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4 FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
Figure 5: ZTVX-unit functional block diagram. 2 x 16 port, DC–18 GHz configuration shown.
Mini-Circuits’ ZTVX-Series 2 x N switch matrices are capable of routing signal from two input
ports (A1 and A2) to any of up to 16 output channels (N1 – N16) through a network of low-loss,
high-isolation electromechanical switches. Models are available with various output port counts
and frequency ranges of DC to either 12 GHz or 18 GHz to meet your needs. The switches in
the system are bidirectional, and all ports may be used as inputs or outputs as needed. This
capability allows easy management of complex signal traffic in test environments. ZTVX
systems have proved particularly useful for testing of multiple DUTs in parallel as well is testing
of DUTs with higher port counts without repeatedly disconnecting and reconnecting test cables,
significantly reducing test time and increasing throughput.
This equipment operates on a 90 to 260V; 47 to 63 Hz AC line supply. The unit contains Mini-
Circuits’ patented absorptive electromechanical switches with extra-long switching life,
performance qualified to 100 million switch cycles with proper maintenance. The firmware for
the equipment includes a switch cycle counting function, allowing you to monitor the number of
switch cycles elapsed on each switch in the system and alerting you when routine maintenance
is required - every 10 million cycles per switch. See application note
AN-83-001
for additional
information on switch life and maintenance.
The equipment may be controlled via USB or Ethernet (HTTP and Telnet Protocols)
connections, allowing setup flexibility and easy remote test management. All units come
supplied with Mini-Circuits’ user-friendly Graphical User Interface (GUI) program and DLLs for
32-bit and 64-bit Windows
®
operating systems. Full programming support is provided for a wide
range of programming environments on both Windows and Linux
®
operating systems,
supporting control through your native test software.
