The goal of this application note is to differentiate the three different types of electro-mechanical RF switch types. Each type has its own unique functionality and its own pros and cons. Understanding their differences is key to getting the functionality you require. There is a cost tradeoff for latching and failsafe/normally open functionality. Mechanically latching […]
When choosing a RF attenuator, there are a couple of questions about how you will be using the attenuator that determine which attenuator type is best for your application. Does the attenuation need to be variable or can it be a single fixed value? For fixed dB value use a fixed attenuator. For variable attenuation, […]
A transfer switch is a unique type of RF switch. Most RF switches have a single common port that switches between several ports i.e. 1P2T, 1P3T, 1P8T. The transfer switch does not have a single common port. Instead a transfer switch has 4 ports with two thru paths. The thru paths can be vertical like […]
When looking for a RF switch, one of the first options you have to choose from is whether the switch is reflective or absorptive (i.e. self-terminating). These terms refer to the state of the unused ports. For electro-mechanical RF switches the reflective type is much lower cost than the absorptive type. Reflective RF Switches Above […]
When choosing a RF switch, you must first determine which type of switch best suits your application. There are electro-mechanical switches and solid-state switches. Both types of switches perform the same function (i.e. route RF signals), but each have key differences in RF performance. Below we list a description of each type of RF switch […]
A non-blocking matrix switch is constructed with power dividers and RF switches. The power dividers provide the functionality that make this design non-blocking. The power dividers fan-out the RF signal so that it is available for multiple simultaneous connections. If an input port is already connected to an output port, it is not blocked from […]
Model 50MS-455 is an 4X4 blocking matrix switch. All unused ports are absorptive (i.e. self-terminating into 50 Ohm). It is available with 3.5mm female connectors. The matrix is constructed using switches on both halves of the matrix. Each input port can be set to only one output port at a time. A 4X4 blocking matrix […]
Think of a blocking matrix switch as an assembly that is built with an “input port” half and an “output port” half. Whether you use RF switches or power dividers to build each half determines how the matrix switch distributes the signals through the matrix. For a blocking matrix switch both halves are constructed using […]
Problem: If several 50 Ohm RF components are combined in series, the VSWR of each component adds together resulting in much higher output VSWR. Often is the case when cabling together components such as power splitters, RF switches and directional couplers. Solution: Use a 50 Ohm fixed attenuator at the output port to mask the […]
Fixed attenuators are used to decrease the power level of a RF signal. You can use the linked selection chart to look up your dB value or calculate the dB value. You only need to know your input power and desired output power level. Selection Chart: The selection chart lists output power levels for standard […]