Abstract: A phase shifter uses a PIN diode or diode pairs operated in a switching mode to switch transmission-line elements for phase-shifting radio frequency or microwave signals. A drive circuit for each diode(s) includes a FET switch controlled by a first level of a bilevel control signal to apply B+ to forward bias the diode(s) with a forward current. When forward biased, the active region of the diode(s) becomes flooded with charge carriers. The first FET switch is turned OFF by a second level of the bilevel control signal, and a second FET switch is turned ON to apply a reverse bias voltage to the diode(s) to render them nonconductive. Before the diode(s) become nonconductive, the excess charge carriers must be swept out of the diode(s). To achieve fast switching, the second FET switch must draw a large current for a short time as the excess charge carriers are removed.