Contact: Ellen Modock
Keithley Instruments, Inc.
440-498-2746
Reader Inquiries: 1-888-KEITHLEY
(1-888-534-8453)
KEITHLEY INTRODUCES INDUSTRY’S MOST CONFIGURABLE,
OFF-THE-SHELF MICROWAVE SWITCHING SYSTEM
CLEVELAND—February
20, 2001— Keithley
Instruments, Inc., (NYSE: KEI) today announced its new Model S46 Microwave
Switch System, the first system of this type that can be ordered in a wide
variety of configurations for off-the-shelf delivery. Systems can be built with up to eight SPDT coaxial microwave
relays and up to four multi-pole relays.
Any of the multi-pole relays can be specified as either SP3T, SP4T,
SP5T, or SP6T. These relays can be
connected to create switching systems that are configured as multiplexers,
matrices, independent relays or any combination that meets users' needs. For added versatility, coaxial relay
connections are provided on the front panel and the physical position of each
relay can be specified by the customer.
Moreover, as test requirements change, relays can be easily changed or
added to the system to create a new switch configuration. The resulting 19-inch rack package comes in
a mounting height as low as 2U (3.5 inches).
The
Model S46 also has exclusive maintenance features that ensure maximum up-time
and high quality performance. These
features include a controller that counts and stores the number of closures for
every relay contact. Maintenance
personnel can quickly recall
this
data to determine when relays are nearing the end of their mechanical
life. This allows relay replacement
during scheduled maintenance periods, thereby avoiding unplanned shutdowns and
loss of production. Another feature is
front panel LEDs that continuously indicate the active channels (closed
contacts), which simplifies troubleshooting.
In
addition to storing contact closures, the Model S46 has additional memory
available to store "S" parameters (reflection and transmission
coefficients) for each signal path, or calibration constants for relay
contacts. It can even store specific
performance parameters, such as VSWR and insertion loss. These parameters can be viewed for trend
analysis between scheduled maintenance shutdowns. Alternatively, stored parameters can be used for compensation to
enhance accuracy during RF measurements.
The
Model S46 is controlled over an IEEE-488 interface bus, so a minimal set of
SCPI instructions are needed to operate the 32 control channels. This allows the test engineer to quickly get
the system "Up and Running".
The simplified instruction set, along with the front panel LEDs, shorten
start-up time and provide convenient debugging and operational monitoring
tools.
For
application needs beyond the standard Model S46 options, Keithley will design
and build customized systems with active and passive RF components as well as
relays. These customized designs can
incorporate physical layouts of the front and rear panels to meet customer
specifications. Both standard and
custom designs allow a user to purchase only the switch capacity and features
needed. Coupled with a highly
cost-effective controller, these modular designs provide the best
price/performance value available.
Keithley
builds Model S46 systems with the industry's best coaxial microwave relays,
resulting in the lowest insertion loss, VSWR, and crosstalk performance up to
18 GHz for the standard options, or up to 40 GHz for customized designs. To further maximize
signal
integrity, Keithley offers low loss, semi-flexible RF cables as external
connection accessories.
Typical
product testing applications for the Model S46 include:
In
addition, OEMs who are building high frequency test systems can eliminate much
design work and shorten time to market by partnering with Keithley on a Model
S46 as a sub-system.
Price
and Availability. When ordered with standard options, the
Keithley Model S46 is available from stock, with list prices starting at under
$5000.
For
More Information. For more information on the Model S46
Microwave Switch System, or any of the company’s measurement and data
acquisition solutions, contact Keithley at:
Telephone: 888-KEITHLEY
(888-534-8453)
440-248-0400
FAX: 440-248-6168
E-mail: [email protected]
Internet: www.keithley.com
Address: Keithley
Instruments, Inc.
28775
Aurora Road
Cleveland,
OH 44139-1891
About
Keithley Instruments. Keithley Instruments, Inc. provides optical
and electrical measurement solutions from DC to RF (radio frequency) to the wireless, semiconductor, optoelectronics, and other
electronics manufacturing industries. Engineers and scientists around the world
use Keithley's advanced hardware and software for process monitoring,
production test, and basic research.
Products and company
names listed are trademarks or trade names of their respective companies.
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