MEMS switches expand PXI/PXIe test capability to 4GHz

Pickering Interfaces has teamed up with Menlo Microsystems to introduce MEMS switching to a range of PXI and PXIe RF multiplexer modules.

“MEMS-based RF multiplexers deliver increased operational life – up to 300x, faster operating speed – up to 60x, higher bandwidth and increased RF power handling versus traditional electromechanical relay alternatives,” according to Pickering. “Insertion loss remains comparable with electromechanical relays and much lower than solid-state switches.”

The boards are based on Ideal Switch from Menlo.

“Pickering has been monitoring MEMS technology for years,” said Pickering switching product manager Steve Edwards. “With their Ideal Switch, Menlo Micro is the first company to offer a production MEMS switch that meets the specifications needed for RF test.”

40-878 are the PXI versions and 42-878 types have a PXIe interface.

Built around 50Ω 4-to-1F multiplexers, the ranges are available with single, dual, or quad channels, all occupying a single PXI or PXIe chassis slot.

40-878 can also be supported in all Pickering’s LXI/USB modular switching chassis, allowing the use of a PXI, LAN, or USB control.

Connector options are SMB or MCX.

Edwards said operational life is >3 billion operations, operating speed is 50μs, bandwidth is and RF power handling exceeds 10W.

Insertion loss is typically <1.4db at 4GHz.

Drivers are available for Microsoft-supported Windows versions, some varieties of Linux and some real-time hardware-in-the-loop (HiL) tools.

Warranty is three years, and applications are foreseen in wireless communications and semiconductor test.