Abstract: An improved electromechanical switch designed to operate at frequencies from DC through microwave has terminal probe tips that are formed from an alloy of noble metal and contoured with a pattern of peaks and valleys in order to provide better contact wiping operation and capture of wear debris. The switch incorporates damper elements to reduce switching contact bounce, thus providing increased contact life as well as higher quality signal switching.

Abstract: An improved electromechanical RF switch provides enhanced reliability and lifespan by incorporating a middle plate between the case and base elements for locating the guide pins, reed holders and reeds to increase accuracy in critical component alignment. The middle plate reduces required precision during assembly of the switch, thus increasing assembly accuracy while reducing labor cost. The guide pins are made of a hard insulator such as glass to generate less wear particles, and the reed holder has a groove filled with lubricant to trap any wear particles that result from sliding friction during switch operation. Optionally, a low-friction bushing is used within the case bore to further reduce sliding friction during reed holder travel. The reeds are made of thin, flexible metal and have ends shaped so that when the ends contact switching terminals, a wiping action removes any surface contamination from both the reed ends and the terminals.

Abstract: An improved electromechanical RF switch provides enhanced reliability and lifespan by incorporating a middle plate between the case and base elements for locating the guide pins, reed holders and reeds to increase accuracy in critical component alignment. The middle plate reduces required precision during assembly of the switch, thus increasing assembly accuracy while reducing labor cost. The guide pins are made of a hard insulator such as glass to generate less wear particles, and the reed holder has a groove filled with lubricant to trap any wear particles that result from sliding friction during switch operation. Optionally, a low-friction bushing is used within the case bore to further reduce sliding friction during reed holder travel. The reeds are made of thin, flexible metal and have ends shaped so that when the ends contact switching terminals, a wiping action removes any surface contamination from both the reed ends and the terminals.