Patent ID: 7138885
Filing Date: 2006-11-21
Classification: G01S,H04B

Abstract:
1. A microwave switch comprising: an antenna branch coupled to a first junction, the first junction coupled to a receive branch coupled to a receiver; the receive branch comprising a first semiconductor which can be selectively biased in order to reflect signals transmitted over the receive branch wherein the junction is coupled to a transmit branch coupled to a transmitter; the transmit branch comprising a second semiconductor which can be selectively biased in order to reflect signals transmitted over the transmit branch; a control circuit connected to the receive branch by a first bias line and connected to the transmit branch by a second bias line, the control circuit, when operating in a receive mode, biasing the semiconductor in the transmit branch, and when operating in a transmit mode biasing the semiconductor in the receive branch; and, a protection circuit which, upon a high power signal being present on the antenna branch, effectuates a biasing of semiconductors on both the receive branch and the transmit branch; wherein the first and second semiconductors are diodes, said first and second diodes being self-biased according to a first passive dampening characteristic if subject to a high power signal on said antenna branch, said protection circuit subsequently actively controlling dampening by biasing said semiconductors according to an active dampening characteristic.