Matrix switches with Ethernet and Serial remote controls from JFW Industries, Inc.

Matrix Switches

JFW offers blocking and non-blocking matrix switches.  They are available with 50 Ohm or 75 Ohm impedance.  The Ethernet/Serial models run our latest generation 3.x.x firmware that features easy to use ASCII formatted commands.  Our RF Matrix Guide steps through the advantages for each matrix type.

Blocking Matrix Switch:

  • Constructed with RF switches on both halves of the matrix
  • An output port can be connected to only one input port
  • The blocking configuration offers low insertion loss and high port-to-port isolation

Non-Blocking Matrix Switch:

  • Constructed with power dividers on input ports and RF switches on output ports
  • An input port can be connected to multiple output ports simultaneously
  • The non-blocking configuration offers additional active RF paths but has higher thru loss than blocking design.
  • Blocking Matrix Switches

    Blocking Matrix Switches (20)

    JFW model 50MS-380 SMA 4X4 Blocking Matrix Switch 50 OhmBlocking Matrix Switches

    A blocking matrix switch is constructed with RF switches on both halves of the matrix.  Each input signal can be switched to only one output port at a time.  If your application requires an input to be available to more than one output simultaneously, then a non-blocking matrix becomes necessary. The two most notable advantages of a blocking matrix switch are insertion loss and isolation.  Because the matrix construction uses only RF switches, the insertion loss will be lower than any other matrix configuration.  Using only RF switches also makes it possible to maintain very high isolation from input to output because RF switches have better isolation characteristics than power divider/combiners.  The one disadvantage is that each input is only available to a single output.  Our RF Matrix Guide steps through the advantages for each matrix switch type.

    50 Ohm Models

    [lt id="88"]

    75 Ohm Models

    [lt id="122"]

    Maximum Active RF Path Examples

    2 x 4 Blocking Matrix Switch:  2 active paths maximum 8 x 4 Blocking Matrix Switch:  4 active paths maximum 4 x 8 Blocking Matrix Switch:  4 active paths maximum 8 x 6 Blocking Matrix Switch:  6 active paths maximum

    Example Diagram #1

    This block diagram shows one possible setting of a 3 X 3 blocking matrix switch. There are three input signals (blue, red, green). Each input signal is connected to one output port. The three colored paths are the three active paths through the matrix. A 3 x 3 blocking matrix has a maximum of 3 active paths. Blocking matrix switch example with active RF paths shown JFW Industries, Inc.

    Example Diagram #2

    This block diagram shows a different possible setting of the 3 X 3 blocking matrix switch. Each 1P3T switch can have only one active RF path. Blocking matrix switch example with active RF paths shown JFW Industries, Inc.

    Custom Models

    JFW does not charge NRE’s for custom test system models. Please email us your specific requirement. We will respond with a ROM (rough order of magnitude) quote in 1-2 days.

    Remote Commands

    The matrix switches are available with Ethernet/Serial remote control.  Our current generation of Ethernet/Serial firmware is called 3.x.x firmware. It features easy to use ASCII formatted remote commands. Use our Ethernet Test Box to demo the 3.x.x firmware.

    Test Software

    JFW provides a GUI test program with all Ethernet and RS-232 controlled test systems. The test software for matrix switches has all of the remote commands built in for easy testing. Jump to our sample test programs to see example programs.
  • Non-Blocking Matrix Switches

    Non-Blocking Matrix Switches (21)

    JFW model 50MS-313 is a 50 Ohm 4x4 non-blocking matrix switchNon-Blocking Matrix Switches

    A non-blocking matrix switch is constructed with power dividers on the input ports and RF switches on the output ports.  This configuration allows an input port to be connected to multiple output ports simultaneously. The advantage of a non-blocking matrix over a blocking matrix is its greater connection flexibility. An input port is always available to be connected to any output port. However, the power dividers cause a non-blocking matrix to have greater insertion loss than a blocking matrix. The power dividers also decrease the isolation between output channels. In the event that two output ports are switched to receive the same input signal, the isolation between output ports is determined by the isolation of the power divider. Our RF Matrix Guide steps through the advantages for each matrix switch type. For your specific application, please contact our engineering department for recommendations.

    50 Ohm Models

    [lt id="90"]

    75 Ohm Models

    [lt id="123"]

    Maximum Active RF Path Examples

    3 x 3 Non-Blocking Matrix with output ports built as switches:  3 active paths maximum 8 x 4 Non-Blocking Matrix with output ports built as switches:  4 active paths maximum 4 x 8 Non-Blocking Matrix with output ports built as switches:  8 active paths maximum 2 x 4 Non-Blocking Matrix with output ports built as switches:  4 active paths maximum

    Example Diagram #1

    This block diagram shows one possible setting of a 3 X 3 non-blocking matrix switch. There are three input signals (blue, red, green). The power dividers split up the input signals so that each input signal is available to all output ports at all times. The switches limit the matrix to having only three active paths. Non-blocking matrix switch example with active RF paths shown JFW Industries, Inc.

    Example Diagram #2

    This block diagram shows another possible setting of a 3 X 3 non-blocking matrix switch.  Input 3 is connected to all output ports simultaneously. Non-blocking matrix switch example with active RF paths shown JFW Industries, Inc.

    Custom Models

    JFW does not charge NRE’s for custom test system models. Please email us your specific requirement. We will respond with a ROM (rough order of magnitude) quote in 1-2 days.

    Remote Commands

    The matrix switches are available with Ethernet/Serial remote control.  Our current generation of Ethernet/Serial firmware is called 3.x.x firmware. It features easy to use ASCII formatted remote commands. Use our Ethernet Test Box to demo the 3.x.x firmware.

    Test Software

    JFW provides a GUI test program with all Ethernet and RS-232 controlled test systems. The test software for matrix switches has all of the remote commands built in for easy testing. Jump to our sample test programs to see example programs.