New MEMS-based RF multiplexers deliver substantially improved performance

Pickering Interfaces has launched a new range of PXI/PXIe RF MUX modules providing a new switching technology. Excellent for wireless communications and semiconductor tests, the new MEMS-based RF multiplexers produce vastly increased operational life (up to 300x), faster operating speed (up to 60x), higher bandwidth, and increased RF power handling versus traditional EMR alternatives. Insertion loss also remains comparable with EMRs and far lower than solid-state switches.

The family is based on the Ideal Switch from Menlo Microsystems, which are the first commercial MEMS components with the performance characteristics to support demanding RF test environments such as semiconductor, consumer wireless devices, and multiple S-band applications (including mobile services, satellite communications, and radar).

"Pickering has been monitoring MEMS (micro-electromechanical systems) technology closely for years," said Steve Edwards, switching product manager at Pickering Interfaces. "But with their Ideal Switch, Menlo Micro is the first company to offer a production MEMS switch that meets the specifications needed for RF test."

"Our partnership with Pickering Interfaces has been built on five years of collaboration focused on the next generation of RF products and applications," noted Chris Giovanniello, founder and SVP of Worldwide Marketing at Menlo Microsystems. "Now that our Ideal Switch has been incorporated into these first RF multiplexers from Pickering, we look forward to pushing our innovation further."

The 40-878 (PXI) and 42-878 (PXIe) are 50-Ohm 4 to 1 RF multiplexers. To accommodate varying sizes of test application, the 40/42-878 range is available with single, dual, or quad 4-channel multiplexers, all occupying a single PXI or PXIe chassis slot, providing flexibility in chassis selection and minimising slot count. The 40-878 can also be supported in all Pickering's LXI/USB Modular Switching chassis, allowing a PXI-, LAN-, or USB-controlled switching solution with the same high-performance levels. The module is offered with either SMB or MCX connectors to allow users to select the most suitable interface for their applications, and Pickering provides a full range of cabling solutions.

Switching product manager at Pickering, Steve Edwards, commented: "With its operational life of >3 billion operations, the 40/42-878 far exceeds that offered by EMR-based solutions (typically 10 million operations), minimising system downtime due to relays wearing out or requiring service. Its operating speed of just 50us minimises test cycle time, maximising system throughput since multiple transitions can be performed in the time previously required for a single EMR switching operation. This rapid switching also makes the products suitable for a wide range of diverse applications.

"Furthermore, its 4GHz bandwidth (compared to 3GHz for existing EMR products) contributes to test system longevity since the 40/42-878 can support new higher frequency test requirements. And this increased bandwidth is also provided with increased RF power handling, exceeding the 10W capability of EMR solutions," continued Edwards. "Finally, unlike solid-state solutions, the MEMS switches used in the 40/42-878 exhibit low insertion loss, typically <1.4db at 4GHz – comparable to EMR solutions, while offering all the benefits of a MEMS-based design."

The product is supplied with drivers that enable support in all popular software programming environments. In terms of operating systems, all Microsoft-supported Windows versions, popular varieties of Linux, and other real-time hardware-in-the-loop tools are supported. The company's standard three-year warranty covers all modules.