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<p>In this paper, we present the design, implementation, and experimental validation of a novel low-power RF switch using varicap diodes, especially optimized for the 868&#xa0;MHz ISM band and integrated on a LoRa-based IoT node. Unlike typical RF switches, which frequently use PIN diodes or Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technology, the proposed design uses the tunable capacitance of varicap diodes to achieve a compact, low-bias, and energy-efficient solution. Circuit modelling, PCB layout, and biasing approach are all part of a full design process. A prototype was made and tested to show that it had moderate insertion loss, good isolation, and very low-power consumption, which is strongly needed for LoRa-based IoT nodes. We present a proof-of-concept implementation in which the switch serves to physically manage the antenna connection. In this setup, the antenna is disconnected from the LoRa transceiver, and it is only activated during the LoRaWAN transmission and reception windows. This approach reduces RF noise exposure from idle sources, provides an additional layer of hardware security during reprogramming or maintenance, and increases resistance against powerful adjacent signals.</p>

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A low-power varicap-based RF switch for antenna control and noise mitigation in LoRa-based IoT nodes

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月14日

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  • Mourad Aidi,
  • Fethi Mejri,
  • Taoufik Aguili

摘要

In this paper, we present the design, implementation, and experimental validation of a novel low-power RF switch using varicap diodes, especially optimized for the 868 MHz ISM band and integrated on a LoRa-based IoT node. Unlike typical RF switches, which frequently use PIN diodes or Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technology, the proposed design uses the tunable capacitance of varicap diodes to achieve a compact, low-bias, and energy-efficient solution. Circuit modelling, PCB layout, and biasing approach are all part of a full design process. A prototype was made and tested to show that it had moderate insertion loss, good isolation, and very low-power consumption, which is strongly needed for LoRa-based IoT nodes. We present a proof-of-concept implementation in which the switch serves to physically manage the antenna connection. In this setup, the antenna is disconnected from the LoRa transceiver, and it is only activated during the LoRaWAN transmission and reception windows. This approach reduces RF noise exposure from idle sources, provides an additional layer of hardware security during reprogramming or maintenance, and increases resistance against powerful adjacent signals.