The RCM-2SP8T-26 from Mini-Circuits is an Dual Mechanical SP8T absorptive Switch Matrix that operates from DC to 26.5 GHz. It can handle up to 20 W of input power, has an insertion loss of less than 1.10 dB and provides 70 dB of isolation. The switch matrix consists of a pair of independently controlled, electro-mechanical SP8T switches. It has a switching speed of 25 milliseconds, with a minimum lifetime of 2 million switching cycles per switch position. This fail-safe switch has a break-before-make configuration and operates over a 24 V DC supply. Break-before-make means that it is configured to break (open) the first set of contacts before engaging (closing) the new contacts. This prevents the momentary connection of the old and new signal paths.
The switch is controlled via USB or Ethernet, allowing control directly from a PC, or remotely over a network. Full software support is provided, including the user-friendly GUI application for Windows and a full API with programming instructions for Windows and Linux environments (both 32-bit and 64-bit systems). It is available in a compact, rugged metal case that measures 8.25 x 8.25 x 4.25 inches with 18 SMA-female connectors on the front panel and is ideal for 5G node / device testing, automated test equipment, and fail-safe / redundancy switching applications.
