A remotely controlled coaxial switch for impedance standard calibration

A switch which permits the connection, in sequence, of a couple of four-terminal-pair impedance standards to an automatic RLC bridge, is presented. The purpose of the switch is to automate the process of impedance calibration by 1:1 substitution. The switch is capable of engaging four coaxial lines at a time (switching both the internal conductor and the screen of each line); the electrical contacts are British Post Office MUSA connector. The switch, in the closed position, adds 2 mΩ of resistance to each coaxial line in the electrical path. The switch is moved by pneumatic actuators to avoid any electrical interference, and is remotely controlled via RS-232 interface. Measurement examples are shown.