Fail Safe Waveguide Switches

Fail Safe Waveguide Switches allow rapid switching between two RF channels. They return to the de-energized position when power disconnects and require minimal current while energized. All models feature low VSWR and handle high power. Most units can withstand full waveguide power and can be pressurized to 0.2 MPa (2 ATO) for high peak power applications.

What is a Fail Safe Waveguide Switch?

These switches have a square stator with four waveguide ports. Engineers fit the rotor inside the stator, offering two or three channels. Quarter wave chokes maintain electrical continuity between rotor and stator. They also provide high isolation between channels and preserve electrical performance throughout the switch’s lifetime.

Mechanical waveguide switches deliver:

• High isolation to reduce interference between channels

• Low insertion loss to improve radar performance

• High power capability to maximize radar range

• Long life and excellent durability

EVERAXIS offers one or more sets of position indicators with each actuator model. Some units include a manual override knob for precise position control.

Key applications

Engineers use Fail Safe Waveguide Switches widely in microwave systems. They serve radars for redundancy transmitters, high power dummy loads, and test purposes. Satellites use them for redundant communication paths or selecting signal routes.

In applications requiring a switch to return to its original position if the power fails, fail safe types provide a natural solution. Additionally, low power consumption and no holding current benefit other system designs. In fail safe models, the system automatically reduces current to the holding level when the rotor reaches its position.