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[AMPS] pin diodes

To: <amps@contesting.com>
Subject: [AMPS] pin diodes
From: phil@vaxxine.com (Phil T. (VE3OZZ))
Date: Tue, 20 Apr 1999 23:04:10

>>If you want to handle the worst case of an infinite VSWR at 1500 watts, then
>>your PIN diode switch  needs to handle 15.5 amps peak of RF at the lowest
>>frequency in use. Similarly, it needs to be able to stand at least 1550
>>volts reverse on the 'off' side of the switch. 
>
>? I have never seen a PIN diode with that much piv. 
>

MicroSemi HUM 2020 : max PIV = 2000 V

>>For 'typical' HF diodes with
>>recovery times of 10 microseconds, this probably means about 4 amps forward
>>current [I don't have the equations with me here at work].
>>
>>The drivers for this are not a negligible design problem...........neither
>>are getting the PINs.
>>
>?  and then there is the matter of dealing with lightning discharges in 
>the neighborhood.  I had a 5000v doorknob capacitor short from a 
>lightning discharge that was over 1000m from my 160m antenna.  
>>........
>>Trouble is, having had full QSK, I don't like it anyway......
>>
>?  Full QSK on CW can be irritating if the RF gain control is not backed 
>off to attenuate extraneous noise, or if the person on the other end is 
>making tearfully-boring 5 - 10 min.  "lock to talk" monologues instead of 
>conversational replies.  
>However, like it or not, QSK switching speed in the amplifier is needed 
>with modern radios, even if the radio is being operated on push-to-talk 
>SSB -- because modern radios begin producing RF in as little as 5mS after 
>the PTT switch is pressed.  If the amplifier's relay contacts are not 
>fully closed when RF arrives, the contacts can not survive.  .  
>>
>-  cheers, Peter
>>
>>
>>
>>--
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>>
>
>
>
>Rich...
>
>R. L. Measures, 805-386-3734, AG6K, www.vcnet.com/measures  
>
>
>--
>FAQ on WWW:               http://www.contesting.com/ampfaq.html
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>
>
>


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