MEMS-based RF multiplexers use switching technology to boost performance
Delivering up to 300 times the operational life and 60 times the test system throughput, PXI / PXIe RD multiplexer modules by Pickering Interfaces are based on the Ideal Switch switching technology from Menlo Microsystems and have a substantially improved performance, said the company.
Suitable for wireless communications and semiconductor test, the new MEMS-based RF multiplexers deliver vastly increased operational life (up to 300x), faster operating speed (up to 60x), higher bandwidth and increased RF power handling compared to traditional EMR (electromechanical relay) alternatives, claimed Pickering. Insertion loss also remains comparable with EMRs and much lower than solid state switches, added the company.
According to Pickering, the modules are the first commercial MEMS 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). “Pickering has been monitoring MEMS (micro-electromechanical systems) technology closely for years,” said Steve Edwards, switching product manager at Pickering Interfaces. Menlo Micro is the first company to offer a production MEMS switch that meets the specifications needed for RF test, he added.
The 40-878 (PXI) and 42-878 (PXIe) are 50 Ohm four to one 1 RF multiplexers. To accommodate varying sizes of test application, the 40-878 (PXI) and 42-878 (PXIe) are available with single, dual, or quad four-channel multiplexers. All occupy a single PXI or PXIe chassis slot, providing flexibility in chassis selection and minimising 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 an application. Pickering also provides a full range of cabling solutions.
Operational life is at least three billion operations for the 40/42-878 which far exceeds that offered by EMR-based solutions (typically 10 million operations). This minimises system downtime due to relays wearing out or requiring service.
Operating speed is just 50 microseconds which minimises test cycle time, maximising system throughput, since multiple transitions can be performed in the time previously required for a single EMR switching operation.
The bandwidth of 4GHz rather than 3GHz for existing EMR products contributes to test system longevity to support new higher frequency test requirements. The increased RF power handling exceeds the 10W capability of EMR solutions, confirmed the company. “Unlike solid state solutions, the MEMS switches used in the 40/42-878 exhibit low insertion loss, typically less than 1.4db at 4GHz – comparable to EMR solutions, while offering all the benefits of a MEMS-based design,” added Edwards.
The 40/42-878 modules are supplied with drivers that allow support in all popular software programming environments. All Microsoft-supported Windows versions and popular varieties of Linux OS are supported, as well as other real time hardware-in-the-loop (HiL) tools. All modules are covered by Pickering’s standard three-year warranty.
