60 GHz COAXIAL COMPONENTS

This is a feasibility study for a single pole, double throw, mechanical switch, using 1.85 mm coaxial connectors complying with the proposed connector standard in document IEC 46D (USA) 145. One major problem is the theoretical optimization of the two transitions from the 1.85 mm input coaxial airline to the switching reed which is a one mil thick, flat leaf spring and back to the 1.85 mm output coaxial airline. The machining and testing will be facilitated by scaling the line size up and the frequency down by a factor of 3.78. The concept will be proven and optimized by measurements in a 7 mm airline to 18 GHz. Then it will be constructed in a 1.85 mm line and tested to 65 GHz. Another major effort will be a theoretical stress study of the optimum reed shape to produce a minimum life of one million steps. In phase 2, a goal of 5 million steps should be considered. A manual switch will be furnished as a deliverable with all S parameters tested to 65 GHz on a Wiltron model 360 network analyzer. An electrically actuated switch, magnetically latched, with current disconnect, should be considered in phase 2.