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Giga-tronics ASCOR announces 50 GHz/67 GHz Switching Solutions for RF and Microwave ATE. Giga-tronics Incorporated

SAN RAMON, Calif. — August 23, 2011 — Giga-tronics Incorporated (Nasdaq “GIGA”) today announced the introduction of new 50 and 67 GHz switching solutions. This expands the capability of the well-accepted Series 8000 and 8800 families from Giga-tronics ASCOR. Offering a frequency range up to 67 GHz enables inclusion of switching in Automated Test Equipment (ATE) for a number of aerospace and defense applications, including test of inter-satellite and point-to-point communication systems. In addition, 67 GHz covers the frequency band intended for the wireless transmission of multimedia data (wireless HDMI).

• Superior RF/Microwave Performance. Building on 30 years of experience and partnerships with leading relay manufacturers, Giga-tronics ASCOR selects the relays that offer the best performance for the application, including high isolation, low insertion loss and high reliability. Typical specifications for the 67 GHz relays include:

Frequency DC - 3 GHz 3 - 12.4 GHz 12.4 - 18 GHz 18 - 26.5 GHz 26.5 - 50 GHz 50 - 67 GHz
Insertion Loss (dB) 0.4 max 0.5 max 0.7 max 0.8 max 1.0 max 1.1 max
VSWR (X:1) 1.15 max 1.25 max 1.3 max 1.7 max 1.9 max 1.9 max
Isolation (dB) 96 min 85 min 80 min 70 min 70 min 70 min
Repeatability: 0.08 dB, Life: 5M cycles, RF Power Handling: 1W avg

• Configuration Flexibility. The Giga-tronics ASCOR Series 8000 and 8800 are available in a wide variety of configurations from a collection of individual relays, multiplexers, matrices or combinations thereof. For 50 / 67 GHz switching solutions, configurations are comprised of SPDT, terminated SPDT, transfer, four- and five-port relays.

• Easy to Use. The Giga-tronics ASCOR 50/67 GHz switching solutions can be controlled over IEEE-488 (GPIB) or LAN using simple SCPI commands. Optional front panel LEDs provide test engineers instant status of all relay contacts to monitor system operation.
“With the extension of the Giga-tronics ASCOR switching system and RFIU product line to include 50 GHz and 67 GHz solutions, we have significantly increased the applications that can utilize tailored solutions at off-the-shelf prices” said Walt Strickler, VP of Business Development for Switching Solutions.