Highly configurable microwave switching to PXI just released

Pickering Interfaces has released its new 40/42-890 family of modular, flexible PXI/PXIe microwave switches, bringing highly configurable RF switching solutions up to 110GHz to the PXI platform. This new range supports the latest and most demanding RF and communications test necessities as operating frequencies evolve to higher levels.

Ideal for test environments needing high-frequency microwave switching, from radar, satellite, and short-range land-based secure communications to consumer electronics and 5G infrastructure, the new 40/42-890 microwave switch family supplies highly configurable RF switching solutions up to 110GHz through the PXI platform, giving flexibility, versatility, and test system optimisation.

“This new PXI/PXIe family allows RF test engineers to select from and combine a wide range of high-performance microwave relay types to suit their exact application requirements while minimising chassis slot usage by combining multiple relay and connector types on a single module,” said Steve Edwards, switching product manager at Pickering.

A full range of SPDT, SPnT, and transfer switch types are offered in PXI/PXIe, with terminated or unterminated ports at frequencies up to 110GHz – with options available in 50-Ohm or 75-Ohm impedance. RF test engineers can, therefore, specify the combination and topology of relays required to produce a bespoke solution tailored to their application requirements. Switching systems also profit from reduced chassis slot count since multiple relay types can be combined in a single module. This helps minimise cost by combining the switch payload onto a smaller number of modules when compared to single switch-type products.

Combining a mix of relay types permits users to produce larger and/or higher frequency MUXs than offered via dedicated switches. For example, by combining two SP6T terminated and one SPDT relay, users can – with the addition of linking cables – create an SP12T terminated MUX rated to frequencies exceeding the 18GHz offered via dedicated switches. A range of predefined solutions are standard in the 4x-890 family to illustrate the possibilities. With PXI or PXIe control interface options, test engineers also benefit from flexibility in chassis selection – and the Pickering connection division can provide a full range of cabling solutions to support the 40/42-890 range.

Each relay fitted to a 4x-890 module has associated front panel LED indicators to display the current energised path. This signal path indication supplies a clear visual confirmation for verifying system operation, significantly simplifying the debugging of test application software. Onboard relay counting is also offered, permitting the quantity of switching operations to be monitored as part of a test system predictive maintenance process. Relay types that can be swiftly replaced by simply withdrawing them through the front panel facilitate rapid in-field repair.

Test engineers can configure front panel layouts for the family using the company's free web-based Microwave Switch Design Tool (MSDT), selecting panel size, relay types, LED indicators, cooling slots, images, and labelling. Once the assorted elements are added to the panel, the user can position them as needed before submitting them to the company for production. Each custom build will be allocated a specific part number to supply traceability and ease the reorder process. The modules are also provided with soft front panels for each fitted relay, enabling manual control of the switches to simplify application software development and debug.

The 40/42-890 range is supplied with drivers that allow support across all popular software programming environments and operating systems, including Windows and Linux, as well as other real-time HIL tools.