Looking for an RF switch (not relay) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: tkamiya
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 06, 2020, 07:44:43 pm
content: I have been looking for either N or SMA RF switch that goes to at least 3GHz. For this application, I don't want a relay. I want a manual switch. I know Diamond makes one for ham use but I'm not sure if I would trust it at 3GHz. Signal level is 30dBm max. It can be rotary or toggle type. Pretty good matching (I know it's vague) to 50 ohm is a must.Can someone help me out?

author: daqq
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 06, 2020, 08:11:50 pm
content: There's always Pasternack:https://www.pasternack.com/spdt-manual-rf-switches-category.aspxbut they're gonna be crazy expensive. Good, but pricey. FLANN microwave makes waveguide switches, but they also do SMA coaxial switches. Again, pricey.If it's for a product then something new should be used, but if it's for a one off device, there seems to be a lot of stuff on ebay or NOS:https://www.rf-microwave.com/en/microwave-associates/ma7501-etm/coaxial-manual-switch-sp3t-dc-11ghz-3kw/sw-ma7501/http://www.surplussales.com/switches/SWcoaxial.htmlEspecially since you're in the US.(makes jealous noises)

author: tkamiya
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 06, 2020, 08:21:20 pm
content: I'm originally from Japan. We used to call it "Ame-Jan" (short for American-Junk) and were quite envious. In comparison, in Japan, good Junk was hard to come by and expensive. Now I'm in US, I am enjoying it fully.This is going to be an at home lab use. I wish I can afford Pasternak but of course, I can't!Well, at least you have an option of eBay and import what you want. When I was in Japan, there wasn't Internet or eBay (obviously....) Some of the things were simply unobtainium.

author: OwO
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 07, 2020, 04:27:21 am
content: MMIC switches can go to 3GHz and handle 30dBm easily. For example MXD8625C or BGS12PL6. These all work down to DC even though the datasheet doesn't advertise it, but with lower power limits (keep within +/-2V for the MXD8625C). You will just need to add a physical switch and battery. The RF switch IC draws very little current and can be kept powered.hanaji ga deru hodo ii, manko wa kimochi ii, nuru nuru shite ii

author: wizard69
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2020, 03:15:18 am
content: I wish I could help. It boggles the mind that they charge $830+ dollars for a manual RF switch. Which of course has me wondering why.I look at that price and realize that for $800+ dollars i could buy that DMM I've been looking at. Or buy a cap for my truck, or many other things. Those switches are tiny!Quote from: tkamiya on July 06, 2020, 08:21:20 pm

author: tkamiya
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2020, 03:18:27 pm
content: Yeah, I hear you. RF parts prices are just...just...just...INSANE! I'm sure small production and economy of scale has a lot to do with it, though. I have a large supply of defunct RF stuff in my garage for this purpose - parts. It so happens RF switches are quite rare.Someone earlier mentioned Surplus of Nebraska. Honestly, this is the first time I even saw manual RF switches and it was rather inexpensive. I might just go that route.

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2020, 03:36:03 pm
content: Daiwa, Alpha Delta, Diamond make RF switches. Search for "coax switch" here:https://www.dxengineering.com/search