“The new additions to our LXI microwave switch portfolio migrate RFIU functionality, previously available in our flexible, turnkey custom ranges, to our standard COTS family,” said Steven Edwards, director of product management at Pickering Interfaces, “but with the added benefit of significantly increased configuration options. The expanded range now maximizes flexibility, density, and functionality to meet the broader set of the latest cross-industry testing requirements.”.
Previously available as flexible, custom-built (60-890) and turnkey (60-891) products specified by the customer, the new product offerings encompass two different variants of LXI microwave switching units: the company's standard LXI range, consisting of multiple relays of a single type installed on the unit's front panel; and custom configurations of fully integrated, in-house-built multiplexer and matrix solutions. Making these standard COTS catalog components simplifies the selection and ordering process for customers and reduces lead times.
“LXI-based automated test systems are commonly used for verification and functional testing of microwave devices and subsystems, which often include signal routing and switching. The increasing complexity of these DUTs is typically accompanied by a higher number of I/Os,” Edwards added. “Our new LXI range offers higher channel density, maximizing payload and minimizing chassis height. This helps reduce the number of switching units used for large switching applications, reducing the size of the test system, improving signal quality, and simplifying programming. These units enable test system design engineers to quickly and easily obtain COTS-standard solutions for high-channel-count switching subsystems in microwave test systems.”.
Existing standard products (models 60-800/801/802/803) cover SP4T and SP6T functions in failsafe relay versions with and without termination, across various bandwidths. Three new families expand the range with SP8T/SP10T/SP12T (model 60-804), SPDT (model 60-806), and transfer switch (model 60-808) configurations of failsafe or latching relays, with options for both non-terminating and terminating (without transfer switch) configurations. In addition, there are two new families of high-channel, fully integrated, in-house manufactured, high-count multiplexer (SP16T to SP48T with single to quad banks: model 60-805) and matrix (up to 12x12: model 60-807) solutions.
With access to SPDT, SP8T/SP10T/SP12T, and panel-mounted transfer switches, engineers can build complex switching solutions simply by adding external cabling. Standalone integrated multiplexer and matrix solutions ensure that RF cabling is protected from damage or interference, while guaranteeing repeatable performance between manufacturing batches. The provision of pre-wired and fully tested solutions (units supplied with test results) eliminates the implementation burden and ensures performance repeatability for the end user.
All models are equipped with an integrated scan list and triggering capability (hardware or software), enabling the execution of predefined test sequences and minimizing uptime. Sequences are stored on the product itself, rather than on the system computer, to reduce system overhead.
Configurations from 6 GHz to 67 GHz (depending on the range) are offered unterminated or terminated (except for transfer) across the entire range, with 110 GHz switching available only as a terminated SPDT. All new families are offered with fail-safe or latching relay operating modes, and RF performance is identical between modes, allowing selection of the most suitable mode for the application. Relay operation counts are provided across the entire range, enabling monitoring of individual contact levels for each relay, which can be used for predictive maintenance.
With bandwidths in the 6-110 GHz range, the five new switching families support a wide range of applications across multiple sectors, from semiconductors, radar and communications (including mobile phone and antenna testing) to medical and automotive devices.
Pickering's free online Microwave Switch Design Tool (MSDT) enables the design and simulation of microwave units. While intended for flexible or turnkey solutions, the MSDT can also be used to determine the performance of standard integrated products before receiving a physical unit.
All transfer, SPDT, and high-channel-count relays can also be specified on Pickering's Model 60-890 flexible microwave switch platform, and this solution should be considered when a relay combination is required. Multiple existing ranges of alternative configuration standard products are also available in PXI/PXIe and LXI.
Drivers are supplied for Windows and, unlike many competitors, for Linux and real-time operating systems. All products rated up to 67 GHz have a 3-year warranty; for 110 GHz options, the warranty period is 1 year. Pickering Interfaces also offers long-term guaranteed technical support for the products.
