Pickering Interfaces' PXI & PXIe MEMS RF Multiplexers

Models 40-878 (PXI) and 42-878 (PXIe) MEMS (micro-electromechanical systems) 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.

Our PXI & PXIe MEMS RF Multiplexers are ideal for wireless communications and semiconductor test. In addition to much longer life, faster operating speed, higher bandwidth and increased RF power handing, insertion loss also remains comparable with EMRs and much lower than solid-state switches.

The modules are 50Ω 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 our 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 you to select the most suitable interface for your applications.

With an operational life of greater than 3 billion operations, the 40/42-878 range 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.