R&S^®ZS129x Switch Units

Flexible operation, manually and by remote control

Depending on customer requirements, the antenna paths can be switched manually or via remote control. The keypad on the instrument's front panel enables users to switch the wanted antenna signal directly to the output. The path currently switched and important parameters are indicated on the display next to the keypad. Alternatively, control can be carried out via the system software. In this case, the R&S^®ZS129x switch unit is connected with the control PC via USB or RS-232-C. If preferred, the switch matrix can also be controlled via a receiver that is connected with the R&S^®ZS129x switch unit by means of a TTL line.

Controlling multiple instruments

The instruments have multiple control outputs, which may be an I²C bus and/or an open collector – depending on the model. This feature makes it possible, for example, to control two switch matrices by using one control command. As a result, even complex switching processes can be implemented easily and reliably.

Integrated power supply for active antennas

Many models already contain a factory-installed DC feed, which allows power to be fed to most of the active antennas via the R&S^®ZS129x switch unit. This eliminates the need to install an additional, external antenna power feed. Depending on the model, up to six DC feeds can be integrated into a single switching matrix.

GaAs switches for significantly faster switchover times

Instead of standard switches, gallium arsenide (GaAs) switches may be used, allowing considerably faster switching times.

Tried-and-tested, reliable technology

The switching matrices of the R&S^®ZS129x family have successfully proved their mettle throughout several years of service. Worldwide, they are performing reliably in well over 400 monitoring stations.