Keysight Technologies
Coaxial Electromechanical Switches:
How Operating Life and Repeatability of
Keysight’s Electromechanical Switches
Minimize System Uncertainty
Application Note
Introduction
Keysight Technologies, Inc. is the global leading designer and manufacturer of coaxial
electromechanical (EM) switches, with a long history and proven track record for high performance,
quality and reliability. Coaxial EM switches provide the reliability and performance required by
automated test systems used in the aerospace and defense and wireless communication industries for
signal monitoring and routing purposes. One of the most common applications of coaxial EM switches
is mobile handset testing in the wireless
communication industry.
According to a research study
1
, global mobile handset shipment is on track to reach one billion units
shipped in 2006, representing a 22.5% growth over 2005. This impressive growth rate places high
emphasis on the reliability and performance of automated test systems (ATS) used for mobile phone
testing, of which the EM switch is a major component. Two of the most important considerations when
selecting an EM Switch are operating life and repeatability.
This application note describes:
– The operating life of EM switches, the jumper contact mechanism of conventional EM switches,
and the Keysight contact mechanism with its wiping-action technology.
– Finally, the effect of repeatability on measurement uncertainty is discussed.