DRS Technologies Launches Compact, Power Saving 32 Channel HF Switch Matrix

Unit sets industry standard in Size, Weight and Power (SWaP)

Arlington, TX /PRNewswire/ - DRS Technologies, Inc., a Finmeccanica Company, announced today that it has released the latest generation high-performance switch matrix, a module that connects electronic signal inputs and outputs, such as an antenna to a receiver.

Dubbed the SI-9332, the switch matrix is packaged in an industry-leading compact, lightweight, low power design. Its chassis uses only one-tenth of the rack space of comparable units, weighs less than 18 pounds, and consumes less than 130 watts of power.

Developed by the DRS Signal Solutions business, the "non-blocking" 32 x 32 switch matrix allows up to 32 High Frequency inputs to be connected to 32 outputs.

"Using a complete solid-state design, the SI-9332 is a highly adaptable and reliable platform that facilitates a wide range of applications in complex operating environments," said DRS Signal Solutions President Jim Shea . "We are proud of this innovation achieved by our engineering team and this advanced new product that will benefit a range of customers."

Shea said one lead customer noted that when the switch matrix is integrated with the DRS SI-8728A High-Performance 8-Channel HF Tuner, the total package is 90 percent smaller and consumes just one-fourth of the power of existing systems.

According to Shea, the SI-9332 also provides superior input overload protection for pulse and up to 10W continuous input power protection. The 32 Radio Frequency (RF) input and 32 RF output connections are achieved through only 8 D-subminiature coaxial connectors for ease of cabling. Swapping out this HF (0.5 MHz to 30 MHz) 32 x3 2 switch matrix is now a three-minute job, he said.

DRS Signal Solutions is a world-class provider of commercial-off-the-shelf and custom SIGINT solutions.  These solutions leverage almost 50 years of leadership in the design, development and manufacture of a broad range of high-performance radio frequency surveillance equipment.  The company also is a performance-value leader in products that redefine and extend the limits of integrated recording, processing and specialty storage systems for the SIGINT, instrumentation, information assurance, and telemetry and telecommunications markets. 

About DRS Technologies
DRS Technologies is a leading supplier of integrated products, services and support to military forces, intelligence agencies and prime contractors worldwide. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Finmeccanica SpA (FNC.MI), which employs 70,000 people worldwide.