Coaxial RF switches route a signal between transmission paths in test systems, antenna switching and RF equipment. Choose a switch by its port configuration, operating band, insertion loss, isolation, power limits and control interface. A connector type alone does not establish the usable frequency range or power rating.
Use the RFComp enquiry form to specify a manual or electrically actuated switch, the required connectors and the state each port must take when control power is removed. Request a model-specific datasheet and outline drawing before final selection.
Tell us which requirements are mandatory and which can be adjusted during model selection.
Provide the RF path diagram, connector series and gender, actuator type, control voltage and required position indication. Identify the default state after loss of control power.
State temperature limits, vibration, shock, humidity and any screening or qualification requirements. Ask which requirements the proposed model and its documentation support.
Include the mounting envelope, connector clearance, switching rate and expected operating cycles. Confirm power and switching conditions when comparing life ratings.
Start with a connection diagram: identify the common port, each selectable RF path and whether unused ports need termination. Specify the full operating band and system impedance. Compare insertion loss on the selected path, isolation to unselected paths and VSWR across that band, including the required operating temperature.
Power handling requires separate checks. Hot switching means RF power is present while contacts change state; cold switching removes RF power before changing state. Do not treat a carry-power rating as permission to hot-switch at that level. Confirm average power, peak power, duty cycle and switching conditions for the selected model.
For background on hot, cold, average and peak power ratings, see Keysight’s guide to electromechanical switch power handling.
An absorptive switch terminates specified unselected ports in a matched load; a reflective switch leaves them in a reflective state. Check the port diagram because termination behaviour can vary by state and port. Also confirm termination power, isolation and VSWR. Neither term by itself establishes amplifier protection or the lowest insertion loss.
Service life is model-specific and depends on the load, switching rate and operating conditions. Ask for the mechanical and electrical life ratings and the insertion-loss repeatability limit. A quoted cycle count should state whether it applies to hot or cold switching and under which RF power conditions.
A coax switch may be considered for ground-station routing or test equipment when its frequency, loss, isolation, power and environmental specifications meet the system requirements. Spaceflight suitability is a separate qualification question. Request evidence for the exact model and mission requirements; a general product-family description is not qualification evidence.
List every required connection and switch state. A simple RF block diagram helps distinguish SPDT, transfer and multiple-path arrangements.
1. Define the signal paths
Port map and operating states
Specify maximum average and peak RF power, duty cycle and whether the signal is present during switching.
2. State the load conditions
Power limits and switching sequence
Include the mechanical drawing, required controls, quantity and delivery target. Ask for a datasheet and written confirmation of any required exceptions.
3. Confirm the proposed configuration
Drawing, documentation and quotation
Send RFComp your switching diagram, frequency band, power levels, connector requirements and control details. Include the quantity, target delivery date and any drawing or test-report requirements so the quotation can identify the proposed configuration and any exceptions.
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HD Communications Corp.
REQUEST for QUOTE (RFQ) form for Bi-Directional Amplifier
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