Mini-Circuits RC-3SPDT-A18, USB-2SPDT-A18, USB-4SPDT-A18, RC-2SPDT-A18, RC-4SPDT-A18 User Manual

User Guide

USB/Ethernet RF Switch Matrices

USB-1SPDT-A18 / RC-1SPDT-A18
DC to 18 GHz
Single SPDT switch

USB-2SPDT-A18 / RC-2SPDT-A18
DC to 18 GHz
Two SPDT switches,

USB-3SPDT-A18 / RC-3SPDT-A18
DC to 18 GHz
Three SPDT switches,
Configurable as: SPDT, DPDT, 3PDT, SP3T,

USB-4SPDT-A18 / RC-4SPDT-A18
DC to 18 GHz
Four SPDT switches,
Configurable as: SPDT, 4PDT, SP3T, SP5T,

USB-8SPDT-A18 / RC-8SPDT-A18
DC to 18 GHz
Eight SPDT switches,
Configurable as: SPDT, SP3T, SP8T, 2x8, dual

USB-1SP4T-A18 / RC-1SP4T-A18
DC to 18 GHz
Single SP4T switch

Transfer switch and more

AN-49-002 Rev.: A (November 25, 2014) M149081 (R88277) File: AN-49-002(A).doc

This document and its contents are the property of Mini-Circuits

Important Notice

This guide is owned by Mini-Circuits and is protected by copyright, trademark
and other intellectual property laws.

The information in this guide is provided by Mini-Circuits as an accommodation
to our customers and may be used only to promote and accompany the

purchase of Mini-Circuits’ Parts. This guide may not be reproduced, modified,

distributed, published, stored in an electronic database, or transmitted and the
information contained herein may not be exploited in any form or by any means,
electronic, mechanical recording or otherwise, without prior written permission
from Mini-Circuits.

This guide is subject to change, qualifications, variations, adjustments or
modifications without notice and may contain errors, omissions, inaccuracies,
mistakes or deficiencies. Mini-Circuits assumes no responsibility for, and will
have no liability on account of, any of the foregoing. Accordingly, this guide
should be used as a guideline only.

Trademarks

Microsoft, Windows, Visual Basic, Visual C# and Visual C++ are registered
trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. LabVIEW and CVI are registered
trademarks of National Instruments Corporation. Delphi is a registered
trademark of Delphi Technologies, Inc. MATLAB is a registered trademark of
The MathWorks, Inc. Agilent VEE is a registered trademark of Agilent
Technologies, Inc. Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. Mac is a
registered trademark of Apple Inc. Python is a registered trademark of Python
Software Foundation Corporation.

All other trademarks cited within this guide are the property of their respective
owners. Neither Mini-Circuits nor the Mini-Circuits switch matrices are affiliated
with or endorsed or sponsored by the owners of the above referenced
trademarks.

Mini-Circuits and the Mini-Circuits logo are registered trademarks of Scientific
Components Corporation.

Mini-Circuits

13 Neptune Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11235, USA
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Web: www.minicircuits.com

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Table of Contents

Chapter 1 – General Information.........................................................5-8

1.1 Scope of the User Guide..................................................................................... 5

1.2 Warranty ............................................................................................................. 5

1.3 Definitions ........................................................................................................... 5

1.4 General safety precautions ................................................................................. 5

1.5 Introduction ......................................................................................................... 5

1.6 Service and Calibration ....................................................................................... 6

1.7 Contact Information............................................................................................. 6

1.8 Technical description ....................................................................................... 6-8

1.8.1 Features of Mini-Circuits Switch Matrices ..................................................................6

1.8.2 Intended Applications.................................................................................................7

1.8.3 Conformity..................................................................................................................7

1.8.4 Supported Software environments.............................................................................7

1.8.5 Included Accessories and Options.............................................................................8

Chapter 2 – Installation and Setup ....................................................9-14

2.1 Software Setup ................................................................................................... 9

2.2 Installation.................................................................................................... 10-11

2.3 USB/Ethernet Switch Matrix Physical Setup ................................................ 12-14

2.4 Controlling the Mini-Circuits Switch Matrix .........................................................14

Chapter 3 – Using Mini-Circuits' Switch Matrix.............................15-33

3.1 USB interface............................................................................................... 15-17

3.2 Ethernet Interface......................................................................................... 17-20

3.3 Switch Configurations .................................................................................. 20-27

3.3.1 USB-1SPDT-A18 / RC-1SPDT-A18 ........................................................................20

3.3.2 USB-2SPDT-A18 / RC-2SPDT-A18.................................................................. 21-20

3.3.3 USB-3SPDT-A18 / RC-3SPDT-A18.................................................................. 23-22

3.3.4 USB-4SPDT-A18 / RC-4SPDT-A18.................................................................. 24-24

3.3.5 USB-8SPDT-A18 / RC-8SPDT-A18 ........................................................................26

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Table of Contents

3.3.6 USB-1SP4T-A18 / RC-1SP4T-A18 ..........................................................................27

3.3.7 Additional configurations, not shown here ...............................................................27

3.4 User Sequence ............................................................................................ 28-30

3.4.1 User sequence screen buttons and indicators ................................................... 28-29

3.4.2 User sequence graphical switch presentation.................................................... 29-30

3.5 Firmware update .......................................................................................... 31-32

3.6 Demo Mode .......................................................................................................33

Figure 1: MINI-CIRCUITS USB RF SPDT Switch

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1 Chapter 1 – General Information

1.1 Scope of the User Guide

This user guide provides general introduction, installation instructions and operating information
for Mini-Circuits USB and Ethernet control RF switch matrices.

1.2 Warranty

See Mini-Circuits website http://www.minicircuits.com/support/ordering.html for warranty
information.

1.3 Definitions

Note: A note advises on important information you may need to ensure proper operation of the equipment.

There is no risk to either the equipment or the user.

CAUTION

A caution advises about a condition or procedure which can cause damage to the
equipment (no danger to users).

WARNING

A warning al
until you are sure you understand the warning.

1.4 General safety precautions

WARNING

CAUTION

Ensure that all instruments using mains power supply are properly grounded to
prevent risk of electrical shock.

1. Ensure th

2. Do not a

1.5 Introduction

Mini-Circuits has developed two series of RF switch matrices, the RC-xxxxx-A18 series capable
of USB and Ethernet (HTTP and Telnet protocols) control and the USB-xxxxx-A18 series with
just USB control. Both series have SPDT and SP4T switches, like the one shown in Figure 1.
These switches operate from DC to 18 GHz; all are available in a variety of different
configurations with low insertion loss (0.2 dB typ.) and high isolation (85 dB typ). All models are
USB HID devices and are “plug & play,” with no driver installation needed. Ethernet control in
the RC-xxxxx-A18 series allows for both dynamic (DHCP) and static IP. Using the supplied GUI
software or most common lab test software you can easily set complex, timed switching
sequences using multiple switches with only a single power supply and USB control line, or
Ethernet. You can even synchronize other software with the switching sequence. These
USB/Ethernet RF switches are light, compact and greatly simplify setting up complex switching
sequences.

Using the Ethernet interface the switch matrices can be controlled from any computer with an
internet connection, or even your smartphone from almost anywhere!

erts to a possible risk to the user and steps to avoid it. DO NOT

proceed

Please observe the following safety precautions at all times when using Mini-Circuits USB
RF switch matrices.

e switch matrix air vents are clear

ttempt to switch signals of greater power than the switch is rated for in its

datasheet.

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1.6 Service and Calibration

The USB/Ethernet switch matrix models do not require any periodic service or calibration. The
only user service possible for the switch matrix models is external cleaning of the case and
connectors as needed. Do not use any detergents or spray cleaning solutions to clean the
Switch Matrix. To clean the connectors use an alcohol solution, and to clean the case a soft,
damp cloth.

1.7 Contact Information

Mini-Circuits inc.

13 Neptune Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11235
Phone: [phone]
General Fax: [phone]
Sales / Customer Service Fax: [phone]

[e-mail]

For regional offices and tech support see http://www.minicircuits.com/contact/offices.html

1.8 Technical description

1.8.1 Features of Mini-Circuits Switch Matrices

• Capable of 100 million switching cycles

• DC to 18GHz; absorptive failsafe RF switches in break-before-make configuration

• Electromechanical switching; Isolation 85 dB typ.

• High power handling, 10W SPDT, 2W SP4T

• All RF ports SMA(F)

• Easy GUI installation and operation, simplifies complex switching and timing setups

• USB HID ”plug & play” device

• For RC-xxxxx-A18 series Telnet and HTTP ”plug & play” device

®

• ActiveX com object and .Net class library for use with other software: C++, C#, CVI

8 or newer, MATLAB
more

• User friendly Graphical User Interface for any Windows

®

computers

Linux

• For RC-xxxxx-A18 series command line support for any computer with a network connection (HTTP &

Telnet protocols)

power adapter included

• 24V

DC

• Protected by US Patents 5,272,458; 6,414,577; 6,650,210; 7,633,361 and 7,843,289

®

7 or newer, Python, Agilent VEE®, Visual Basic®, Visual Studio® 6 or newer, and

®

32 or 64 bit computer. command line support for

, Delphi®, LabVIEW®

For specific model features, performance data and graphs, outline drawing, ordering information
and environmental specifications, see our catalog at:

http://www.minicircuits.com/products/u

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sb_rfspdt_switches.shtml

1.8.2 Intended Applications

Mini-Circuits USB-xxxxx-A18 and RC-xxxxx-A18 series switch matrices are intended for indoor
use in:

- Lab and test equipment setups for both manual and automated measurements

- Control systems

- Automated switching of signal paths in a complex system
The models can be used by anyone familiar with the basics of electronics measurements or
electronic control systems.

1.8.3 Conformity

Mini-Circuits USB-xxxxx-A18 and RC-xxxxx-A18 series switch matrices conform to all
requirements for the following international standards

:

RoHS – The models comply with EU directive for Restriction of Hazardous Substances

for 6 substances.

USB 2.0 – The models meet the specifications of the Universal Serial Bus Ver. 2.0

communication standard as described by USB-IF.

USB HID – The models meet the requirements for Universal Serial Bus Human

Interface Devices according to USB-IF’s Device Class Definition for Human
Interface Devices firmware rev. 1.11.

TCP/IP – The RC-xxxxx-A18 series models’ Ethernet communication complies with the

specifications of the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and Internet
Protocol (IP) as defined in RFC 791 and RFC 793.

HTTP – The RC-xxxxx-A18 series models’ supp

ort all requirements for communicating

with the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) as defined in RFC 1945.

Telnet – The RC-xxxxx-A18 series models’ support all requirements for communicating

with the Telnet protocol, as defined in RFC 854.

1.8.4 Supported Software environments

Mini-Circuits USB-xxxxx-A18 and RC-xxxxx-A18 series switch matrices have been tested in
the following operating systems:
32 bit systems: Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP Windows 98
64 bit systems: Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Linux
The switch matrices will work with almost any software environment that supports ActiveX or
.Net including:

®

VEE

, Visual Basic®, AutoIT, Visual Studio® 6 or newer, and more

C++, C#, CVI®, Delphi®, LabVIEW® 8 or newer, MATLAB® 7 or newer, Python, Agilent

Additionally the HTTP and Telnet protocols can operate from almost any computer with a
network connection.
For more information see Mini-Circuits programming handbook Introduction

and Chapter 2 on

our website.

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g

1.8.5 Included Accessories and Options

Accessories

Available

Software CD

2.7 ft. USB cable

24V power adaptor

Hand Flex RF cable

6.8 ft. USB cable

11 ft. USB cable

US standard
power cord
EU standard
power cord
UK standard
power cord
AUS/China
standard
power cord
IL standard
power cord

Accessories

Available

Software CD

2.7 ft. USB cable

5 ft. Ethernet cable

24V power adaptor

6.8 ft. USB cable

11 ft. USB cable

US standard
power cord
EU standard
power cord
UK standard
power cord
AUS/China
standard
power cord
IL standard
power cord

For additional details and ordering information, click on model P/N at the top of the column.

USB-1SPDT-

A18

Included with

the model at

no extra

char

e

Available as

additional

accessories

When ordering

select one

power cord to

be included at

no extra

charge

RC-1SPDT-

A18

Included with

the model at

no extra

charge

Available as

additional

accessories,

see spec. for

details

When ordering

select one

power cord to

be included at

no extra

charge

USB-2SPDT-

A18

Included with

the model at

no extra

charge

Available as

additional

accessories

When ordering

select one

power cord to

be included at

no extra

charge

RC-2SPDT-

A18

Included with

the model at

no extra

charge

Available as

additional

accessories,

see spec. for

details

When ordering

select one

power cord to

be included at

no extra

charge

USB-3SPDT-

A18

Included with

the model at

no extra

charge

Available as

additional

accessories

When ordering

select one

power cord to

be included at

no extra

charge

RC-3SPDT-

A18

Included with

the model at no

extra charge

Available as

additional

accessories,

see spec. for

details

When ordering

select one
power cord to
be included at

no extra charge

USB-4SPDT-

A18

Included with

the model at

no extra

charge

Available as

additional
accessories,
see spec. for

details

When ordering

select one

power cord to

be included at

no extra

charge

RC-4SPDT-

A18

Included with

the model at

no extra

charge

Available as

additional
accessories,
see spec. for

details

When ordering

select one

power cord to

be included at

no extra

charge

USB-8SPDT-

Included with

the model at

no extra

charge

Not available
as accessory

Available as

additional

accessories,

see spec. for

details

When ordering

select one
power cord to
be included at

no extra

charge

RC-8SPDT-

Included with

the model at

no extra

charge

Available as

additional

accessories,

see spec. for

details

When ordering

select one
power cord to
be included at

no extra

charge

A18

A18

USB-1SP4T-

A18

Included with

the model at

no extra

charge

Not available
as accessory

Available as

additional

accessories,

see spec. for

details

When ordering

select one
power cord to
be included at

no extra

charge

RC-1SP4T-

A18

Included with

the model at

no extra

charge

Available as

additional

accessories,

see spec. for

details

When ordering

select one
power cord to
be included at

no extra

charge

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2 Chapter 2 – Installation and Setup

System requirements for the switch matrix models are a computer (Pentium II or better) with
either support for USB HID or an Ethernet connection, and a power source of 110-220V
socket matching the plug of the power cord selected when ordering the switch matrix). To run
the GUI program a Windows operating system for either 32 or 64 bits is also required.

2.1 Software Setup

If you have had any problems installing the software, we’re here to help.

Try following these complete step-by-step instructions. If you still experience problems,
give us a call at Mini-Circuits Worldwide Technical support. It’s [phone] or e-mail
[e-mail]

tech_support.html for other regional numbers and addresses.

2.1.1 First save all work in progress and close any other programs that may be running.

2.1.2 Next, Insert the Mini-Circuits CD into the CD-ROM drive, or download the full CD

software from minicircuits.com. If installing from files downloaded from the web - unzip the
downloaded files to a temporary folder on your desktop or C: drive, then open the file folder
you created and double-click the “Install” icon.

2.1.3 If installation from the CD does not start automatically, run

install.exe from the <CD drive> root directory.

for North America, or go to minicircuits.com/contact/worldwide_

(with

AC

Figure 2.1.3 CD file listing window

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2.2 Installation

2.2.1 The installer window should now appear. Click the “Install Now” button.

Figure 2.2.1 Installation window

2.2.2 The license agreement should now appear. To proceed, click “I Agree” and

the “Continue” button.

2.2.3 The installation program will launch. Click the “OK” button to continue.

Figure 2.2.2 License agreement

Figure 2.2.3 Installation Program window

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