When looking for a RF switch, one of the first options you have to choose from is whether the switch is reflective or absorptive (i.e. self-terminating). These terms refer to the state of the unused ports. For electro-mechanical RF switches the reflective type is much lower cost than the absorptive type. Reflective RF Switches Above […]
When choosing a RF switch, you must first determine which type of switch best suits your application. There are electro-mechanical switches and solid-state switches. Both types of switches perform the same function (i.e. route RF signals), but each have key differences in RF performance. Below we list a description of each type of RF switch […]
A non-blocking matrix switch is constructed with power dividers and RF switches. The power dividers provide the functionality that make this design non-blocking. The power dividers fan-out the RF signal so that it is available for multiple simultaneous connections. If an input port is already connected to an output port, it is not blocked from […]
Model 50MS-455 is an 4X4 blocking matrix switch. All unused ports are absorptive (i.e. self-terminating into 50 Ohm). It is available with 3.5mm female connectors. The matrix is constructed using switches on both halves of the matrix. Each input port can be set to only one output port at a time. A 4X4 blocking matrix […]
Think of a blocking matrix switch as an assembly that is built with an “input port” half and an “output port” half. Whether you use RF switches or power dividers to build each half determines how the matrix switch distributes the signals through the matrix. For a blocking matrix switch both halves are constructed using […]
Problem: If several 50 Ohm RF components are combined in series, the VSWR of each component adds together resulting in much higher output VSWR. Often is the case when cabling together components such as power splitters, RF switches and directional couplers. Solution: Use a 50 Ohm fixed attenuator at the output port to mask the […]
Fixed attenuators are used to decrease the power level of a RF signal. You can use the linked selection chart to look up your dB value or calculate the dB value. You only need to know your input power and desired output power level. Selection Chart: The selection chart lists output power levels for standard […]
Model 50P-2014 SMA is JFW’s most popular step attenuator kit with USB control. It has attenuation range 0-95dB x 1dB steps. The attenuator can be used bi-directionally. Step Attenuator Kit Includes: 1 step attenuator (data sheet & drawing) Software for attenuator control Software manual 1 USB cable Attenuator: 0-95dB x 1dB steps 200-6000MHz 50 Ohm […]
JFW’s own Bryan Walker had the privilege of being selected to be on the cover of the Microwave Journal (October 2023, Vol. 66, No. 10). Bryan’s article titled “Choosing the Right Programmable Attenuator for Receiver Sensitivity Tests” was the featured cover article that month. Highlights of the article: Receiver sensitivity testing primer The role of […]
JFW model number 50HFFE-xxx-100/8N is a fixed attenuator rated for 100 Watts CW and operates DC-8.4GHz. The attenuator is uni-directional. Forward power handling of 100 Watts average and reverse power handling of 20 Watts average. The attenuator is available with N connectors. It can be configured as N male/female or N female/female. The unit has […]