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Question 296

What characteristic of a PIN diode makes it useful as an RF switch?

  1. Extremely high reverse breakdown voltage
  2. Ability to dissipate large amounts of power
  3. Reverse bias controls its forward voltage drop
  4. Low junction capacitanceCorrect answer

Explanation

The thick intrinsic layer between the P and N regions keeps a PIN diode's junction capacitance very low, so when it is reverse biased it looks close to an open circuit even at VHF and above and the switch gives good isolation. High reverse breakdown and power handling matter elsewhere, and reverse bias does not set the device's forward voltage drop.

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Question 296: What characteristic of a PIN diode makes it useful as an RF… · FCC Amateur Extra Class (Element 4) · Questena