Microwave switch connectors are relatively new to the electronics industry, as they first appeared in the mid 1990s as a reliable method to test a cell phone's operation. Since that time, cell phones have drastically changed in size, weight, and functionality and as a result microwave switch connectors and the engineers who use them have had to adapt. Despite the numerous advancements in technology, microwave switch connectors, when properly selected, continue to be the component of choice throughout the prototype, production, and final assembly phases of today's wireless products.

In a nutshell, switch connectors are predominantly designed into wireless mobile devices and were conceived during the transition from traditional whip antennas to chip devices. At the time, no reliable mechanism existed for evaluating the integrity of the data being transmitted from the antenna.

The connector interfaces with a test probe hooked up to a piece of test equipment, such as a spectrum analyzer, and enables a design or test engineer to be sure the antenna in a device such as a cell phone is working correctly.

Evolution

Switch connectors are evolving almost as quickly as the products they test. Therefore, it is essential for engineers to understand the best way to choose one that fits their needs.

Engineers are wise to consider size, reliability, operating frequency, and compatibility factors. In addition, looking ahead and anticipating the next generation of products also helps determine the ideal microwave switch connector, one that is able to seamlessly test the newest designs on the market.

Size

With the shrinking size and the increased complexity of today's wireless products, size does matter. Traditionally, individuals would only think about a component in terms of the board space it would use, but consideration of height is now just as important as the length and width.

For example, the newest switch connectors that realize restrictions in thin designs come in a miniature package of only 2.5 x 2.5 x 1.4 mm. This reduced connector minimizes board space and accommodates challenging height