FAQ

All Sector Microwave's Standard Switches have the following characteristics:

• DPDT
• Latching
• Manual override
• Sheltered usage
• Standard electrical circuit

Sector Switches have available options to meet any additional requirements. Common options are: voltages, flanges, environmental, and additional contact closures (tellbacks).

1. What requirements do I need to specify when I order a switch from Sector Microwave?
2. How do I specify a RoHS compliant switch?
3. What is the difference between a Latching switch and a Failsafe 'F' switch?
4. What are the benefits of a manual override? 
5. What is the frequency limit of a coaxial switch with type N connectors? 
6. What is a Sealed Switch?
7. What is the difference between a Sealed 'S' switch and a Sheltered 'W' switch?
8. What is the difference between a ‘T’ circuit and a ‘TA’ circuit? 
9. What are the differences between CPRG, CPRF, O-Ring and Plain Flanges? 
10. What are the typical operating and storage temperatures of your switches?

What if I need a switch not found on your website?

Contact us. We can manufacture to your needs. In addition, we support all 350,000+ switches made by Sector Microwave since 1974. 

1. What requirements are needed to order a switch from Sector Microwave?

1.) Switch type (Waveguide or Coaxial) or both (Dual). 
2.) Frequency range.
3.) Operating voltage.
4.) Waveguide flange type or coaxial connector type.
5.) Total quantity of indicator circuits and/or inhibit contacts.
6.) Outdoor or indoor use. (Sealed, Sheltered or Standard)
7.) Any special requirements or options.

2. How do I specify a RoHS compliant switch? 

Add (RoHS) to the end of the switch part number on the purchase order. 

3. What is the difference between a Latching switch and a Failsafe switch? 

Latching switches are more common than their Failsafe counterparts. Switches are manufactured as latching by default, unless the Failsafe option is chosen. A latching switch will maintain a chosen RF path whether or not voltage is continuously applied to the actuator after switching is accomplished. Latching is less expensive, allows for manual override and has a greater MTBF (Mean Time Between Failure).

A Failsafe 'F' switch always returns the RF path to the de-energized position when there is no voltage applied to the actuator. Failsafe switches require continuously applied voltage to the actuator in order to maintain the RF path in the energized position. Failsafe is more expensive, does not allow for manual override and has a lesser MTBF.

4. What are the benefits of a manual override?

The ability to change the switch positions (RF paths) in the event of a power loss or actuator failure.

5. What is the frequency limit of a coaxial switch with type N connectors?

The frequency limit of a coaxial switch with type N connectors is 8.5 GHz.

6. What is a Sealed Switch? 

A sealed 'S' switch can be mounted outdoors without any special protection from atmospheric conditions. However, please note that gross protection will extend the life of the switch.

7. What is the difference between a Sealed switch and a Sheltered switch?

A sealed switch (E.G. 75xx'S') can be mounted outdoors directly exposed to atmospheric conditions (rain, snow, etc).

A sheltered switch (E.G. 75-xx'W') is not suitable for unprotected outdoor use. A sheltered switch can be mounted outdoors in a sheltered environment or hub, where the switch is not directly exposed to atmospheric conditions. It has a cover over the motor and a knob for manual override.

8. What is the difference between a ‘T’ circuit and a ‘TA’ circuit?

The ‘T’ circuit has two separate TTL lines, one for each switch position.

The ‘TA’ circuit is more common. It has one line with logic. Switch position 1 has logic of ‘1’ and switch position 2 has logic of ‘0’.

9. What are the differences between CPRG, CPRF, O-Ring and Plain Flanges? 

CPRG 'G' flanges have a rectangular groove and a rectangular hole pattern. 
CPRF 'F' flanges do not have a groove but have a rectangular hole pattern. 
O-Ring 'O' flanges have a circular groove and a circular or square hole pattern.
Plain 'P' flanges do not have a groove but have a circular or square hole pattern.

10. What are the typical operating and storage temperature ranges of your switches?

Our switches have a typical operating temperature range of -35°C to +65°C and a typical storage temperature range of -50°C to +85°C. We have designed switches that exceed these ranges, please contact Sector Microwave for details.