The Keithley S46-40 is a 40 GHz unterminated RF switch system delivering high-performance signal routing for automated microwave and RF testing. This 19-inch rack-mounted, 2U high platform supports up to 32 switching channels via GPIB (IEEE 488.2) and SCPI control, accommodating eight SPDT or four multi-pole (SP4T/SP6T) unterminated coaxial relays in flexible configurations suitable for multiplexing, matrix switching, or independent relay operation.
Technical Specifications
System Architecture
• Maximum switching channels: 32
• Relay capacity: up to 8 SPDT unterminated coaxial microwave relays or up to 4 multi-pole unterminated relays (SP4T/SP6T)
• Form factor: 19-inch rack-mounted, 2U (3.5 inches)
• Control interface: GPIB (IEEE 488.2), SCPI
• Relay control lines: 32 lines at 300 mA maximum sink current (open collector)
• Non-volatile storage: 32 locations, 68 bytes each for parameters and calibration data
DC to 40 GHz Configuration
• Connector type: SMA-2.9 Female
• Contact life (SPDT): 10 million cycles minimum
DC to 26.5 GHz Configuration
• Connector type: SMA (SPDT), SMA-2.9 Female (SP4T/SP6T)
• Contact life (SPDT): 10 million cycles minimum
• Contact life (multi-pole): 2 million cycles minimum
• Actuation time (SPDT): 10 ms maximum
• Actuation time (multi-pole): 15 ms maximum
DC to 18 GHz Configuration
• Connector type: SMA Female
• Contact life (SPDT): 10 million cycles minimum
• Contact life (multi-pole): 2 million cycles minimum
• Actuation time (SPDT): 20 ms maximum
• Actuation time (multi-pole): 15 ms maximum
– Key Features
• Front-panel LEDs display relay position status, power, and error conditions
• Built-in contact closure counter per channel tracks up to 10 million cycles in non-volatile memory
• Channel characterization data storage for S-parameters and calibration constants
• Modular relay configuration supports dynamic test reconfiguration
– Typical Applications
• RF and microwave component characterization
• Telecommunications device testing
• Wireless peripheral development and validation
• Production test automation
– Compatibility & Integration
GPIB (IEEE 488.2) interface with SCPI command set enables integration into existing automated test environments with minimal setup overhead.
