Is there a better RF switch than HMC849?

Whether a “better” switch than the HMC849 exists depends entirely on the specific application requirements, as different switches are optimized for different parameters. The HMC849 is a specific high-performance, non-reflective DC to 6 GHz GaAs pHEMT SPDT (Single Pole, Double Throw) RF switch, so “better” means finding a switch that outperforms its key specifications (frequency range, insertion loss, isolation, power handling, switching speed, etc.) in your required area. 

HMC849 Key Specifications for Comparison To find a better alternative, you need to consider the HMC849’s performance metrics:

1. Frequency Range: DC to 6 GHz

2. Insertion Loss: Low insertion loss, typically around 0.8 dB Isolation: High isolation, up to 60 dB

3. Power Handling (P1dB): +31 dBm (at 5-6 GHz) Control: Single positive voltage control (0/+3V or 0/+5V)

Potential “Better” Alternatives If you require performance beyond these specifications, you might consider switches from the same manufacturer or competitors that specialize in specific areas: 

1. For Lower Insertion Loss or Higher Power Handling: Other switches might offer lower signal attenuation or higher power handling capabilities, often by using different semiconductor technologies (e.g., GaN) or optimized designs. For Faster Switching Speed: Some applications demand extremely fast switching times (nanoseconds), which specialized switches may provide compared to the HMC849.

2. For Different Configuration: The HMC849 is SPDT; if you need SP4T, SP8T, or different pole/throw configurations, many other models exist that are better suited for that specific system design.

3. For Cost or Integration: The HMC349 is an earlier, compatible model with a lower frequency limit of 4 GHz, which might be a more cost-effective solution if you only need the lower frequency range. 

How to Find the Right Switch:

1. Define your critical parameters: Determine which specification is most important for your application (e.g., must work at 10 GHz, needs <0.5 dB loss, or must handle +40 dBm power).

2. Use Manufacturer Tools: Utilize the product selection and parametric search tools on the websites of major RF component manufacturers like Analog Devices, Mini-Circuits, Qorvo, and Skyworks.

3. Filter and Compare: Filter by your required specifications to see which parts offer “better” performance in the areas you need. The datasheets will provide a direct comparison to the HMC849’s performance. 

If your **main priority is lower insertion loss than the ** (which is typically ~0.8–0.9 dB up to a few GHz) — there are RF switches that can offer better (lower) insertion loss, but the best choice depends on frequency range, control voltage, isolation, power handling, and package type.

🌟 Notable Lower-Loss RF Switch Alternatives

1. Analog Devices HMC595A series

• Very low typical insertion loss (~0.3 dB) up to ~3 GHz.
• Good power handling and high linearity.
• Great for applications where lower loss at <3 GHz is priority.
• *Not broadband to 6 GHz like the HMC849, but significantly lower loss in its band.*

2. Analog Devices HMC199MS8 (Dual SPDT)

• Typical insertion loss <0.5 dB up to ~2.5 GHz — lower than HMC849 in that range.
• Useful for bypass/antenna switching at lower frequencies.
• Best when you don’t need DC–6 GHz coverage.

3. Analog Devices HMC1118 (High-Performance SPDT)

• Around ~0.68 dB typical insertion loss up to ~8–13 GHz.
• Broader range and lower loss than some HMC849 spec points.
• Requires dual supplies (positive and negative), so extra biasing is needed.

4. Peregrine / pSemi UltraCMOS switches (PE42524 / PE42525)

• Very good low-loss options (~0.6–0.9 dB typical or better) across broad bands.
• PE42524 covers up to ~40 GHz; typical ~0.6 dB IL near lower GHz bands.
• PE42525 goes up to ~60 GHz with ~0.9 dB typical.
• Performance depends on frequency; at your band they can outperform HMC849.

📌 Key Trade-Offs to Consider

Parameter	HMC849	Lower-Loss Switches
Insertion loss (typ)	~0.8–0.9 dB	as low as ~0.3–0.7 dB
Frequency coverage	DC–6 GHz	Often lower bandwidth or need biasing
Supply simplicity	Single positive supply	Some require dual supplies or special control
Isolation	Good (~50–60 dB)	Varies by part and frequency
Power Handling	Good	Depends on model

Mechanical / MEMS switches (not IC MMICs) are another class you can consider if absolute lowest loss is the goal — they can be <<0.5 dB and even ~0.1 dB in some RF relay designs — but they have slower switching speeds and require careful drive circuitry (not true IC logic control).

🛠 Recommendations

• If broadband DC–6 GHz is less important and lowest loss around 0.3–0.5 dB matters: HMC595A or HMC199MS8.
• If you need broadband >6 GHz with low loss: PE42524/PE42525 or similar ultraCMOS solutions.
• If you want lowest possible loss regardless of IC and can tolerate slower switching: mechanical/MEMS RF relays.