Fairchild Semiconductor Ships New Isolation Switch

Fairchild Semiconductor is bringing designers of 3G smartphones, netbooks, set-top boxes and notebooks what it called the industry's first image module switch that isolates parasitic components to maintain signal integrity.

Fairchild explained that the FSA1211 is a 12-port, single pole, single throw (SPST) analog switch that isolates the high speed bus from parasitic components in dual camera applications. Smartphones feature dual cameras and as these cameras move to higher and higher resolutions, parasitic components play a critical role in deteriorating signals and generating unwanted EMI.

The company said that, with a bandwidth in excess of 720MHz and high ESD (5.5 kV), the FSA1211 offers an optimal way to isolate capacitance and maintain signal integrity for high speed data paths. In addition, when isolating the unused parallel interface, the FSA1211 reduces the radiated EMI of the path, improving RF desense. The traditional parallel solution can deteriorate the signal due to the unwanted "stub," resulting in image degradation of the camera module. Another approach is to use three analog switches, which complicates design and adds to the overall bill of material (BOM) costs. In contrast, the FSA1211 offers robust isolation and ease of design at a lower cost, according to Fairchild.

The FSA1211 complements Fairchild's comprehensive offering of switch products used in portable and consumer applications. These analog, audio, video and USB switches are instrumental in minimizing redundant circuitry, eliminating connectors, simplifying design and conserving space in designs. Offered in a variety of functions, configurations, packages and performance levels, Fairchild's switches are pivotal in solving portable and consumer design challenges.

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