Mini-Circuit RC-3MTS-40 User manual

Mini-Circuits

USB & Ethernet Controlled

RoHS Compliant

See our web site for RoHS Compliance
methodologies and qualifications

RF Transfer Switch Matrix

RC-3MTS-40

50Ω DC to 40 GHz

The Big Deal

• Three mechanical transfer switches

• Wideband performance up to 40 GHz

• High reliability, 2 million switch cycles

• High isolation

Case Style: SH3143

Typical Applications

• 5G node / device testing

• Automated test equipment

• Fail-safe / redundancy switching

• Switch matrices

Product Overview

Mini-Circuits’ RC-3MTS-40 comprises of three independently controlled, electro-mechanical transfer switches. Each switch
operates over a wide bandwidth, from DC to 40 GHz with high isolation (70 dB typical), low insertion loss (0.5 dB typical) and high
input power rating. The switches are of a fail safe and break-before-make-configuration using a patented design which ensures
long-term reliability, with a minimum life time of 2 million switching cycles when used within the noted specifications.

The switch box is constructed in a compact, rugged metal case (4.5 x 6.0 x 2.25”) with all 2.92mm(f) RF connectors on the
front panel.The switches are controlled via USB or Ethernet, allowing control directly from a PC, or remotely over a network.
Full software support is provided, including our user-friendly GUI application for Windows and a full API with programming
instructions for Windows and Linux environments (both 32-bit and 64-bit systems).

Key Features

Feature Advantages

Three transfer switches

Fail-safe design

Break-before-make configuration

USB & Ethernet control

Full software support

Transfer switches provide a simple DPDT switch application (2 input to 2 output switch matrix) and are
a useful building block in much larger switch matrices

The switches revert to a known default state when the DC supply is removed, allowing their use in
systems that must continue to operate safely in the event of power failure

Prevents a momentary connection of the old and new signal paths, reducing the inconsistent transient
effects that could otherwise be observed during switching

USB HID and Ethernet (HTTP / Telnet) interfaces provide easy compatibility with a wide range of
software setups and programming environments

User friendly Windows GUI (graphical user interface) allows manual control straight out of the box,
while the comprehensive API (application programming interface) with examples and instructions
allows easy automation in most programming environments

®

www.minicircuits.com P.O. Box 350166, Brooklyn, NY 11235-0003 [phone] [e-mail]

REV. A
ECO-005910
RC-3MTS-40
MCL NY
210203

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Mini-Circuits

USB & Ethernet Controlled

RF Transfer Switch Matrix

Electrical Specications at 25°C

Parameter Conditions

Frequency Range DC 40 GHz

DC - 12 GHz — 0.15 0.40

Insertion Loss

26 - 40 GHz — 0.50 0.80

DC - 12 GHz 60 90 —

Isolation

26 - 40 GHz 50 70 —

DC - 12 GHz

VSWR

26 - 40 GHz

Switching Time — — 25 — ms

RF Input Power
(Cold Switching)

Switch Lifetime (per Switch)

Rated Voltage

Rated Current (24V DC Input)

Rated Current (USB) — 10 20 mA

1

Maximum power per path, with all portS terminated into 50Ω

2

Hot switching power above this level will degrade the switch lifetime.

1

DC - 12 GHz 20

12 - 26 GHz 10 W

26 - 40 GHz 5

<0.1W hot switching

0.1 - 1W hot switching — 1 —

24VDC input 23 24 25

USB port — 5 —

Both switches in state 2 — 530 840

Both switches in state 1 — 90 120

2

Min. Typ. Max. Units

— 1.05

— 1.50

2 — —

RC-3MTS-40

million cycles

dB12 - 26 GHz — 0.25 0.70

dB12 - 26 GHz 55 85 —

:112 - 26 GHz — 1.20

V

mA

Switching States (per Switch)

J1

J3

State 1

J2

J4

J1

J3

State 2

J2

J4

Absolute Maximum Ratings

Operating Temperature 0°C to 40°C

Storage Temperature -15°C to 85°C

Supply Voltage 26V

Connections

Port Name Connector Type

RF Switch A (J1, J2, J3 & J4) 2.92mm female

RF Switch B (J1, J2, J3 & J4) 2.92mm female

RF Switch C (J1, J2, J3 & J4) 2.92mm female

USB USB type-B

Ethernet / LAN RJ45

24V DC Input 2.1mm center positive DC socket

www.minicircuits.com P.O. Box 350166, Brooklyn, NY 11235-0003 [phone] [e-mail]

®

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Mini-Circuits

USB & Ethernet Controlled

RF Transfer Switch Matrix

RC-3MTS-40

Insertion Loss

0.7

0.6

0.5

0.4

dB

0.3

0.2

0.1

0

0 10000 20000 30000 40000

J1 - J2 J1 - J3

J2 - J4 J3 - J4

Frequency (MHz)

VSWR

2

1.9

1.8

1.7

1.6

1.5

:1

1.4

1.3

1.2

1.1

1

0 10000 20000 30000 40000

J1 J2

J3 J4

Frequency (MHz)

120

Isolation

100

80

60

dB

40

20

0

0 10000 20000 30000 40000

J1 - J2
J1 - J3
J2 - J4
J3 - J4

Frequency (MHz)

®

www.minicircuits.com P.O. Box 350166, Brooklyn, NY 11235-0003 [phone] [e-mail]

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