Agilent Technologies U1810B USB coaxial switch

The U1810B USB-powered, single-pole, double-throw coaxial switch operates from DC to 18 GHz. Claimed to be the first-to-market microwave switch driven by a USB port, the switch will provide system-design and manufacturing engineers a long-operating-life solution with convenient RF switching. The switch will support the standard plug-and-play functionality of typical USB devices, eliminating the need for additional power adapters or drivers, and simplifying set-up.

A button on the switch will enable users to toggle the signal path between two output ports without using the software interface. These new capabilities will help engineers design switch matrices for telecommunications and electronics/semiconductor manufacturing applications.

Features include: 5-million-cycle operating life and 0.03 dB insertion loss repeatability. The long operating life will help reduce the cost of test and ensures reliability of the test system throughout its life. The switch’s good insertion loss repeatability will help minimise system measurement uncertainty, while maximising test throughput.

The front panel provides an alternative software control interface. Users will also be able to control the switch using various software platforms such as C, LabVIEW or VEE.