Full-crossbar, solid-state RF switch matrix

News

Benchtop RF Switch Matrix Sports Full-Crossbar Architecture

April 10, 2025

Engineering consultancy EECL expands into off-the-shelf RF test equipment, starting with a solid-state, full-crossbar RF switch matrix.

David Maliniak

Related To:

Microwaves & RF

A well-known specialist engineering company, European Engineering Consultancy Ltd. (EECL), is branching out into a suite of off-the-shelf products to serve numerous use cases for RF engineers. First out of the box comes the benchtop RF Switch Matrix, a high-speed, USB- and Ethernet-controlled full-crossbar unit. The XSM-019-2816-10G/30G-100 is tailored for complex test setups in which RF signals must be dynamically routed across multiple devices.

EECL’s switch matrix includes up to 96 switches and the capability to support an ultra-wide frequency range of 16 kHz through to 40 GHz. Using high-isolation techniques (100 dB), RF and microwave engineers can hasten test workflows by connecting their measurement hardware (analyzers, power supplies, signal generators, noise sources, and so on) to a centralized unit. The switch matrix enables automated evaluation of high-volume payloads with minimal signal distortion or drift.

The unit’s compact form factor, due to its solid-state architecture, shortens transmission paths to maintain low signal losses. The modules are available as a benchtop device or in a 2U rack-mount format. An integrated, precision-controlled internal oven sustains calibration stability over time by limiting signal variation to less than 0.02 dB, with near-zero drift and exceptional repeatability.

Other technical features include eight common ports and two switch paths. The units’ full-crossbar architecture offers 16 I/O ports with high power handling and linearity. They’re compatible with PCs, Ethernet, and USB for lab-based and distributed test use cases, as well as with LabVIEW, MATLAB, C, and all other test environments.

The matrix seamlessly integrates with customer software, and EECL provides a powerful user interface for configuring and managing high-volume test requirements. Its intuitive dashboard simplifies and automates complex measurement setups.

About the Author

David Maliniak | Executive Editor, Microwaves & RF

I am Executive Editor of Microwaves & RF, an all-digital publication that broadly covers all aspects of wireless communications. More particularly, we're keeping a close eye on technologies in the consumer-oriented 5G, 6G, IoT, M2M, and V2X markets, in which much of the wireless market's growth will occur in this decade and beyond. I work with a great team of editors to provide engineers, developers, and technical managers with interesting and useful articles and videos on a regular basis. Check out our free newsletters to see the latest content.

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About me:

In his long career in the B2B electronics-industry media, David Maliniak has held editorial roles as both generalist and specialist. As Components Editor and, later, as Editor in Chief of EE Product News, David gained breadth of experience in covering the industry at large. In serving as EDA/Test and Measurement Technology Editor at Electronic Design, he developed deep insight into those complex areas of technology. Most recently, David worked in technical marketing communications at Teledyne LeCroy, leaving to rejoin the EOEM B2B publishing world in January 2020. David earned a B.A. in journalism at New York University.