High-performance, high-density PXI RF switching modules

Four new RF switching modules are being introduced, each having high-performance switching characteristics to 3GHz and usable to 3.5GHz.

The 40-870 provides up to six SPDT switches in a single-width 3U PXI module. The 40-872 provides up to four four-way MUXs in a single-slot 3U PXI module. The 40-874 provides one or two eight-way MUXs in a single-slot 3U PXI module. The 40-877 provides a single or dual two-by-two matrix with loop-thru connections that permit larger matrices to be simply constructed.

All the new RF modules offer excellent RF performance to 3GHz with low insertion loss and VSWR that ensure accurate and consistent switching of RF signals in RF test systems. Each module is available in partial build configurations, allowing users to specify the number of switching elements they need, and each is available with a choice of MCX or SMB connectors to simplify system cabling. Switching is performed using high-performance EMR relays that have been carefully chosen and integrated into a low-loss PCB design that minimises RF losses and VSWR.

David Owen, Business Development Manager for Pickering Interfaces, comments: "The new RF modules are the start of a new generation of high-density and high-performance RF cards. They use novel construction methods that offer lower loss, lower VSWR and higher density than competitive PXI solutions. The range of modules will be expanded to other topologies using the same construction methodology to ensure that Pickering Interfaces continues to offer the largest range and highest densities of RF switch modules available in the PXI form factor"