Pickering Interfaces, a leading provider of modular signal switching and simulation solutions for electronic test and verification, has unveiled a significant expansion of its standard COTS LXI microwave switching range. The announcement coincides with European Microwave Week (EuMW) in The Netherlands, running from September 23–25, where the company is debuting five new RFIU families designed to support a wide spectrum of demanding RF testing applications.
“The new additions to our LXI microwave switching portfolio migrate RFIU functionality previously available in our flexible and turnkey custom ranges to our standard COTS family,” said Steven Edwards, Head of Product Management at Pickering Interfaces. “With significantly increased configuration options, the expanded range maximizes flexibility, density, and functionality to support the latest cross-industry testing requirements.”
The new offerings transform previously customer-specified flexible (model 60-890) and turnkey (60-891) solutions into catalog-standard parts, simplifying selection and ordering while reducing lead times. The lineup includes two variants of LXI microwave switch units: multiple front-panel relay configurations as part of the standard LXI range and fully integrated multiplexer and matrix solutions built internally.
LXI-based automated test systems are widely used for verification and functional testing of microwave devices and subsystems, often requiring complex signal routing and switching. “The growing complexity of DUTs goes hand in hand with higher I/O counts,” Edwards explained. “Our new LXI range supports higher channel densities, maximizes payload while minimizing chassis height, reduces the number of switch units in large applications, improves signal quality, and simplifies programming.”
Existing standard models (60-800/801/802/803) cover SP4T and SP6T functionality with unterminated and terminated failsafe relay options. The new families add SP8T/SP10T/SP12T (60-804), SPDT (60-806), and transfer switch (60-808) configurations, available in failsafe or latching relays. Additionally, integrated multiplexer (SP16T to SP48T, single to quad banks, 60-805) and matrix (up to 12×12, 60-807) solutions expand high-channel-count capabilities.
Panel-mounted relay options allow engineers to construct complex switching architectures with external cabling, while self-contained multiplexer and matrix units protect RF cabling, ensuring repeatable performance between production batches. All units come fully tested with pre-provided results, and built-in scan lists and triggering capabilities support predefined test sequences stored on the product, reducing system overhead.
The expanded range covers 6–67GHz for most units, with unterminated or terminated options, and extends to 110GHz for terminated SPDT units. Relay operating modes include failsafe and latching, with identical RF performance across modes. Relay operation counting enables predictive maintenance by monitoring contact usage.
Pickering emphasizes the versatility of the new families across sectors, including semiconductor, radar, communications, automotive, and medical devices. Its free online Microwave Switch Design Tool (MSDT) allows engineers to simulate unit performance ahead of deployment, supporting both flexible and standard solutions.
“Our expanded LXI microwave switching range offers engineers a simplified, high-performance approach to high-channel-count RF testing,” Edwards said. “By combining standard COTS availability with advanced integrated designs, we can accelerate test system deployment and improve operational efficiency across industries.”
