A non-blocking RF switch matrix is more complex than the blocking type, but it’s also more flexible. In this configuration, an input can be switched to multiple outputs. One input can in fact be switched to all of the outputs at once. This provides an extra degree of flexibility compared to the blocking architecture. However, a non-blocking architecture still has the limitation of not allowing two or more inputs to be switched to the same output. Input 1 for example can be simultaneously switched to every output or selectively switched to several outputs at once, but no other input can be switched to any of the same outputs.
The R&S® ZN-Z84 is a 48-port solution designed to complement the R&S ZNB network analyzer. It’s used to test multiport components for the wireless communications market in R&D and production phases. The matrix covers the 10 MHz to 8.5 GHz frequency range and can be controlled and operated directly from the ZNB network analyzer.
The MAS4488 is a broadband matrix switch with an 8 input, 8 output, non-blocking configuration. The system itself is comprised of a processor board, an 8x8 matrix, a LAN interface, a redundant power supply, and manual control.
The CB-Series by Dow-Key Microwave is a crossbar matrix switch system that allows any input to be connected to any output, making it an ideal switch solution for complex test setups and signal routing.
A blocking RF switch matrix can achieve high levels of isolation and lower levels of insertion loss because of their internal switches (which exhibit high isolation and low loss characteristics). They’re the simplest type of available RF switch matrix configurations.
The L-Band matrix distributes 8 L-band signals to 8 receivers in the frequency range 950 … 2150 MHz without any blocking.
