New MEMS-based RF multiplexers deliver 300x operational life and 60x test system throughput

09 augustus 2023 door C.N. Rood

Pickering Interfaces announced a new range of PXI/PXIe RF (radio frequency) multiplexer (MUX) modules featuring a new switching technology. Ideal 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 versus traditional EMR (electromechanical relay) 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 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. �But with their Ideal Switch, Menlo Micro is the first company to offer a production MEMS switch that meets the specifications needed for RF test.�

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The 40-878 (PXI) and 42-878 (PXIe) are 50? 4 to 1 RF multiplexers. To accommodate varying sizes of test application, the 40/42-878 range is available with single, dual, or quad 4-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.�

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Switching Product Manager at Pickering, Steve Edwards, commented: �With its operational life of >3 billion operations, the 40/42-878 far exceeds that offered by EMR-based solutions (typically 10 million operations), minimizing system downtime due to relays wearing out or requiring service. Its operating speed of just 50us minimizes test cycle time, maximizing system throughput since multiple transitions can be performed in the time previously required for a single EMR switching operation. This rapid switching also makes the products suitable for a wide range of diverse applications.

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�Furthermore, its 4 GHz bandwidth (compared to 3 GHz for existing EMR products) contributes to test system longevity, since the 40/42-878 can support new higher frequency test requirements. And this increased bandwidth is also provided with increased RF power handling, exceeding the 10W capability of EMR solutions,� continued Edwards. �Finally, unlike solid-state solutions, the MEMS switches used in the 40/42-878 exhibit low insertion loss, typically <1.4db at 4GHz � comparable to EMR solutions, while offering all the benefits of a MEMS-based design.�

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The 40/42-878 is supplied with drivers that allow support in all popular software programming environments. In terms of operating systems, all Microsoft-supported Windows versions and popular varieties of Linux 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.

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C.N. Rood

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Wij denken mee, adviseren en begeleiden onze klanten in het maken van de juiste keuze in hun test- en meetapparatuur. Mensen in verschillende sectoren vertrouwen op onze expertise en ons advies. We werken voor overheid, wetenschap, onderwijs, lucht- en ruimtevaart- en auto-industrie in Noord-Europa en de Benelux. Daaronder bevinden zich vele prestigieuze en vooraanstaande organisaties. Vanuit locaties in Zweden, Nederland en Belgi� werken meer dan zestig toegewijde professionals aan oplossingen vari�rend van communicatie-testapparatuur en algemene test- en meetinstrumenten tot apparatuur voor data-acquisitie, logistieke automatisering, aangevuld met consultancy, training en turnkeyoplossingen.

We hebben een historie die teruggaat tot 1938. Onze oprichter, Cornelis Nicolaas Rood, was destijds een pionier in moderne elektronica. Onze mensen bevinden zich ook anno nu graag in de frontlinie van technologische ontwikkelingen. Op onze eigen manier leveren we zo een bijdrage aan belangrijke maatschappelijke vraagstukken. Bijvoorbeeld in energietransitie, quantum computing, medische technologie, de zelfrijdende auto, de auto op zonne-energie, de energie transitie en alle andere deeptech die bijdraagt aan de schonere en betere wereld van morgen.

Daarom letten we ook op onze eigen impact op het milieu en klimaat. Aangezien wij vooral een adviserende functie hebben is onze eigen milieu-footprint gering. Vanzelfsprekend zien we wel toe op een zo duurzaam mogelijke productie van de apparatuur die wij verkopen en zorgen we voor een maatschappelijk verantwoorde bedrijfsvoering. Al onze producten kopen we uitsluitend in bij gecertificeerde fabrikanten die werken met herleidbare en verantwoorde grondstoffen. Gebruikte apparatuur wordt kosteloos opgehaald en gerecycled.

Het zijn maar een paar voorbeelden om duidelijk te maken dat we hechten aan een langetermijnvisie op de wereld om ons heen. Want juist met een geschiedenis van meer dan tachtig jaar kun je goed vooruitkijken. Daarom blijven we ook vooroplopen. Onze brede en diepe technische kennis van test- en meetapparatuur, in combinatie met onze persoonlijke connectie met onze klanten, maken ons uniek in de markt. De CN Rood groep is uw degelijke en betrouwbare kennispartner voor test- en meetapparatuur!

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We think along, advise and guide our customers in making the right choice of test and measurement equipment. People in various sectors rely on our expertise and advice. We work for government, science, education, aerospace and automotive industries in Northern Europe and the Benelux. These include many prestigious and leading organisations. From locations in Sweden, the Netherlands and Belgium, more than sixty dedicated professionals work on solutions ranging from communication test equipment and general test and measurement instruments to data acquisition equipment, logistics automation, complemented by consultancy, training and turnkey solutions.

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