EECL offers first off-the-shelf microwave test and measurement solutions

2 mins read

EECL, a designer and manufacturer of customised radio frequency (RF) technology, is now introducing a suite of off-the-shelf test & measurement products.

New suite of off-the-shelf T&M solutions Credit: EECL

These products have been developed for a range of use cases including IoT battery power testing, semiconductor manufacturing, military product validation, mobile communications, aerospace and academic research.

The first product to launch is a miniaturised benchtop RF Switch Matrix which is a high-speed, USB and ethernet-controlled RF full cross-bar solution that has been built from the ground up for complex test setups where RF signals need to be dynamically rerouted across multiple devices. 

The unit comprises up to 96 switches and the capability to support an ultrawide frequency range, from 16 kHz through to 40 GHz.

Using high isolation techniques (100dB), RF and Microwave engineers can accelerate testing workflows by connecting their measurement hardware (analysers, power supplies, signal generators, noise sources etc) to a centralised unit. The units not only enable automated evaluation of high-volume payloads with minimal signal distortion or drift, but also delivers long-term stability through oven stabilisation, ensuring reliability and product longevity.

“EECL has been developing world leading electrical and mechanical solutions for the space, high technology science and industrial markets for many years and we wanted to bring these advanced capabilities to a broader range of companies that require precision testing at an accessible price point,” explained Ben Kieniewicz, CEO of EECL. “The switches are portable, ruggedised and easy to use, allowing engineers and researchers to set up accurate test processes quickly and effortlessly.”

Unlike conventional mechanical switching solutions, the matrix comprises a solid-state architecture.

This compact form factor delivers superior signal integrity by shortening transmission paths to maintain low loss and the modules are available as a bench top device or 2U rack mounted. The modules also integrate a precision controlled internal oven which can sustain calibration stability over time by limiting signal variation to less than 0.02 dB, with near-zero drift and exceptional repeatability.

Other technical features include:

  • 8 common ports, 2 switch paths
  • Full crossbar architecture with 16 I/O ports
  • High power handling and high linearity
  • Exceptional isolation (100dB) and impedance matching (50 ohms, including unselected ports)
  • Minimal insertion loss
  • Fast switching speeds
  • Compatible with PC, Ethernet, and USB for lab-based and distributed testing environments
  • Compatible with LabVIEW, Matlab, C and all other environments

The matrix can be integrated with customer software, and EECL provide a powerful interface for configuring and managing high volume test requirements. An intuitive dashboard simplifies and automates complex measurement setups, ensuring a positive user experience while enabling efficient test execution.

The EECL matrix is available as a standalone product or as a white-label solution for integration into third-party systems.