The Keithley 7173-50 is a 4×12 two-pole matrix card for high-frequency signal routing and switching. Each crosspoint features Form C relay architecture with separate HI and LO paths, delivering 200 MHz bandwidth and sub-2 ns rise time. The card handles 30 V at 0.5 A (10 VA maximum) with 42 V peak common-mode capability and maintains extremely low contact resistance: <2.0Ω initial on HI paths and <0.10Ω on LO paths. Path isolation exceeds 10¹⁰ Ω with <0.040 pF coupling. Contact life reaches 5×10⁶ cold-switch closures or 3×10⁵ closures at maximum signal level. Crosstalk performance spans <−85 dB at 1 MHz to <−35 dB at 200 MHz with 50Ω termination. Insertion loss remains <0.2 dB at 1 MHz, rising to <3.0 dB at 200 MHz. The card integrates via BNC connectors and settles in <6 ms. Offset current is <200 pA, and contact potential stays below 15 µV per crosspoint. Operating temperature is 0° to 50°C (up to 35°C at 70% RH); storage spans −25° to 65°C. The 7173-50 mounts in Keithley 707A, 707B, 708A, and 708B mainframes. Using 7173-50-CSEP expansion cables, two cards can be configured as a 4×24 matrix (rows connected) or 8×12 matrix (columns connected) for scaled measurement setups.
## Technical Specifications
• Matrix Configuration: 4 rows × 12 columns
• Crosspoint Type: 2-pole Form C with row isolator (HI, LO)
• Bandwidth: 200 MHz
• Rise Time: <2 ns (50Ω source and load)
• Characteristic Impedance: 50Ω nominal
• Maximum Signal: 30 V, 0.5 A, 10 VA
• Common Mode Voltage: 42 V peak (LO to chassis)
• Contact Life: 5×10⁶ cold-switch closures; 3×10⁵ at maximum signal
• Path Resistance (initial/end-of-life): HI <2.0Ω/<4.0Ω; LO <0.10Ω/<0.15Ω
• Contact Potential: <15 µV per crosspoint (HI to LO)
• Relay Settling Time: <6 ms
• Offset Current: <200 pA (HI to LO)
• Crosstalk (50Ω termination): <−85 dB @ 1 MHz, <−50 dB @ 10 MHz, <−35 dB @ 100–200 MHz
• Insertion Loss (50Ω termination): <0.2 dB @ 1 MHz, <0.4 dB @ 10 MHz, <1.5 dB @ 100 MHz, 10¹⁰ Ω, 10⁹ Ω, 150 pF nominal
• Common Mode Isolation: >10⁹ Ω, 9400 pF nominal
## Key Features
• Two-pole crosspoints isolate signal and return paths for independent routing
• Ultra-low contact potential (<15 µV) minimizes measurement error in precision applications
• High contact life at cold switching enables extended field deployment
• Fast relay settling (<6 ms) supports rapid switching sequences
• 50Ω impedance matching reduces reflections in RF circuits
## Typical Applications
• Mixed-signal test automation
• RF and microwave component characterization
• Precision instrumentation and data acquisition
• Research and quality control environments
## Compatibility & Integration
The 7173-50 plugs into Keithley 707A, 707B, 708A, and 708B mainframes. The 7173-50-CSEP expansion cable enables stacking for matrix expansion: row-connected cards form 4×24 matrices; column-connected cards form 8×12 matrices.
