Does the coaxial switch have a large signal loss
Coaxial Switch Signal Loss Factors
Frequency Impact
Signal loss increases with frequency due to the skin effect and dielectric losses:
Typical Loss Values:
• Below 1 GHz: 0.1-0.5 dB
• Above 10 GHz: 1-2 dB
• At 40 GHz: 1-2 dB
Switch Type Differences
Mechanical switches typically offer lower losses than solid-state switches:
Comparison:
• Mechanical: ~0.2 dB loss
• Solid-state (PIN diodes/FETs): 1-3 dB loss
Impedance Matching
Proper impedance matching (low VSWR) minimizes signal reflections and loss. Manufacturing quality and environmental factors (temperature, humidity) also affect long-term performance.
High-quality coaxial switches maintain low signal loss when properly selected for frequency range and application. Mechanical switches offer the lowest losses, while solid-state alternatives sacrifice some signal integrity for speed and durability.