Patent ID: 7526264

Claim:
An N-input by M-output crosspoint switch with frequency translation integrated circuit for use in distributing signals supplied from N input sources coupled to the N-input by M-output crosspoint switch, the integrated circuit comprising: an N-input by M-output crosspoint switch configured to route a signal supplied to any one of the N inputs to any one or more of the M outputs, the N-input by M-output crosspoint switch comprising N groups of M switches, each group of M switches having one switch input and M switch outputs, each of the N switch inputs configured to couple to a separate one of the N signal sources, wherein each of the N switch inputs has a high input impedance relative to the output impedance of the input source supplying said signal thereto; and a plurality of M frequency translation devices, each M frequency translation device coupled to one of the M switch outputs, wherein (i) each of the frequency translation devices has a high input impedance relative to the output impedance of each of the N input sources, wherein each switch in the N groups of M switches comprises a voltage mode switch, and wherein the voltage mode switch is operable to present the high input impedance of one or more of the M frequency translation devices to one or more of the N switch inputs , or (ii) each switch in the N groups of M switches comprises a current mode switch having a high input impedance relative to the output impedance of each of the N input sources.