Evaluation Engineering - 21

vexing challenges, allowing them to
replace EMRs in many of their core applications. In addition to switching low
power and low-frequency signals, MEMS
switches can now handle kilowatts of
power reliably and pass frequencies well
into the millimeter-wave spectrum.
Finally, as MEMS switch technology is
just beginning to exploit its potential, new

performance benchmarks will continue to
be set for many years to come.
Chris Giovanniello is senior
vice president of worldwide
marketing at Menlo Micro,
overseeing all aspects of
technology innovation and
leading product development efforts.

Figure 4: A miniature switch matrix evaluation
board realized with two MM1200 switches in a
3x4 configuration with 12 cross-points.
Menlo Micro
EVALUATION ENGINEERING

The board uses two of the MEMS
switches in series as a 3x4 switch matrix
with 12 cross-points (six per device). Every
switch in the matrix is individually controllable, so the matrix can be configured
as one to many, many to one, or can loop
a signal back for testing. The evaluation
board includes a microcontroller for the
interface and control circuit, as well as a 75
VDC generator for actuating the switches.
The switch matrix can accommodate
positive or negative AC and DC voltages
alone or in combination, and is accompanied by Windows software that lets
designers connect various points in the
matrix and shows switching configurations. To create a larger switching environment, several boards can be connected
to form 3 x 8 or 3 x 12 matrices.

Summary
The signal and power switching systems,
which are often required for high-volume
automated testing, are sometimes overlooked-but they are critical ingredients
that play an outsized role in determining
overall measurement system performance
and cost. Like all electronic devices, EMRs
and reed relays, the mainstay of current
ATE switching systems, have limitations
that directly impact the overall cost-ofownership and cost-of-test.
That said, MEMS switch technology
has been problematic for decades and
has only recently surmounted its most

EDITORIAL
CALL

SUBMISSION
DEADLINES
September: Abstract due
7/9, article due 7/29
October: Abstract due 8/9,
article due 8/28
November: Abstract due
9/9, article due 9/27

We at Evaluation Engineering are always looking for
contributed educational content as we can. Here are the
topics we're looking to receive contributed articles for in
upcoming issues:
September: Medical Test, Wireless Test
October: EMC Test, RF/Microwave Test
November: Design-for-Test, Instrumentation
These are all broad topics, but we'd let you, the
contributor, pick the specific focus. The format is also up
to you, as it could be a best-practices article, a 'what's
trending' piece, predictions, tips, a Q&A, or you can simply
send us commentary on a specific topic.
OUR GUIDELINES: The key for these articles is to be
non-promotional. We'd like such an article to range from
600 to about 2,200 words, include any accompanying
figures or imagery (hi-resolution), the author's headshot,
and up to 50 words of 'about the author' information.

INTERESTED?
Reach out to EE Editor-in-Chief Mike Hockett at mhockett@
evaluationengineering.com with an idea or abstract.

JULY 2019 EVALUATIONENGINEERING.COM

http://www.EVALUATIONENGINEERING.COM

Evaluation Engineering

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Evaluation Engineering