Microwave switch design tool from Pickering Interfaces at EuMW 2024

EuMW is an annual series of events that began in 1998, featuring three co-located conferences: the European Microwave Conference (EuMC); the European Microwave Integrated Circuits Conference (EuMIC); and the European Radar Conference (EuRAD). Also part of EuMW, the European Microwave Exhibition is the largest trade show dedicated to microwaves & RF in Europe, providing 8,000m2 of exhibition space, around 4,000 visitors from around the globe, up to 1,700 conference delegates and in excess of 300 international exhibitors (from Asia and US, as well as Europe). It offers exhibitors an unrivalled opportunity to present RF & microwave products and technological developments, plus network with academics and professionals. It also provides a forum for discussing trends and exchanging technical information.

“The latest version of our Microwave Switch Design Tool – a powerful free online tool for configuring custom PXI and LXI microwave switch products with just a few clicks – has been updated to include schematic diagrams and simulation,” said Simon Aylott, Microwave Division Manager at Pickering Interfaces. “This accelerates the design to production process, from block diagram to mechanical layout, and minimises risk by enabling you to design your own custom RF subsystem with an immediate visual indication of electrical performance.”

“Our new high channel count microwave MUX modules – based on superior-quality Radiall mechanical microwave switches, with bandwidth options from 8GHz to 40GHz, and versatile switching configurations, including single or dual SP8T, SP10T or SP12T multiplexers – deliver the highest RF and microwave switching performance available within a Pickering switching system.” noted Switching Product Manager at Pickering, Steve Edwards, “They are also the highest channel count microwave multiplexer switches available from any PXI vendor. This results in fewer switches and associated interconnections required for high channel count microwave switching applications, improved signal quality and ease of programming.”

In addition to its new Microwave Switch Design Tool and high channel count microwave MUX modules, Pickering will also highlight the following RFIU (RF switching insertion units) solutions on stand #142C at EuMW 2024:

• MEMS-based PXI/PXIe RF multiplexers that deliver 300x operational life and 60x test system throughput compared to existing electromechanical relay products
• A configurable PXI microwave switch platform that allows RF test engineers to combine a wide range of high-performance relay types while minimising chassis slot usage
• Flexible LXI microwave switch platform and turnkey services for LXI microwave switch and signal routing subsystems – including a 12x12 LXI microwave switching matrix demo