RF switch operation questions

I would like to figure out how RF switches work? I had a look on the forum without success.

I guess RF switches are used to switch RF power between antennas for examples but I don't know how it's possible.
1. I mean at RF frequencies how do they do to switch RF power fast enough ?
2. If this RF switch is just located between antenna and PA, a lot of RF power can be reflected to the PA during switching times and destroy something?
3. Anyone here can provide an exploded view of a basic RF switch ?

TY

Chapter 1: Understanding Key RF Switch Specifications - Developer Zone - National Instruments

---------- Post added at 16:43 ---------- Previous post was at 16:41 ----------

http://cp.literature.agilent.com/lit...989-7618EN.pdf

trying to clarify.... are you talking about coax / waveguide switching or on PCB with MMIC switching ? switching between TX and RX ?

Generally mechanical coax or waveguide switching would not be done during transmit (Hot Switching), few relays or transmitters would handle that at any significant power level ... say 5-10 Watts or more
The TX Rf would be dropped briefly only needs a few milliseconds during the switch.

Hot switching can be achieved with PIN diode switching tho

Dave

Thank you , the second document is very helpfull

---------- Post added at 09:16 ---------- Previous post was at 09:05 ----------

I am talking about let say "automatic switch" with MMIC.
I guess the switch RX/TX is acting with a DC voltage supply ? Do they need to turn the PA (or LNA) OFF before switching?

thanks

Some systems turns ON/OFF the PA (and the LNA) in the same time with T/R switching for power consumption reasons.
Unfortunately not always is possible to do this, the reason is a phenomenon named "bias settling". Most of the linear power amplifiers needs some time between ON/OFF switching to arrive to a particular bias point.