British Pickering Company launches new RF switch module based on MEMS (microelectromechanical systems)

British Pickering Company launches new MEMS (microelectromechanical systems)-based RF switch module, providing 300 times the operating life and 60 times the test system throughput

The partnership with Menlo Microsystems brings new switching technology to PXI RF multiplexing switches to significantly improve performance.

June 26, 2023, in Clacton-on-sea, UK. Pickering Interfaces, a major manufacturer of signal switches and simulation solutions for electronic testing and verification, today released a new product PXI/PXIe RF multiplexing switch module using new switching technology. The new MEMS-based RF multiplexing switch is ideal for wireless communications and semiconductor testing. Compared with traditional EMR (electromagnetic relay) switches, the operating life is greatly extended (up to 300 times) and the switching speed is faster (up to 60 times). , higher bandwidth and stronger RF power processing capabilities. Insertion loss is also comparable to EMR and much lower than solid state switches.

The new product family is built on Menlo Microsystems' Ideal Switch®. It is the first commercial MEMS component with performance characteristics to support demanding RF test environments such as semiconductors, consumer wireless devices and various S-band applications including mobile services, satellite communications and radar. “Pickering has been paying close attention to MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) technology for many years,” said Steve Edwards, switch product manager at Pickering Interfaces. “With the Ideal Switch, Menlo Micro becomes the first company to offer a mass-produced MEMS switch that meets the specifications required for RF testing.”

"Our partnership with Pickering Interfaces builds on a five-year collaboration focused on next-generation RF products and applications," said Chris Giovanniello, founder and senior vice president of global marketing at Menlo Microsystems. "Now, our Ideal Switch has been Pickering was used to build the first RF multiplexing switches and we look forward to further advancing the development of our innovative technology. "

The 40-878 (PXI) and 42-878 (PXIe) are 50Ω 4:1 RF multiplexing switches. In order to adapt to test applications of different sizes, the 40/42-878 series provides single, double or four-group specifications, all occupying only one PXI or PXIe chassis slot. Users have the flexibility to choose a chassis that minimizes the number of slots required. The 40-878 can also be installed in all Pickering LXI/USB modular switch chassis. Therefore, different switching solutions controlled by PXI, LAN or USB have the same level of high performance. The module is available with SMB or MCX connectors, allowing users to choose the interface that best suits their application. In addition, Pickering also provides a comprehensive range of cable solutions.

Steve Edwards, Switch Product Manager at Pickering, explained the new product: “The 40/42-878 series provides a life of greater than 3 billion operations, far exceeding EMR-based solutions (typically 10 million operations), maximizing Reduce system downtime due to relay damage or need for maintenance. The switching speed of only 50us allows these switches to switch multiple times within one EMR switching time, thus minimizing test cycle time and improving system throughput. . The advantage of fast switching makes this product suitable for a wide range of applications. ”

"In addition, 40/42-878 provides a 4GHz bandwidth (the existing EMR product bandwidth is 3GHz), which can support new higher frequency test requirements, thus helping to extend the service life of the test system. While increasing the bandwidth, It also increases the RF carrying power beyond the 10W power of EMR solutions. “Finally, unlike solid-state solutions, the MEMS switches used in the 40/42-878 have low insertion loss, typically less than 1.4 at 4GHz. db – equivalent to EMR solutions but with all the advantages of MEMS-based designs.”

The 40/42-878 series comes with drivers for use in all major software programming environments . In terms of operating systems, it supports all current Microsoft Windows versions and mainstream Linux versions, as well as other real-time hardware-in-the-loop (HiL) tools. In addition, Pickering provides a three-year warranty for all modules.

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