Analog Devices, Inc. introduced the ADG451, ADG452 and ADG453, the industry's first family of 5 ohm monolithic, quad single-pole, single-throw (SPST) switches optimized for high-performance data acquisition systems. Fully specified at ý5 V, +12 V and ý15 V, the ADG451/2/3 family can handle 100 mA of continuous current while providing the industry's lowest R_ON (7 ohm max. at 25ýC) with only 0.5 ohm variation across the entire signal range.

The low on-resistance of the ADG451/2/3 makes them suitable relay replacements for many applications including audio and video switching equipment; automatic test equipment; and precision data acquisition, battery-powered, and communications systems.

The ADG451, ADG452, and ADG453 contain four independent SPST switches. The ADG451 and ADG452 differ only in that their digital control logic is inverted: 4 NO and 4 NC, respectively. The ADG451 is turned on with a logic low on the appropriate control input, while a logic high is required for the ADG452. The ADG453 has two switches set at NO and two set at NC, enabling it to be configured as a multiplexer. When used as a multiplexer, the ADG453 exhibits a "break-before-make" switching capability, which prevents channel shorting.

The ADG451/2/3 family features a flat resistance profile, which ensures linearity and low distortion when switching audio signals. A fast switching speed (70 ns for t_ON and 60 ns for t_OFF, max.) and high signal bandwidth also makes the ADG451/2/3 suitable for video signal switching.

The ADG451/2/3 are "easy" upgrades for many relay applications, not only in design, but also in cost. The ADG451/2/3 are compatible upgrades for the ADG411/2/3, the ADG431/2/3, and other manufacturers' comparable parts.

Another set of analog switches, in this case designed more for straightforward switching rather than complicated multiplexer arrangements. The on-resistance and the resistance flatness are superb and these become an obvious low-cost replacement for switches through the audio and video basebands. They will also be extremely reliable solutions compared to any possible relay design. I also like the parts' ability to handle 100 mA and switching speeds.

These products are being made in ADI's LC2MOS process which exhibits low power consumptions even at high switching speeds and gives the low on-resistances shown here. The low variation of on-resistance over a good spectrum will give great linearity and low distortions.

In production the ADG451/2/3 are in 16-pin DIP and SOIC and are priced at $1.95 in 1000-piece lots.