Reflective switch: Switch ports are high impedance (open) when turned off.
Absorptive switch: Switch ports are 50 Ohm when turned off.
Self-terminating switch: Switch ports are 50 Ohm when turned off.

2) What does the terminology “N.O.” and “failsafe” mean?

Normally Open (N.O.) switch: With no power applied, common port is connected to none of the output ports.
Failsafe switch: With no power applied, common port is connected to one of the output ports.

3) What does the terminology “cold switch” and “hot switch” mean?

Cold switch: No signal is applied to the switch while the switch is changing states.
Hot switch: The switch changes states while a signal is still being applied to the switch.

4) What are the pro's and con's of solid-state versus relay RF switches?

Solid-State Pros	Relay Pros
Typical MTBF = 250,000 hours	Wide frequency range (works at DC)
Excellent insertion loss repeatability	Higher input power
Switching speed (microseconds)	Low harmonic distortion
Solid-State Cons	Relay Cons
Increased harmonic distortion	Switching speed (milliseconds)
Lower input power *	lifetime (1 million operation typical)
*Solid-state switches will typically handle much less power than relay models. However, JFW has a line of high power solid-state switches that can hot switch up to 100 Watts and cold switch up to 250 Watts, depending on the model.

5) Are the RF switches attenuators bi-directional?

All of JFW's RF switches are bi-directional unless noted differently on the specification sheet.

6) I need a custom RF switch designed. How much are your typical NREs (non-recurring engineering change)?

JFW does not charge NREs. Please send your custom requirement to sales@jfwindustries.com.

7) Are your 18GHz Electro-mechanical Switches available with indicators or as latching?

Typical options: Latching, Self-terminating, Indicators, TTL, RoHS, non-RoHS
Typical DC supply options: +12, +15, or +28 Vdc