Switch design tool simplifies configuration of LXI microwave switching and relay systems

Pickering Interfaces has released its Microwave Switch Design Tool, a new free online tool for configuring flexible LXI microwave switching products. The dedicated tool will facilitate the configuration of custom LXI RF and microwave switching systems, assisting in bringing powerful, flexible microwave design functionality to customers building systems for signal routing applications across 5G, wireless and telecommunications, semiconductor, medical, and aerospace and defence.

Using the interactive online tool, engineers can specify and configure a combination of high-performance microwave LXI relays, up to 110GHz bandwidth, with 50-Ohm or 75-Ohm impedance, and various connector types, including the location of individual microwave switching elements through to the associated labelling necessities. This switch platform design can generate a full system quotation and unique part number to be ordered directly from the company, where it will be built and delivered as a custom system.

Engineers can choose from relays including transfer, SPDT, SP4T, SP6T, SP8T, SP10T, and SP12T, in terminated and unterminated versions, with an industry-standard LXI Ethernet control interface, in compact 1U to 4U form factors, delivering space-saving microwave switching solutions. Flexibility in front-panel relay positioning helps minimise external interconnecting cable lengths. The systems display excellent RF and repeatability characteristics, with high-performance relays providing low VSWR, very high isolation, low loss, and high-power handling that is ideal for switching coaxial systems that demand high performance from the HF band to microwave frequencies.

Microwave division manager at Pickering Interfaces, Simon Aylott, commented: “This powerful new online tool will enable customers to easily configure custom RF and microwave switching and relay systems with just a few clicks. Engineers can use the tool to design custom front panel graphics and labels to support their application. The initial release will support and aid the customer experience when configuring flexible LXI microwave switch products, but future versions will also support PXI modules.”