An optimization technique for low-loss n/spl times/m microwave switch matrices

An approach to the optimum design of a large-scale blocking switch matrix has been developed. The approach minimizes insertion loss of any n/spl times/m switch matrix by deriving optimum configurations for all cascading states. Each state consists of either switches or junctions. To demonstrate an accuracy of the technique, we have designed an 8/spl times/2 switch matrix operating in the ISM band based on the optimization solution. The results indicate that the predicted insertion loss (2.90 dB) is agreed with the measured one (3.15 dB) at nominal frequency of 2.45 GHz. The agreement between the predicted and the measured insertion loss validates the practical use of the model.