The new MUX series offers the highest number of channel microwave multiplexer switches in PXI

     Pickering Interface Corporation has released a new family of high channel number PXI and PXIe microwave MUX modules. The 40/42-788 series expands the range of RF and microwave switches based on industry-leading, high-quality Radiall mechanical microwave switches with bandwidths from 8GHz to 40GHz. Multi-function switching configurations are available with single or dual SP8T, SP10T or SP12T multiplexers, ideal for building complex microwave switching networks.

     In addition to microwave switching applications, these modules are suitable for many uses in the RF spectrum, where extremely low insertion losses and ultra-high isolation are critical. Microwave mux has many uses in communication testing, including routing measuring instruments, such as network analyzers or even antennas, to multiple UTs in an ATE system.

     The 40-788 (PXI) and 42-788 (PXIe) ranges of the PXI Microwave MUX modules are ideal for switching 50 ohm signals from 8GHz to 40GHz. They are available in terminated and unterminated SP8T single, SP10T or SP12T single and dual configurations with relays mounted on the front panel. The internal relay terminal feature can enhance signal integrity by routing unused signals to a 50 ohm load. A remote version is also available, which can support one or two multiplexers in a two-slot PXI or PXIe module. Panel or remote installation options enable users to place the switch in the most convenient location.

     Panel mounted multiplexers occupy 4 slots (single version) or 6 slots (dual version). The remote installation option connects each switch to the control module via two 1.5m cables, providing flexibility in switch positioning. They also take up less PXI chassis space and bring microwave relays closer to UUT and RF test equipment. This reduces cable length and improves system performance.

     "These modules give you the highest RF and microwave switching performance in a Pickering switching system," notes Steve Edwards, Product Manager for Pickering Switching, "and the highest number of channel microwave multiplexer switches from any PXI vendor." This reduces the number of switches and associated interconnections required for high-channel number microwave switching applications, which improves signal quality and simplifies programming."

     The series provides a switch cycle count function to help test system health monitoring. Determining the number of operations per channel can help manage the loss process by replacing the more used channels with less used paths. LED indicators are mounted on the front panel to indicate the closed RF path. Depending on bandwidth requirements, the connection consists of high-performance SMA, SMA 2.9 or N-type connectors. High quality interconnect cables are also available to support RF and microwave applications.