RadiSwitch® – FAQ

RadiSwitch® - Coaxial Switch Cards

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Table of Contents - FAQ

What kind of relay connectors are used on the RadiSwitch cards?

The RadiSwitch plug-in cards are available with different type of relays / connectors depending on the frequency of the signals and the power levels that need to be switched. The following type of relay connectors are available covering RF switching applications up to 50 GHz.

  • BNC maximum frequency 3 GHz
  • N-type maximum frequency 12.4 GHz
  • SMA maximum frequency 18 GHz
  • K-type (2.92 mm) maximum frequency 40 GHz
  • Q-type (2.4 mm) maximum frequency 50 GHz

 

What is the maximum power handling specification of the RadiSwitch internal relays?

The maximum power handling is depending in the type of internal relay (SPDT, SP6T and connector type) For relays using one or more Single Pole, Dual Throw (SPDT) relays the maximum power handling is specified at:

  • BNC 400 Watt @ 1 GHz, 240 Watt @ 3 GHz
  • N-type 700 Watt @ 1 GHz, 200 Watt @ 12.4 GHz
  • SMA 240 Watt @ 3 GHz, 100 Watt @ 18 GHz
  • K-type (2.92 mm) 80 Watt @ 6 GHz, 10 Watt @ 40 GHz
  • Q-type (2.4 mm) 80 Watt @ 6 GHz, 5 Watt @ 50 GHz

For relays using one or more Single Pole, Six Throw (SP6T) relays the maximum power handling is specified at:

  • SMA 240 Watt @ 3 GHz, 100 Watt @ 18 GHz
  • K-type (2.92 mm) 40 Watt @ 6 GHz, 5 Watt @ 40 GHz
  • Q-type (2.4 mm) 80 Watt @ 6 GHz, 5 Watt @ 50 GHz

Important!
This power handling is specified as ‘cold switching’, which means the RF power should be OFF. There is NO switching allowed when the RF power is applied to the relay!

Can the RSW1022S be used with a CTR1001S

Yes, it is possible to use the RSW1022S in combination with a RadiCentre Slim model CTR1001S.

The CTR1001S can be used with other plug-in cards like the RadiPower USB1004A and other single-slot RadiSwitch cards with SPDT relays (SMA, N-, K- and Q-type)

The CTR1001S can not be used with the RadiGen plug-in cards or other two slot plug-in cards, like the RadiSwitch cards with SP6T relays and the RadiField pug-in card.

What is the return loss and isolation specifications of the RadiSwitch internal relays?

The RadiSwitch plug-in cards use high-quality RF relays with very low insertion loss and high isolation. The following maximum insertion loss and minimum isolation specifications (typical) are applicable for the different type of relays:

  • BNC @ 1 GHz insertion loss: 0,15 dB / Isolation: 85 dB 
  • N-type @ 3 GHz insertion loss: 0,25 dB / Isolation: 75 dB 
  • SMA SPDT @ 8 GHz insertion loss: 0,20 dB / Isolation: 75 dB 
  • K-type SPDT @ 18 GHz insertion loss: 0,50 dB / Isolation: 60 dB 
  • Q-type SPDT @ 26.5 GHz insertion loss: 0,70 dB / Isolation: 55 dB

Can a RadiSwitch card be used for switching the output of high-power RF amplifiers?

The internal relays can’t be used for handling RF power that is higher than the maximum power specification. For applications that requires switching of a high-power RF amplifier, for example 5 kWatt @ 1 GHz, the RadiSwitch external switch card can be used. This plug-in card provides the DC power supply (selectable 12V, 24V or 28 V) and the driver current (maximum 500 mA per relay) for switching the external relay. Additionally, indicator contacts are available to determine the switching position of the external relay.

RadiSwitch® – FAQ

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