Switch matrices are being modularly designed which allows the end customer to order a variety of 8 x 8 or 8 x 16 configurations with only minor factory board level modifications. The switch matrix has been designed using latching relays so that the signal path integrity can be maintained even during power outages or loss of IEEE-488, RS-232 and/or Ethernet control. These subsystems can be delivered either as a 50 or 75 ohm system.

In Aeroflex / Weinschel's standard design approach, our designers use a highly adaptable platform that allows a dense integration of switches. The switch matrix chassis contains:

• Sixteen, 8x1 switch modules and eight, 16x1 modules designs.
• Modular Design allows easily exchange of front and rear panel switches,
  controllers or power modules.
• IEEE-488, Serial or Ethernet (SNMP option) Interface for computer
  control.
• Switch Matrix System firmware can be controlled through a 10 Base T TCP/IP
  software link as well as field level software upgrades or maintenance will be
  available through a TCP/IP link.
• Customer defined configurations, layout and packaging.

Other microwave switch matrix products and subsystems can be designed for Satellite Earth Stations, Uplink/Downlink Routing, Cellular Base Stations, Metrology, L-Band Intermediate and Frequency Routing.

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Aeroflex / Weinschel has over 25 years of product development experience in
satellite and communications systems, test, measurement and simulation of wireless systems. This includes:

• 3G, WCDMA, PCS, & GSM.
• Cable Modem Test Sets.
• Precision RF & Microwave Instrumentation.

Combining Weinschel's years of experience with our new SmartStep design approach enables our designers to provide the wireless infrastructure market with an almost
endless amount of subsystem solutions.

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As cable modems become more readily available so does the need to calibrate and test their operational performance. Aeroflex / Weinschel's cable modem testing solution starts with the design and manufacturing of 75 ohm subsystems that offer:

• Multi-channel inputs and outputs with front or rear panel connector
  mounting options.
• Operation over the dc to 1.2 GHz frequency range.
• IEEE-488, Serial or Ethernet (SNMP option) Interface for computer control.
• Wide dynamic range by employing Weinschel SmartStep Attenuators.
• Custom Mechanical Design & Layout.

For convenience, Weinschel also offers standard 75 ohm attenuator units (8310-1-X) that operates over the dc-1 GHz frequency range and provides an adjustable attenuation range of
0-63 dB in 1 dB steps.

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Whether the application is an individual attenuation module for satellites or complex matrix /channel configurations for cellular base station testing and operation, Aeroflex / Weinschel's SmartStep design approach offers a versatile but simple method of creating and packaging fixed, solid-state and/or mechanical (relay) attenuators into customer specified modules and subsystems.

Advanced attenuation/switching schemes can be designed using other components such as switches, combiners/dividers/splitters and directional couplers. Our designers use the advanced SmartStep Interface firmware to create virtual devices with attenuation ranges up to 127 dB with resolutions of 0.25 dB that can operate over the dc-26.5 GHz frequency band. Other designs can include:

• Complex Matrix/Channel Configurations.
• Custom Mechanical Design & Layout.
• IEEE-488, Serial or Ethernet (SNMP option) Interface for computer control.
• Wide dynamic range & frequency range options available.
• Solid-State (GaAs FET & PIN) designs available.
• Customer specialized testing and calibration can also be supplied.
  

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Customized Mechanical Packaging & Modular Design:

The strength of Aeroflex / Weinschel's SmartStep design approach starts with an experienced engineering design staff. Using today’s modern design tools and the latest software allows Weinschel's engineering staff to offer its customers a wide range of customized mechanical packaging & modular design solutions.

Specific PCB and driver configurations can be designed for operating various types of devices or retrofitting an existing device to operate with our SmartStep Approach!

Subsystems are easily configured for mounting into any rack or cabinet designed per EIA RS-310 or MIL-STD-189.

Although Weinschel specializes in the design of customized module and cabinet configurations, most subsystems are designed using off-the-shelf components, devices and cabinet configurations which allows Weinschel to design and manufacture subsystems with reduced lead times as well as lower overall design cost.

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