Products / Waveguide Switches

Fail Safe Waveguide Switches

Fail_Safe_Waveguide_Switches

Waveguide switches enable very rapid switching between two RF channels. Fail Safe Waveguide Switches return to the de-energized position when the power is disconnected and requires a small holding current in the energized position. All models have low VSWR and high power handling capacity. They withstand the full power rating of the waveguide and most models can be pressurized to 0.2 MPa (2 ATO) for high peak power applications.

Fail Safe Waveguide Switches have a square stator with four waveguide ports. The rotor, which is fitted in the stator, has two or three channels. Electrical continuity between rotor and stator is achieved by means of quarter wave chokes. These chokes provide extremely high isolation between the channels and ensure unchanged high electrical performance throughout the lifetime of the switch.

Mechanical waveguide switches ensure:

  • High isolation for less interference between channels
  • Low insertion loss to improve radar performance
  • High power capability for maximizing radar range
  • Long life and excellent durability

One or several sets of position indicators are available with all actuator models. Some models can be supplied with a manual override knob for manual position setting.

Waveguide switches are widely used in microwave systems. They are used in radars for redundancy transmitters, connection to high power dummy load and for test purposes. They are also used in satellite communications for redundancy applications and in test systems to select various signal paths, etc.

In applications like safety circuits, where the switch must return to its original position, if power supply fails, a fail safe type is the natural choice. In other applications it might be an advantage to have low power consumption and no holding current. In fail safe models the current is automatically reduced to holding current when the rotor is in position.