A novel 8-way active splitter for broadband gateway applications

This paper presents a novel GaAs MMIC consisting of a switchable 8-way active splitter with a unique architecture using an amplifier in a 2-way active splitter topology and a default-on double pole double throw switch targeted for broadband gateway applications. The part exhibits 1.0 dB gain, 4.5 dB noise figure, and low distortion on each of the eight outputs across the 50 to 1000 MHz band under normal operation. An unpowered part maintains a default-on connection via an isolated low insertion loss path between the input and one of the eight outputs. The MMIC is fabricated using a 0.5 um GaAs E/D pHEMT process and is mounted in a lead free power quad flat no lead, PQFN, plastic package.