Blocking 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

JFW Model #	Impedance	Configuration	Unused Ports	Frequency Start	Frequency Stop	RF Input Power	RF Connectors
50MS-211	50 Ohm	4 x 8 Blocking Matrix Switch	Reflective	DC	6 GHz	1 Watt	SMA
50MS-291	50 Ohm	12 x 8 Blocking Matrix Switch	Absorptive	700 MHz	3 GHz	0.1 Watt	N
50MS-305	50 Ohm	18 x 4 Blocking Matrix Switch	Absorptive	DC	6 GHz	1 Watt	SMA
50MS-323	50 Ohm	12 x 12 Blocking Matrix Switch	Absorptive	700 MHz	3 GHz	1 Watt	N
50MS-334	50 Ohm	2 x 12 Blocking Matrix Switch	Absorptive	700 MHz	3 GHz	1 Watt	N
50MS-337	50 Ohm	24 x 4 Blocking Matrix Switch	Absorptive	700 MHz	3 GHz	0.1 Watt	N, SMA, TNC
50MS-342	50 Ohm	2 x 18 Blocking Matrix Switch	Absorptive	700 MHz	3 GHz	1 Watt	N
50MS-356	50 Ohm	2 x 12 Blocking Matrix Switch	Absorptive	DC	26.5 GHz	0.25 Watt	SMA
50MS-367	50 Ohm	4 x 4 Blocking Matrix Switch	Absorptive	DC	40 GHz	8 Watt	2.92mm
50MS-380	50 Ohm	4 x 4 Blocking Matrix Switch	Absorptive	DC	18 GHz	50 Watt	SMA
50MS-404	50 Ohm	8 x 8 Blocking Matrix Switch	Absorptive	DC	18 GHz	30 Watt	N, SMA
50MS-345	50 Ohm	4 x 8 Blocking Matrix Switch	Absorptive	DC	18 GHz	50 Watt	SMA
50MS-382	50 Ohm	6 x 6 Blocking Matrix Switch	Absorptive	DC	18 GHz	50 Watt	N, SMA
50MS-403	50 Ohm	8 x 8 Blocking Matrix Switch	Absorptive	20 MHz	3 GHz	0.1 Watt	N, SMA
50MS-421	50 Ohm	8 x 8 Blocking Matrix Switch	Absorptive	20 MHz	1 GHz	0.1 Watt	BNC, N, SMA
50MS-455	50 Ohm	4 x 4 Blocking Matrix Switch	Absorptive	DC	26.5 GHz	50 Watt	3.5mm

75 Ohm Models

JFW Model #	Impedance	Configuration	Unused Ports	Frequency Start	Frequency Stop	RF Input Power	RF Connectors
75MS-029	75 Ohm	2 x 8 Blocking Matrix Switch	IN Reflective, OUT Absorptive	3 MHz	1000 MHz	+13 dBm	F, N
75MS-030	75 Ohm	2 x 6 Blocking Matrix Switch	IN Reflective, OUT Absorptive	3 MHz	1000 MHz	+13 dBm	F, N
75MS-037	75 Ohm	2 x 12 Blocking Matrix Switch	Absorptive	DC	1700 MHz	+27 dBm	F, N
75MS-053	75 Ohm	8 x 8 Blocking Matrix Switch	Absorptive	DC	1218 MHz	+20 dBm	F

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.

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.

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.