A new range of PXI/PXIe radio frequency (RF) multiplexer (MUX) modules from Pickering Interfaces Ltd. features a new switching technology. Ideal for wireless communications and semiconductor tests, the new micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS)-based RF multiplexers deliver vastly increased operational life (up to 300 times), faster operating speed (up to 60 times), higher bandwidth, and increased RF power handling versus traditional electromechanical relay (EMR) alternatives. Insertion loss also remains comparable with EMRs and much lower than solid-state switches.
The family is based on the Ideal Switch from Menlo Microsystems, which are the first commercial MEMS
Source: Pickering Interfaces Ltd. components with the performance characteristics to support demanding RF test environments such as semiconductor, consumer wireless devices and various S-band applications (including mobile services, satellite communications and radar).
The 40-878 (PXI) and 42-878 (PXIe) are 50 Ω 4 to 1 RF multiplexers. To accommodate varying sizes of test application, the 40/42-878 range is available with single, dual or quad four-channel multiplexers, all occupying a single PXI or PXIe chassis slot, providing flexibility in chassis selection and minimizing slot count. The 40-878 can also be supported in all Pickering’s LXI/USB Modular Switching chassis, allowing the use of a PXI-, LAN- or USB-controlled switching solution with the same high levels of performance. The module is offered with either SMB or MCX connectors to allow users to select the most suitable interface for their applications, and Pickering provides a full range of cabling solutions.
