Modular RF Switch Design for Simulation and Prototyping

Menlo Microsystems, Inc.has announced that it has partnered with X-Microwave to deliver an X-MWblocks modular building block that enables developers to rapidly prototype RF systems based on Menlo Micro’s high-performance MM5130 switch.

The innovator of the “Modular Building Block System,” X-Microwave provides a complete modular building block ecosystem of RF and microwave drop-in components, as well as test and prototyping accessories. The new X-MWblocks module featuring the MM5130 switch is the first Ideal Switch offering in X-Microwave’s extensive portfolio of modular building blocks. Designed for use in production applications, X-MWblocks can be connected together easily without solder to rapidly build RF and microwave assemblies. 

The MM5130 switch eliminates the compromises that engineers face when deciding between RF mechanical relays or solid-state switches for RF designs. The MM5130 offers the best of both options: it outperforms electromechanical RF relays across all application-critical metrics while offering the size, reliability and speed benefits of a solid-state switch. The highest density SP4T switch on the market, the MM5130 can handle power levels of up to 25W (CW) while operating across a frequency range from DC up to 26 GHz with an insertion loss of 1.3 dB at 18 GHz and switching speeds less than 10 µs.

According to Menlo Micro characterization tests, the MM5130 switch offers an IP3 linearity of greater than 95 dBm, enabling significant reductions in distortion for RF systems. IP3 is a figure of merit used to determine how much distortion a switch introduces into an RF system, impacting the quality of transmitted or received signals. Enhanced IP3 performance results in size, weight, power and cost improvements as power amplifiers and other RF components in the design can be scaled back in power and size, enhancing overall system performance.  

These improvements make the MM5130 switch an attractive solution for advanced RF systems including low-loss switched filter banks, tunable filters, step attenuators, RF and microwave switching in radio front-end systems, and phase shifters for beam steering and phased array antennas used in 5G networks. High linearity also makes the MM5130 ideal for ultra-compact switch matrices and RF test and measurement applications.

Availability

Samples of MM5130-based X-MWblocks are available now through X-Microwave’s global network of sales representatives and channel partners. Learn more about Menlo Micro, Ideal Switch technology and the MM5130 RF switch at Menlo Micro's site.