Blocking Matrix Switches

A blocking matrix switch is constructed with RF switches on both halves of the matrix.  Each input signal can be switched to only one output port at a time.  If your application requires an input to be available to more than one output simultaneously, then a non-blocking matrix becomes necessary.

The two most notable advantages of a blocking matrix switch are insertion loss and isolation.  Because the matrix construction uses only RF switches, the insertion loss will be lower than any other matrix configuration.  Using only RF switches also makes it possible to maintain very high isolation from input to output because RF switches have better isolation characteristics than power divider/combiners.  The one disadvantage is that each input is only available to a single output.  Our RF Matrix Guide steps through the advantages for each matrix switch type.

50 Ohm Models

JFW Model	Matrix Switch	Frequency Start	Frequency Stop	RF Input Power	Switch Design	Unused Ports	RF Connectors
50MS-211	4 x 8 Blocking	DC	6 GHz	1 Watt	Electro-mechanical	Reflective	SMA
50MS-291	12 x 8 Blocking	700 MHz	3 GHz	0.1 Watt	Solid-state	Absorptive	N
50MS-305	18 x 4 Blocking	DC	6 GHz	1 Watt	Electro-mechanical	Absorptive	SMA
50MS-323	12 x 12 Blocking	700 MHz	3 GHz	1 Watt	Solid-state	Absorptive	N
50MS-334	2 x 12 Blocking	700 MHz	3 GHz	1 Watt	Solid-state	Absorptive	N
50MS-337	24 x 4 Blocking	700 MHz	3 GHz	0.1 Watt	Solid-state	Absorptive	N, SMA, TNC
50MS-342	2 x 18 Blocking	700 MHz	3 GHz	1 Watt	Solid-state	Absorptive	N
50MS-356	2 x 12 Blocking	DC	26.5 GHz	0.25 Watt	Electro-mechanical	Absorptive	SMA
50MS-367	4 x 4 Blocking	DC	40 GHz	8 Watt	Electro-mechanical	Absorptive	2.92mm
50MS-380	4 x 4 Blocking	DC	18 GHz	50 Watt	Electro-mechanical	Absorptive	SMA
50MS-404	8 x 8 Blocking	DC	18 GHz	30 Watt	Electro-mechanical	Absorptive	N, SMA
50MS-345	4 x 8 Blocking	DC	18 GHz	50 Watt	Electro-mechanical	Absorptive	SMA
50MS-382	6 x 6 Blocking	DC	18 GHz	50 Watt	Electro-mechanical	Absorptive	N, SMA
50MS-403	8 x 8 Blocking	20 MHz	3 GHz	0.1 Watt	Solid-state	Absorptive	N, SMA
50MS-421	8 x 8 Blocking	20 MHz	1 GHz	0.1 Watt	Solid-state	Absorptive	BNC, N, SMA
50MS-455	4 x 4 Blocking	DC	26.5 GHz	50 Watt	Electro-mechanical	Absorptive	3.5mm
50MS-471	6 x 6 Blocking	400 MHz	7.125 GHz	0.4 Watt	Solid-state	Absorptive	N, SMA
50MS-470	4 x 4 Blocking	400 MHz	7.125 GHz	0.4 Watt	Solid-state	Absorptive	N, SMA

75 Ohm Models

JFW Model	Matrix Switch	Frequency Start	Frequency Stop	RF Input Power	Switch Design	Unused Ports	RF Connectors
75MS-029	2 x 8 Blocking	3 MHz	1000 MHz	+13 dBm	Solid-state	IN Reflective, OUT Absorptive	F, N
75MS-030	2 x 6 Blocking	3 MHz	1000 MHz	+13 dBm	Solid-state	IN Reflective, OUT Absorptive	F, N
75MS-037	2 x 12 Blocking	DC	1700 MHz	+27 dBm	Electro-mechanical	Absorptive	F, N
75MS-053	8 x 8 Blocking	DC	1218 MHz	+20 dBm	Electro-mechanical	Absorptive	F

Maximum Active RF Path Examples

2 x 4 Blocking Matrix Switch:  2 active paths maximum
8 x 4 Blocking Matrix Switch:  4 active paths maximum
4 x 8 Blocking Matrix Switch:  4 active paths maximum
8 x 6 Blocking Matrix Switch:  6 active paths maximum

Example Diagram #1

This block diagram shows one possible setting of a 3 X 3 blocking matrix switch. There are three input signals (blue, red, green). Each input signal is connected to one output port. The three colored paths are the three active paths through the matrix. A 3 x 3 blocking matrix has a maximum of 3 active paths.

Example Diagram #2

This block diagram shows a different possible setting of the 3 X 3 blocking matrix switch. Each 1P3T switch can have only one active RF path.

Custom Models

JFW does not charge NRE’s for custom test system models. Please email us your specific requirement. We will respond with a ROM (rough order of magnitude) quote in 1-2 days.

Remote Commands

The matrix switches are available with Ethernet/Serial remote control.  Our current generation of Ethernet/Serial firmware is called 3.x.x firmware. It features easy to use ASCII formatted remote commands. Use our Ethernet Test Box to demo the 3.x.x firmware.

Test Software

JFW provides a GUI test program with all Ethernet and RS-232 controlled test systems. The test software for matrix switches has all of the remote commands built in for easy testing. Jump to our sample test programs to see example programs.