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Space Qualified Switches

Overview

Discover Dow-Key Microwave: Your Trusted Partner for Space-Qualified Switches
When it comes to space-qualified switches, Dow-Key Microwave stands out as a leader in the industry. Our switches have maintained an impeccable in-flight failure-free record across hundreds of space programs. With decades of experience, a legacy of participation in numerous prestigious space missions, and cutting-edge equipment, Dow-Key Microwave is the engineer’s top choice for reliable, high-performance space-qualified switches.

Questions? Email AskDK@dowkey.com

Space Qualified Switches

A Dow-Key Single Pole Double Throw Switch

SPDT Coaxial Switches

Dow-Key’s innovative and proven high reliability, superior RF performance, and low current/magnetic latch SPDT switches have played a part in hundreds of successful space missions since the 1970’s. Some of these missions include GPS III (Global Positioning System), Atlas (launch vehicle), Pegasus (rocket), Milstar (satellite communication system), and Optus (leading operator of satellites in the Asia Pacific region).

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A Dow-Key Double Pole Double Throw Switch

DPDT Coaxial Switches

Our rigorous quality assurance processes allow transfer switches to be used in critical programs such as Inmarsat-4 satellite system which supports Broadband and Global Area Network for delivering internet and intranet content solutions (e.g. video, fax, email and LAN access). On other space missions like the ACE (Advanced Composition Explorer – an explorer mission) our lightweight (less than 55 grams) and highly reliable qualified transfer switches were a perfect fit.

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Coaxial T-Switch

The benefit of a T-switch over a DPDT (or transfer) switch is that up to three combinations of RF paths are available, which is perfectly suited for space applications where more than two path combinations are required. In addition to superior RF performance and light weight/high power capabilities, Dow-Key distinguishes itself from others by introducing random drive (minimizing the switching time) rather than forcing the application to switch RF paths in sequential order. These RF switches have been qualified in programs including MUOS (spacecraft), ISRO (Indian Space program), and INSAT 3 (multipurpose satellite design providing telecommunications, television broadcasting, meteorological, search and rescue services).

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A Dow-Key Single Pole Multiple Throw Switch

Coaxial Multi-position (SPnT)

Space-qualified multi-position switches are sometimes used during launch, which means that they need to be operational under very harsh conditions, such as continuous RF power during actuation (‘hot switching’), as well as high levels of shocks and vibrations. Dow-Key has proven designs on numerous programs such as ORION, VENICE, and AMOS.

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Waveguide C-Switch

In 1993 Dow-Key expanded its involvement in Hi-Rel space programs with the acquisition of the Transco Space Qualified Products. In addition to the heritage for the Hi-Rel waveguide switches, many of the Transco design engineers stayed with Dow-Key and are still employed with us today. The Dow-Key waveguide switches were included in high profile space missions such as the Parker Solar Probe, and more recently the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope.

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Switch Assembly

These assemblies are combinations of several switches with other microwave components such as power splitters, attenuator, isolator, terminations, coaxial cables etc.

Dow-Key made Space-Qualified Switch Assemblies for prestigious programs such as GPSIII and Dream Chaser.

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Special Processes And Manfacturing

Our testing and manufacturing facility is recognized across the industry for its state-of-the-art components, including but not limited to, two Class 7 clean rooms, a wide array of vector network analyzers and synthesized sources, noise figure measuring equipment and RF power sources as well as shock and vibration stations for environmental screening. With the best of modern technology at their fingertips and decades of combined experience, Dow-Key Microwave engineers deliver custom solutions to meet unique specifications as well as budgetary considerations and timelines.

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Case Studies & Innovation Stories

The Mission

NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope will capture images and spectra that will help us understand how today’s universe emerged.

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MPG Receives Boeing Performance Excellence Award

Dow-Key® Microwave was selected by Boeing to receive the Boeing Performance Excellence Award. This is their third time receiving the award.

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P-8A Poseidon Mission

MPG equipment delivered on the goal of Connecting and Protecting People by providing clear communicatins over long distances in this search and rescue (SAR) event.

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Resources

Dow-Key Switches Product Catalog

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A Guide to RF Switching Systems Article

R461 Series High Repeat Switch Datasheet

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DKM RoHS Compliance Declaration 2021

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Microwave Products Group
13033 Trautwein Road
Austin, TX 78737
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Main: 410-749-2424
support@mpgdover.com

Simplify product selection with MPG Wizards >> Launch now!>

Space Qualified Switches

Switches Classes

Overview

Questions? Email AskDK@dowkey.com

Space Qualified Switches

SPDT Coaxial Switches

DPDT Coaxial Switches

Coaxial T-Switch

Coaxial Multi-position (SPnT)

Waveguide C-Switch

Switch Assembly

Explore Products And Solutions By:

Search & Design Tools

Product Finder

MPG Wizards

Special Processes And Manfacturing

Questions?

Case Studies & Innovation Stories

The Mission

MPG Receives Boeing Performance Excellence Award

P-8A Poseidon Mission

Resources

Dow-Key Switches Product Catalog

A Guide to RF Switching Systems Article

R461 Series High Repeat Switch Datasheet

DKM RoHS Compliance Declaration 2021

Contact