High-Power T-Switch Eyes Space Apps

Space-based transmit systems operating in the 2.5- to 4.8-GHz frequency band represent the primary application area for the 5111HAJ-730322-2, a high-power T-switch with low passive intermodulation distortion. Claimed to be the highest power switch ever developed fo S-band space applications, the new switch moves high-power signals from one port to another and is rated for peak RF power levels as high as 560W with an average power level of 140W. Using break-before-make contacts, the switch is used for cold switching operations—it requires 25 ms or less to switch internal signal paths. Over frequency ranges of 2.5 to 4.0 GHz and 4.0 to 4.8 GHz, the switch exhibits a VSWR (max.) of 1:20:1 and 1:25:1, respectively.