High-Performance 'Plug and Play' Switch System for High-Volume RF Testing

High-Performance 'Plug and Play' Switch System for High-Volume RF Testing

Ranatec has announced a new “plug-and-play” solid-state switch box that operates from DC to 6 GHz. The new Ranatec RF2018B is a high-performance RF solid-state switch system with 12 switch modules, each with 1 pole and 4 throws. It is well-suited for high volume testing, where long lifetime is required and without sacrificing RF performance. The RF2018B switch box offers blue-ribbon linearity, power handling, and speed. It is an easy to install and easy to use system that has been designed for high volume test and measurement applications.

The RF2018B is designed for applications such as production testing of mobile handsets, production testing of mobile base stations, Built-In-Test (BITE) applications and MIMO applications. Switches are controlled remotely via a web-interface or textual (SCPI-like) API. The box can be controlled from any computer in the network via TCP/IP sockets or via its internal web server, using a very simple communication protocol independent from the operating system, programming language, etc.

Magnus Killian, CEO of Ranatec commented that there is a clear trend of moving towards IoT, meaning that more and more products are connected. This leads to an increased demand of wireless testing, including RF-switching. The new RF2018B solid-state switch box automates the testing process during the development and manufacturing of semiconductors and wireless devices, streamlining manufacturers product cycle. 

Key Features:
  • Switch mode: SP4T latching, terminated
  • DC - 6 GHz RF frequency range
  • Insertion loss < 1.9 dB up to 3 GHz
  • 63 dBm IP3
  • +30 dBm maximum input power
  • Flexible supply voltage: 5-45 VDC
  • <100 μs switching time
  • High repeatability
  • Ultra-long lifetime

Experts at Ranatec work closely with leading global wireless device vendors and accredited test houses to develop tools that help their customers meet the evolving demands of testing environments and deliver benchmark services and products. The the newly developed switch product will be sold by Ranatec and their worldwide partners.

Publisher: everything RF