Switch Matrix Configurations for RF Signal Routing

Switch matrices are an essential tool for control of RF signal routing in any environment where there is a recurring need to change how systems interconnect. The addition of Ethernet and USB interfaces with flexible software and APIs (application programming interfaces) makes switch matrices particularly useful in automated test environments, allowing test sequences to be scheduled to run with no user intervention, switching between multiple devices under test (DUT), input / output ports and test equipment. 

This application note aims to summarize the different switch matrix variations available to the user, along with the key considerations, specifications and benefits of each approach. For convenience, switch matrix ports are referred to below as either “inputs” or “outputs” but in most cases, switch matrices operate bi-directionally so that all ports can be used as both input and output.