PXI/PXIe microwave relay modules address RF and microwave testing
Addressing emerging RF and microwave testing requirements, the 4x-781A range of PXI/PXIe microwave relay modules are capable of switching the 110GHz signals associated with RF & communications applications, including emerging technologies such as automotive radar.
Launched by Pickering, the terminated SPDT microwave switches deliver the highest RF switching performance in a Pickering switching system. They operate in the 110GHz range and as operating frequencies evolve to ever higher levels, more of Pickering’s RF & microwave switching solutions will support 110 GHz to address the latest RF testing requirements, said the company.
The 40-781A-92x (PXI) and 42-781A-92x (PXIe) modules consist of either a single or dual microwave changeover switch payload, capable of switching up to 110GHz in 50 Ohm. They are available with external terminations, and connections are via front panel mounted high quality SMA 1.0 connectors. Externally terminated switches mean that the user-accessible terminations can be removed and replaced with higher power RF loads for increased signal levels. This switch topology flexibility also allows alternative configurations to alter the switching functionality, such as terminated four-port bypass (one termination removed) and five-port DP3T (both terminations removed).
The 40/42-781A-92x range features latching relays, minimising the heating effects when the switches are energised (compared to failsafe switches), as only a pulsed signal is required for operation (since latching relay contacts retain their last set state when the power is removed). LED indication provides a clear visual confirmation of the switch operation status.
Steve Edwards, switching product manager at Pickering, observed that the 40/42-781A-92x modules are applicable to emerging microwave technologies, such as automotive radar “in addition to radar and satellite or short-range land-based secure communication testing applications”. Although designed for microwave applications, the modules can be used across the RF spectrum, where extremely low insertion loss and ultra-high isolation are critical. “They can also be used at lower frequencies, where power handling to 35W (without termination) is required,” advised Edwards.
An onboard relay cycle counting feature enables proactive health monitoring of modules for test system predictive maintenance. The number of operations per contact is stored on the module and can be used to determine if a relay is approaching end of life (EOL). This information could allow system connections to be revised so that signals applied to heavily used contacts are swapped with lightly used contacts to prolong the working life of the relay(s).
The 40/42-781A-92x range is supplied with drivers to support in all popular software programming environments. All Microsoft-supported Windows and popular Linux operating systems are supported, as well as other real time hardware in the loop (HiL) tools.
