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RF Switch Matrix: Selection Guide, Benefits & Manufacturers

rf switch rf matrix rf component signal routing test equipment

Introduction

RF switch matrices enable flexible signal routing in test and communication setups. Key selection factors include channel count, frequency range, and isolation. This page lists features of RF Switch Matrices from popular manufacturers or vendors in table format.

What is an RF Switch Matrix?

An RF switch matrix unit consists of multiple RF switches, either electromechanical or solid-state, used to route RF signals with appropriate signal conditioning. These units are used for various applications such as test and measurement of a DUT (Device Under Test), as switch-over units for satellite ground station systems, and data communication line testing. In addition to RF switches, the matrix unit may include signal conditioning components such as amplifiers, attenuators, couplers, and filters.

Blocking vs Non-blocking matrix switch

Image Courtesy: JFW Industries, Inc.

The RF switch matrix can be categorized into two major types:

Blocking Type: This type uses RF switches on both halves of the matrix design. In this configuration, an output port can be connected to only one input port. This offers low insertion loss and high port-to-port isolation. It utilizes switches in different configurations, including SPST, 1P2T (i.e., SPDT), 1P3T, 1P4T, 1P6T, etc.
Non-Blocking Type: This type uses power dividers on the input side and RF switches on the output side. In this configuration, an input port can be connected to multiple output ports simultaneously. It offers additional active paths but has a higher through-loss compared to the blocking type.

Selection Guide

The following specifications are considered while selecting an RF Switch Matrix:

Frequency range of operation
Input vs. Output configuration
Impedance (50 Ohm or 75 Ohm)
Insertion Loss
Port to port Isolation
Connector type: SMA/N-type
Control: USB/LAN/Daisy chain etc.

RF Switch Matrix Manufacturers | RF Switch Matrix Vendors

The following table lists manufacturers or vendors of RF switch matrices.

RF Switch Matrix Manufacturers	Description
Keysight Website: https://www.keysight.com/	The company develops standard switch matrix configurations as follows: MUX switch matrix: Supports frequency from DC to 26.5 GHz and range from 1 x 4 to 1 x 48. Blocking switch matrix: DC to 26.5 GHz and supports range from 2 x 2 to 6 x 6. Non-blocking switch matrix: DC to 18 GHz and supports range from 2 x 2 to 6 x 6.
Teledyne Defense Electronics, CA, USA Website: https://www.teledynedefenseelectronics.com/ Email: relays@teledyne.com Phone: 800-284-7007	RF Switch matrices are developed in three different categories: custom unit, miniature unit, and modular test unit. Visit website for more information.
Mini Circuits Website: https://www.minicircuits.com/ Email: testsolutions@minicircuits.com	The company manufactures RF switch matrices in different categories: blocking, non-blocking, and full fan-out. These are used for multi-channel/MIMO testing, 4G radio testing, 5G radio testing, satcom signal routing, and so on.
Akon Inc., CA USA Website: https://www.akoninc.com/ Phone: +1(408) 432-8039	Switch matrix modules for various configurations are available. 3 x 6 switching matrix which supports frequency from 6 to 18 GHz, 10 x 6 matrix (2 to 18 GHz) and 16 x 12 matrix (0.5 to 18 GHz).
NI Website: https://www.ni.com/	National Instruments Corp. manufactures PXI RF matrix switch modules for various configurations. Modules use a variety of relays such as EM relays, reed relays, FET relays, Solid State Relays etc. Switch can be configured using IVI compliant NI switch driver software. Example: PXI-2540 supports 72 crosspoints, 8 rows, 9 columns, 350 MHz Bandwidth, 50 Ohm characteristic impedance, reed relay, 42.4 Vpk AC switching voltage (maximum), 0.5 A AC carry current, 100 cycles/sec scan rate etc.
Corry Micronics, Inc., PA Website: https://cormic.com/ Sales Phone: 724-964-7011	The company manufactures RF switch matrices in different configurations: blocking (8x8), non-blocking (1x256), and modular.
JFW Industries, Indianapolis, IN 46237 Website: https://www.jfwindustries.com/ Phone: 317-887-1340	Blocking matrix switches are available in various configurations from DC to 40 GHz frequency range with reflective or absorptive unused port type. Non-blocking matrix switches are available from 20 MHz to 6000 MHz for various configurations with absorptive unused port type. Supports maximum input power of about +20 dBm/+30 dBm as per switch models.
Pickering Interfaces Ltd. Website: https://www.pickeringtest.com/ Phone: +1 781-897-1710	The company manufactures RF PXI matrix modules for frequencies up to 8 GHz. It is available for 50 Ohm and 75 Ohm and supports a wide range of connectors, viz. SMA, SMB, MCX, and so on. It uses different switch types such as reed, EMR, solid state, etc. Channel configurations of various types are supported.
Planar Monolithics Industries Website: https://www.pmi-rf.com/ Email: sales@pmi-rf.com	Switch matrices for frequencies up to 40 GHz are supported with a configuration up to 32 x 32. The other configurations such as 4x4, 8x8 and 16x16 are also supported.
Digisat International Inc. Florida, USA. Website: https://www.digisat.org/ Phone: +1 (321) 676-5250	It supplies switch-over units for modem, up-converter, and down-converter manufactured by Comtech EF Data.