Switch Matrices | Dow-key's Blog

Matrix Switches, RF Switch Matrices, Solid State RF Switching, Fiber Optic Switching

November 19, 2012 at 6:27 pm | Posted in RF Matrix, Switch Matrices | Leave a comment
Tags: Fiber Optic Switching, Matrix Switches, RF Switch Matrices, Solid State RF Switching

Dow-Key Microwave, RF/Microwave Switch Experts Release All New Matrix Platform

December 9, 2011 at 12:14 am | Posted in Dow-Key, Switch Matrices | Leave a comment
Tags: Microwave Switch, RF Switch

Dow-Key Microwave, RF/Microwave Switch
Experts Release All New Matrix Platform

New RF Switch Matrix Platform Hits the Consumer Market

Ventura, CA December 8, 2011

Dow-Key Microwave, masters of innovative RF and Microwave switching solutions, is delighted about the release of their brand new Matrix Platform. The long awaited switch solution is finally here and Dow-Key employees can’t wait to share the news.

“We have always strived to devote our products to our customers, and to always have their needs in mind. With our new product, the key lies in its usability. We prefer not to simply offer a great and reliable product, but to also present a cost-effective solution with our new design,” stated Sara Nazemzadeh, Dow-Key representative today.

The all-new Dow-Key Matrix Platform is engineered around a flexible modular system architecture and is comprised of a series of brackets, panels and electronic-boards that are universally compatible with all Dow-Key electromechanical models. The resulting product is meant to be a cost effective solution that can be easily re-configured by adding RF switches to a single enclosure. Dow-Key also ensures that the platform is both easily repairable and field upgradeable.

So what makes up the Matrix Platform? More major product specifications for the new Dow Key Microwave Matrix Platform include 1RU/2RU/3RU/4RU rack-mountable chassis, removable power supply/ control card module, LCD keypad or touch screen manual control, new software controls and much more. For further information about the Matrix Platform, click here.

Dow Key Microwave is a Southern California based company, headquartered in the beautiful coastal city of Ventura. The company has been masterfully creating RF and Microwave switching solutions since its founding in 1945.

If you wish to receive a quote, please log-in to our website here.

Dowkey at the Nas Patuexent River/NAVAIR Technology Expo

October 28, 2010 at 3:26 pm | Posted in Ceramic & Microwave Products, Dow-Key, RF matrices, Switch Matrices | Leave a comment

Maryland, USA – on October 6, 2010, Larry Neeley, one of Dow-Key Microwave’s Regional Sales Managers, attended the Nas Patuexent River/NAVAIR Technology Expo, which was hosted by the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, in Maryland, USA. Dow-Key Switches

Dow-Key Microwave joined about 20 other exhibitors, each with a table-top display of their company’s products, at this four hour expo. During this four hour span of time, between 200 to 600 persons attended, all of which were very influential individuals: including engineers and important decision makers. Participation in this expo not only allowed Dow-Key Microwave to reach significant individuals, but also gave them the opportunity to enhance the company’s brand name, and increase their image, as well as, their visibility. In addition to presenting a showcase of switch products to potential buyers, Dow-Key also received valuable feedback from customers. In summary, participation in an expo such as this one is very beneficial as it presents the opportunity for exposure to an audience that is highly targeted, but typically difficult to reach.

Dowkey at the Autotestcon Show

October 21, 2010 at 7:22 pm | Posted in Ceramic & Microwave Products, Coaxial Switches, Dow-Key, RF matrices, Switch Matrices | Leave a comment

Orlando, Florida (September 13-16, 2010) – Last month, Dow-Key Microwave participated in the Autotestcon Show, held in Orlando, Florida, from September 13th through 16th. The theme of this year’s conference reflected upon not only the fact that 2010 is Autotestcon’s forty-fifth year, but also that their technical program focuses on the future of automatic test. Dow-Key Microwave joined over 100 other exhibiting organizations and United States Military divisions in providing over 250 exhibition booths. Dow-Key Switches

By participating in this show, Dow-Key Microwave’s attendees, Adolf Cheung, Larry Neeley, Greg Marinez and Sara Nazemzadeh, were able to meet senior military and aerospace leaders, as well as intermingle with other professionals in the industry, including weapon systems managers, acquisition officials, engineers and logisticians.Dow-Key Microwave held its exhibition at booth number 836, which turned out to be a great location since it was in a high traffic area.
Dow-Key’s products on display included the solid state 3202 matrix, the electromechanical 4104 matrix, the fiber optics matrix, PXI modules, and many coaxial and waveguide switches that are great for test setups, as well as ATE applications. The fiber optics matrix, which is one of the latest additions to Dow-Key’s product line, really captured a high level of interest. Participation in the show also provided a great opportunity to reveal the company’s new Space Brochure for the first time.
During the three day exhibition, Dow-Key Microwave also took part in the “Tech Trek” competition which was sponsored by Evaluation Engineering. In this competition, visitors of Dow-Key’s booth had the chance to win an iPod, iPad, or various other electronics through multiple daily drawings. This competition was a fun event that gave Dow-Key Microwave the opportunity to meet and interact with may great engineers and leaders within the RF industry.
The outcome of the show was truly great, because it was very well attended, and Dow-Key was able to capture many high quality leads. Due to this great turn out, Dow-Key Microwave plans to participate in the next Autotestcon show, which will be held next year in Baltimore.

Dow-Key’s 50-ohm/75-ohm Solid State Matrices for Broadcasting and Signal Routing Industries

May 12, 2010 at 5:56 pm | Posted in Solid State Matrices, Switch Matrices | Leave a comment
Tags: Matrices for Broadcasting, Signal Routing Industries Matrix, Solid State Matrices

A new switch matrix series with either 50-ohm or 75-ohm impedance is available from small scaled 8×8 full fan-out configuration up to large scaled 128×128 matrix.

Ventura, CA May 12, 2010 — A new switch matrix series with either 50-ohm or 75-ohm impedance is available from small scaled 8×8 full fan-out configuration up to large scaled 128×128 matrix.

Application:
Model 3206 thru Model 3211 are solid state matrices offered with either 50-ohm or 75-ohm impedance. The standard 50-ohm solutions are perfect for all applications where signal routing and signal testing are required, while 75-ohm solutions are an excellent design to be used in the broadcasting industry for receiving and transmitting video signals or where 75-ohm impedance is needed.

Features:
These systems are available with non-blocking full fan-out capability; meaning any input can be connected to one or multiple outputs simultaneously. Thus, it is referred to as a full fan-out solution. These systems are currently offered over three different frequency bands: IF-band (20-200 MHz), L-band (950-2250 MHz) and broad band (50-2150 MHz). Other frequency ranges may be supported upon request.

All matrices by standard are equipped with low noise amplifiers (with high dynamic range), local control via a 4×20 LCD screen and a 3×6 pushbutton keypad, and a default remote control thru TCP/IP (Ethernet) interface. Redundant power supply is offered as an option, if this would be a desired requirement. In addition, beyond the standard TCP/IP remote interface, the choices of using GPIB (IEEE-488), RS-232, RS-485, or RS-422 are also available upon request.

The solid state 50-ohm/75-ohm matrix portfolio offers a wide range of input/output configurations; starting at 8×8 and goes all the way up 128×128. Other configurations may be available upon contacting Dow-Key. The chassis size of these systems range from 2U/3U for an 8×8 solution up to 18U for the 64×64, and beyond 18U for larger systems.

Currently seven solid state matrix models are offered with 75-ohm impedance and for 50-ohm systems more solutions are available on our website or matrix catalog (solid state section). Current models are listed here below with a quick overlook of what each solution offers.

Download the data sheets

For other configurations than specified, do not hesitate to contact Dow-Key at askdk(at)dowkey(dot)com.

Dow-Key Switch Matrices in Focus:Electromechanical Model 4601 and Model 4701

April 13, 2010 at 4:06 pm | Posted in Electromechanical Matrix, RF matrices, Switch Matrices | Leave a comment
Tags: Electromechanical Switches, Graphical User Interface, RF matrices, Switch Matrices

Dow-Key presents two of its existing switch matrices that distinguish themselves from the other electromechanical matrices in our portfolio as they are offered with:

Touch screen LCD (for local control) equipped with a friendly Dow-Key Graphical User Interface (GUI)
Central Processing Unit (CPU) with Windows XP professional operating system
Removable hard drive
Redundant power supplies
Power LED monitoring

Overview:
Model 4601and Model 4701 – are both non-blocking full fan-out RF matrices, with the capability of connecting any input to any one (or multiple) outputs simultaneously. Each model operated between 1 to 18 GHz and can be controlled remotely depending on the user’s choice of interface without any additional cost.

Ethernet (TCP/IP) and RS-232
GPIB (IEEE-4888) and RS-232

Input/Output Configurations:
Depending on the desired input/output configuration, the models are separated by the following arrangements:

Model 4601: from 4×4 to 8×8
Model 4701: from 9×9 to 12×12

Connector Type:
Standard unit are configured with N-type connectors at the input and with SMA-type connectors at the output terminals, but per customers need the type of connectors can be exchangeable upon request

Specifications:
For further information and detail specifications, download the data sheets below or contact Dow-Key directly.

Attached Files:

Data Sheet: Model 4601
Data Sheet: Model 4701