U7104/6E/N/F Multiport Electromechanical Coaxial Switches

SP4T/SP6T, DC to 50/54/67 GHz

Key Features

• Single-pole-four-throw (SP4T) and single-pole-six-throw (SP6T) configuration, latching, terminated

• Extend the number of test ports for multi-DUT or multiport devices measurement

• Achieve lower cost-per-port test without compromising performance 

• Superior isolation, 65 dB minimum at 67 GHz and low VSWR, 1.92 maximum at 67 GHz

• Opto-electronics indicator and current interrupt  • TTL/5V CMOS compatible (optional)

Description

The Keysight U7104E/N/F SP4T and U7106E/N/F SP6T EM multiport switches provide the performance, reliability and higher density switches required for multi-DUTs or  multi-channel DUTs testing applications. They are suitable for automated test and measurement, signal monitoring, and routing applications. Innovative and rigorous  design with stringent manufacturing specifications testing allows the switches to meet  the requirements for highly repeatable switching elements in test instruments and switching interfaces. 

Operating up to 67 GHz these switches exhibit exceptional isolation performance required to maintain measurement integrity. Isolation between ports is typically > 65 dB to 67 GHz. This reduces the influence of signals from other channels, sustains the integrity of the measured signal, and reduces system measurement uncertainties. These switches also minimize measurement uncertainty with low insertion loss and reflection, which make them ideal elements in large multi-tiered switching systems.

The DC connectivity comes with a ribbon cable or optional solder terminal connections accommodate the need for secure and efficient control cable attachment. Option 400/500 provides solder terminal connections in place of the 16-pin ribbon drive cable.

Both switches series include opto-electronic current interrupts. These switches have an interrupt circuit that provides logic to open all but the selected ports, and then close the selected paths. All other paths are terminated with 50-ohm loads and the current to all the solenoids is then cut off. These versions also offer independent indicators that are controlled by optical interrupts in the switch. The indicators provide a closed path between the indicator common pin and the corresponding sense pin of the selected path. TTL/5V CMOS compatible drive is available as a selectable option.

Applications

Multiport switches find use in many applications, increasing system flexibility and simplifying system design. 

Simple signal routing

The simplest signal routing scheme takes the form of single input to multiple outputs. These matrices are often used on the front of an analyzer in order to test several two-port devices sequentially or for testing multiport devices. In surveillance applications, a multiport switch can be used for selecting the optimum antenna in order to intercept a signal. Two methods can be used to accomplish the single input to multiple output arrangement. Traditionally a tree matrix composed of SPDT switches was used to configure a multiport testing requirement. While this gave great isolation, it was at the cost of more switches. The U7104x and U7106x switches have port-to-port isolations typically greater than 65 dB at 67 GHz, eliminating the need to use a tree matrix in order to achieve high isolation. In addition to the reduced part count, the path lengths are shorter, so insertion loss is less, and paths are of equal length, so phase shift is constant.

Full access switching

Full access switching systems give the flexibility to route multiple input signals to multiple outputs simultaneously. Full access switching matrices find use in generic test systems; they provide flexible routing of signals to and from many different devices under test and stimulus and analysis instrumentation. Cross-point matrices, using single-pole double-throw (SPDT) and cross-point switches, have traditionally been used in order to maintain high channel-to-channel isolation. As with the tree matrices, it is at the cost of more hardware and performance. Full access switching can also be achieved using multiport switches. The advantage of the multiport matrix over the cross-point matrix is lower insertion loss and improved SWR performance due to consistent path length and fewer switches and connecting cables.