New microwave multiplexers enable engineers to scale up performance

Pickering Interfaces' new range of microwave multiplexers is now offered with a maximum frequency of 67GHz in SP4T and SP6T form factors. The higher frequency PXI/PXIe multiplexers (model 40/42-785C) and LXI multiplexers (models 60-800 and 60-803) keep the same physical dimensions as current lower frequency products, allowing users to upgrade to 67GHz products while keeping the same slot count/rack height within their test systems.

The introduction of the PXIe format to the microwave multiplexers encompasses the complete range from 3GHz to 67GHz.

Comments Pickering’s Switching product manager, Steve Edwards: “Key applications for these higher frequency microwave multiplexer modules are ATE systems for aerospace, military and automotive radar, high-frequency communications plus 5G telecommunications and semiconductor test.”

The new multiplexers are offered in unterminated SP4T and SP6T forms utilising the SMA-1.85 connector interface. The components employed exhibit virtually identical performance up to 50GHz when compared to current 50GHz switches. This serves to maintain performance characteristics for legacy test systems that were previously based on 50GHz components. Also, the relays employed in the company's 67GHz multiplexers have the same life expectancy, 2M operations, as lower frequency products from the company and twice that of competitors.

The new 67GHz SP4T and SP6T relays can also be specified in the company's Turnkey LXI Microwave Switch and Signal Routing Subsystems. Test engineers can specify their needed mix of switch types (SPDT, transfer etc.), frequency and interconnection, plus any non-switching RF products to produce a custom solution for a specific testing requirement.

International Microwave Symposium, June 8-10, 2021, booth 1841.