Non-Blocking Matrix Switches

A non-blocking matrix switch is constructed with power dividers on the input ports and RF switches on the output ports.  This configuration allows an input port to be connected to multiple output ports simultaneously.

The advantage of a non-blocking matrix over a blocking matrix is its greater connection flexibility. An input port is always available to be connected to any output port. However, the power dividers cause a non-blocking matrix to have greater insertion loss than a blocking matrix. The power dividers also decrease the isolation between output channels. In the event that two output ports are switched to receive the same input signal, the isolation between output ports is determined by the isolation of the power divider. Our RF Matrix Guide steps through the advantages for each matrix switch type. For your specific application, please contact our engineering department for recommendations.

50 Ohm Models

JFW Model	Matrix Switch	Frequency Start	Frequency Stop	RF Input Power	Switch Design	Unused Ports	RF Connectors
50MS-287	24 x 4 Non-Blocking	20 MHz	2 GHz	+20 dBm	Solid-state	Absorptive	N, SMA
50MS-288	8 x 8 Non-Blocking	20 MHz	1 GHz	+20 dBm	Solid-state	Absorptive	N
50MS-299	8 x 4 Non-Blocking	700 MHz	3 GHz	+20 dBm	Solid-state	Absorptive	SMA
50MS-300	8 x 8 Non-Blocking	700 MHz	3 GHz	+20 dBm	Solid-state	Absorptive	SMA
50MS-304	6 x 6 Non-Blocking	2000 MHz	6 GHz	+20 dBm	Solid-state	Absorptive	SMA
50MS-313	4 x 4 Non-Blocking	700 MHz	3 GHz	+30 dBm	Solid-state	Absorptive	N
50MS-335	8 x 16 Non-Blocking	700 MHz	3 GHz	+20 dBm	Solid-state	Absorptive	SMA
50MS-420	16 x 16 Non-Blocking	20 MHz	3 GHz	+30 dBm	Solid-state	Absorptive	N, SMA
50MS-423	24 x 12 Non-Blocking	700 MHz	4 GHz	+30 dBm	Solid-state	Absorptive	SMA
50MS-426	8 x 8 Non-Blocking	350 MHz	6 GHz	+30 dBm	Solid-state	Absorptive	N, SMA
50MS-435	4 x 6 Non-Blocking	1000 MHz	18 GHz	+30 dBm	Solid-state	IN absorptive, OUT reflective	N, SMA
50MS-436	4 x 8 Non-Blocking	1000 MHz	18 GHz	+30 dBm	Solid-state	IN absorptive, OUT reflective	N, SMA
50MS-437	8 x 8 Non-Blocking	1000 MHz	18 GHz	+30 dBm	Solid-state	IN absorptive, OUT reflective	N, SMA
50MS-460	4 x 4 Non-Blocking	350 MHz	6 GHz	+30 dBm	Solid-state	Absorptive	N, SMA
50MS-462	4 x 4 Non-Blocking	500 MHz	8.4 GHz	+30 dBm	Solid-state	Absorptive	N, SMA
50MS-463	8 x 8 Non-Blocking	500 MHz	8.4 GHz	+30 dBm	Solid-state	Absorptive	N, SMA
50MS-465	4 x 4 Non-Blocking	1000 MHz	18 GHz	+30 dBm	Solid-state	IN absorptive, OUT reflective	N, SMA

75 Ohm Models

JFW Model	Matrix Switch	Frequency Start	Frequency Stop	RF Input Power	Switch Design	Unused Ports	RF Connectors
75MS-052	8 x 8 Non-Blocking	5 MHz	1218 MHz	+20 dBm	Electro-mechanical	Absorptive	F
75MS-040	4 x 4 Non-Blocking	5 MHz	2150 MHz	+10 dBm	Solid-state	Absorptive	F
75MS-050	4 x 4 Non-Blocking	5 MHz	1218 MHz	+20 dBm	Electro-mechanical	Absorptive	F
75MS-051	4 x 8 Non-Blocking	5 MHz	1218 MHz	+20 dBm	Electro-mechanical	Absorptive	F

Maximum Active RF Path Examples

3 x 3 Non-Blocking Matrix with output ports built as switches:  3 active paths maximum
8 x 4 Non-Blocking Matrix with output ports built as switches:  4 active paths maximum
4 x 8 Non-Blocking Matrix with output ports built as switches:  8 active paths maximum
2 x 4 Non-Blocking Matrix with output ports built as switches:  4 active paths maximum

Example Diagram #1

This block diagram shows one possible setting of a 3 X 3 non-blocking matrix switch. There are three input signals (blue, red, green). The power dividers split up the input signals so that each input signal is available to all output ports at all times. The switches limit the matrix to having only three active paths.

Example Diagram #2

This block diagram shows another possible setting of a 3 X 3 non-blocking matrix switch.  Input 3 is connected to all output ports simultaneously.

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.