Matrix Switches

Dow-Key Microwave Corporation is pleased to present its new Matrix/PXI Catalog, which introduces the most popular, standard, and integrated switching solutions required in today’s broadband market -- everything from solid-state to electromechanical and reconfigurable PXI module switching systems.

Dow-Key Microwave’s CANbus-based Switch Matrix System, with Ethernet control interface, performs from 20 to 1100 MHz and is available in full fan-out configurations from 8X8 to16X16

A super non-blocking switch matrix has the most flexible architecture, yet most complex when compared to blocking and non-blocking types.  In this configuration any input can be switched to any and all outputs.  In addition to this, multiple inputs can be routed to the same output.  Input 1, for example, can be simultaneously switched to every output or selectively switched to several outputs at once. Input 2 can also be simultaneously switched to every output or selectively switched to several outputs at once, regardless of how Input 1 (or any other input) is routed.  The same is true for all of the remaining inputs.

Corry Micronics’ RFMS-4X256-B is a 4 to 256 blocking RF switch matrix covering the 900-2500 MHz frequency range. It has a -8dB insertion loss, 50 ohms impedance, 10 dB return loss, +30 dBm P1dB, -80 dB isolation, and a 5µs switching speed (50% trigger to 10% RF power).

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 new wireless network surveillance system from Corry Micronics comprises the RFMS-2x8*8 8 Channel Matrix with a Probe Port and two CMIATT-4CH-200W 100 W Attenuator banks. It is capable of a range of configurations ranging from one port to over 48 ports. The 8-channel RF matrix switch is designed with a probe/test port where the signal analysis occurs. The 8-channel switch is bi-directional enabling testing in both directions. System frequencies can be customized to the end user’s specifications.

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 FlexMatrix reconfigurable RF switch matrix allows test engineers that work in radar, consumer wireless, and military communications applications to easily adjust, modify, or expand their RF switching capabilities.