least one end-cap FET; closing the switch circuit(s) when the stack of FET switches is in an OFF state; and opening the switch circuit(s) when the stack of FET switches is in an ON state. Examples of such switch circuits are shown in FIGS. 4A-4G.

Fabrication Technologies & Options

The term “MOSFET”, as used in this disclosure, means any field effect transistor (FET) with an insulated gate and comprising a metal or metal-like, insulator, and semiconductor structure. The terms “metal” or “metal-like” include at least one electrically conductive material (such as aluminum, copper, or other metal, or highly doped polysilicon, graphene, or other electrical conductor), “insulator” includes at least one insulating material (such as silicon oxide or other dielectric material), and “semiconductor” includes at least one semiconductor material.

As used in this disclosure, the term “radio frequency” (RF) refers to a rate of oscillation in the range of about 3 kHz to about 300 GHz. This term also includes the frequencies used in wireless communication systems. An RF frequency may be the frequency of an electromagnetic wave or of an alternating voltage or current in a circuit.

Various embodiments of the invention can be implemented to meet a wide variety of specifications. Unless otherwise noted above, selection of suitable component values is a matter of design choice. Various embodiments of the invention may be implemented in any suitable integrated circuit (IC) technology (including but not limited to MOSFET structures), or in hybrid or discrete circuit forms. Integrated circuit embodiments may be fabricated using any suitable substrates and processes, including but not limited to standard bulk silicon, silicon-on-insulator (SOI), and silicon-on-sapphire (SOS). Unless otherwise noted above, embodiments of the invention may be implemented in other transistor technologies such as bipolar, LDMOS, BCD, GaAs HBT, GaN HEMT, GaAs pHEMT, and MESFET technologies. However, embodiments of the invention are particularly useful when fabricated using an SOI or SOS based process, or when fabricated with processes having similar characteristics. Fabrication in CMOS using SOI or SOS processes enables circuits with low power consumption, the ability to withstand high power signals during operation due to FET stacking, good linearity, and high frequency operation (i.e., radio frequencies up to and exceeding 50 GHz). Monolithic IC implementation is particularly useful since parasitic capacitances generally can be kept low (or at a minimum, kept uniform across all units, permitting them to be compensated) by careful design.

Voltage levels may be adjusted, and/or voltage and/or logic signal polarities reversed, depending on a particular specification and/or implementing technology (e.g., NMOS, PMOS, or CMOS, and enhancement mode or depletion mode transistor devices). Component voltage, current, and power handling capabilities may be adapted as needed, for example, by adjusting device sizes, serially “stacking” components (particularly FETs) to withstand greater voltages, and/or using multiple components in parallel to handle greater currents. Additional circuit components may be added to enhance the capabilities of the disclosed circuits and/or to provide additional functionality without significantly altering the functionality of the disclosed circuits.

Circuits and devices in accordance with the present invention may be used alone or in combination with other components, circuits, and devices. Embodiments of the present invention may be fabricated as integrated circuits (ICs), which may be encased in IC packages and/or in modules for ease of handling, manufacture, and/or improved performance. In particular, IC embodiments of this invention are often used in modules in which one or more of such ICs are combined with other circuit blocks (e.g., filters, amplifiers, passive components, and possibly additional ICs) into one package. The ICs and/or modules are then typically combined with other components, often on a printed circuit board, to form an end product such as a cellular telephone, laptop computer, or electronic tablet, or to form a higher level module which may be used in a wide variety of products, such as vehicles, test equipment, medical devices, etc. Through various configurations of modules and assemblies, such ICs typically enable a mode of communication, often wireless communication.

Conclusion

A number of embodiments of the invention have been described. It is to be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, some of the steps described above may be order independent, and thus can be performed in an order different from that described. Further, some of the steps described above may be optional. Various activities described with respect to the methods identified above can be executed in repetitive, serial, and/or parallel fashion.

It is to be understood that the foregoing description is intended to illustrate and not to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the scope of the following claims, and that other embodiments are within the scope of the claims. In particular, the scope of the invention includes any and all feasible combinations of one or more of the processes, machines, manufactures, or compositions of matter set forth in the claims below. (Note that the parenthetical labels for claim elements are for ease of referring to such elements, and do not in themselves indicate a particular required ordering or enumeration of elements; further, such labels may be reused in dependent claims as references to additional elements without being regarded as starting a conflicting labeling sequence).

Claims

1. A circuit including: (a) a set of one or more field-effect transistor (FET) switches coupled in series, the set having a first end and a second end, wherein at least one FET switch of the set of FET switches requires a relatively negative Vas to turn OFF and is configured so as to not require a negative voltage;(b) a first end-cap FET having a gate, a first terminal coupled in series with the first end of the set of one or more FET switches, and a second terminal configured to be coupled to a first RF signal source, wherein the first end-cap FET turns OFF when the Vas of the first end-cap FET is essentially zero volts; and(c) a first switch circuit including a first NMOSFET coupled between the second terminal and the gate of the first end-cap FET.

2. The invention of claim 1, wherein the first switch circuit includes the first NMOSFET series-coupled to a PMOSFET.

3. The invention of claim 1, wherein the first switch circuit includes a diode series-coupled to the first NMOSFET.

4. The invention of claim 1, wherein the first switch circuit includes a diode, the first NMOSFET, and a PMOSFET coupled in series.

5. The invention of claim 1, wherein the first switch circuit includes a capacitor series-coupled to the first NMOSFET.

6. The invention of claim 1, wherein the first switch circuit includes a capacitor, the first NMOSFET, and a PMOSFET coupled in series.

7. The invention of claim 1, further including a second end-cap FET having a gate, a first terminal coupled in series with the second end of the set of one or more FET switches, and a second terminal configured to be coupled to a second RF signal source, wherein the second end-cap FET turns OFF when the Vas of the second end-cap FET is essentially zero volts.

8. The invention of claim 7, further including a second switch circuit including a second NMOSFET coupled between the second terminal and the gate of the second end-cap FET.

9. The invention of claim 1, wherein each FET in the set of one or more FET switches includes a gate, and further including a dedicated gate resistor coupled to a corresponding FET gate and configured to be coupled a non-negative gate bias voltage.

10. The invention of claim 1, wherein each FET in the set of one or more FET switches includes a source and a drain, and further including a plurality of resistors each coupled to a corresponding source or drain of the FETs in the set of FET switches and configured to be coupled to a non-negative drain-source bias voltage.

11. A circuit including: (a) a stack of FET switches, the stack having a first end and a second end, wherein at least one FET switch of the stack of FET switches requires a relatively negative Vas to turn OFF and is configured to operate with positive control voltages;(b) a first end-cap FET having a gate, a first terminal coupled in series with the first end of the stack of FET switches, and a second terminal configured to be coupled to a first RF signal source, wherein the first end-cap FET turns OFF when the VGS of the first end-cap FET is essentially zero volts; and(c) a first switch circuit including a first NMOSFET coupled between the second terminal and the gate of the first end-cap FET.

12. The invention of claim 11, wherein the first switch circuit includes the first NMOSFET series-coupled to a PMOSFET.

13. The invention of claim 11, wherein the first switch circuit includes a diode series-coupled to the first NMOSFET.

14. The invention of claim 11, wherein the first switch circuit includes a diode, the first NMOSFET, and a PMOSFET coupled in series.

15. The invention of claim 11, wherein the first switch circuit includes a capacitor series-coupled to the first NMOSFET.

16. The invention of claim 11, wherein the first switch circuit includes a capacitor, the first NMOSFET, and a PMOSFET coupled in series.

17. The invention of claim 11, further including a second end-cap FET having a gate, a first terminal coupled in series with the second end of the stack of FET switches, and a second terminal configured to be coupled to a second RF signal source, wherein the second end-cap FET turns OFF when the Vas of the second end-cap FET is essentially zero volts.

18. The invention of claim 17, further including a second switch circuit including a second NMOSFET coupled between the second terminal and the gate of the second end-cap FET.

19. The invention of claim 11, wherein each FET in the stack of FET switches includes a gate, and further including a dedicated gate resistor coupled to a corresponding FET gate and configured to be coupled a non-negative gate bias voltage.

20. The invention of claim 11, wherein each FET in the stack of FET switches includes a source and a drain, and further including a plurality of resistors each coupled to a corresponding source or drain of the FETs in the stack of FET switches and configured to be coupled to a non-negative drain-source bias voltage.

21. A circuit including: (a) a set of one or more field-effect transistor (FET) switches coupled in series, the set having a first end and a second end, wherein at least one FET switch of the set of FET switches requires a relatively negative Vas to turn OFF and is configured so as to not require a negative voltage;(b) a first end-cap FET having a gate, a first terminal coupled in series with the first end of the set of one or more FET switches, and a second terminal configured to be coupled to a first RF signal source, wherein the first end-cap FET turns OFF when the Vas of the first end-cap FET is essentially zero volts;(c) a first switch circuit including a first NMOSFET coupled between the second terminal and the gate of the first end-cap FET;(d) a second end-cap FET having a gate, a first terminal coupled in series with the second end of the stack of FET switches, and a second terminal configured to be coupled to a second RF signal source, wherein the second end-cap FET turns OFF when the VGs of the second end-cap FET is essentially zero volts; and(e) a second switch circuit including a second NMOSFET coupled between the second terminal and the gate of the second end-cap FET.