RF Switches
RF switches route high-frequency signals between paths without degrading them, and they sit at the heart of almost everything wireless: cellular base stations, test instruments, radar front ends, Wi-Fi access points, satellite radios, and automated test setups. The category covers a lot of ground. Electromechanical coaxial switches still dominate where insertion loss and power handling matter most, while solid-state parts in PIN diode, GaAs, SOI, and CMOS processes handle the high-volume, board-level work. You'll also find MEMS switches offering near-mechanical performance in a tiny footprint, and configurations ranging from simple SPDT up to SP8T and beyond, plus transfer and bypass arrangements. When engineers and buyers source these parts, the spec sheet items that actually drive decisions are frequency range, insertion loss, isolation, power handling, switching speed, and linearity, usually in that order. Package style matters more than people expect too; a drop-in QFN replacement is a much easier conversation than a footprint change on a qualified board. On the procurement side, there's a real trade-off to weigh. Franchised stock from the big brands carries a price premium, but gray-market RF switches are a genuine counterfeit risk because remarked parts can look identical and still fail on loss or isolation at frequency. Cheap surplus is tempting until a test rack starts giving inconsistent readings. Lead time is the other pressure point: some popular SOI switches run long factory lead times, and an independent distributor with stock on the shelf often beats waiting twelve weeks for a scheduled build. XingHuan International stocks RF switches from the major manufacturers and verifies sourcing before parts ship. You can check current availability or send a BOM for a quote directly at icxing.com, and we'll tell you honestly what's on hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between absorptive and reflective RF switches, and which do I need?
An absorptive switch terminates the unused ports in 50 ohms internally, while a reflective switch leaves them open. Absorptive types are safer when the unused path connects to something sensitive to standing waves, like a power amplifier output. If your off-ports don't care about termination, reflective switches are usually cheaper and slightly lower loss.
How do I know the RF switches I'm buying aren't counterfeit or remarked?
This is a real problem with high-frequency parts, because a remarked switch can pass a basic continuity check and still fail at frequency. We verify sourcing traceability and inspect parts before shipment, and we can provide supporting documentation on request. If a deal from another channel looks far below market price, treat it with suspicion.
Do you support small quantities, and how long is the lead time?
Yes, we handle both prototype quantities and volume orders, and most buyers start with a small reel or cut tape for validation. In-stock parts typically ship within a few days, while factory orders depend on the manufacturer's schedule, which can run several weeks on popular SOI switches. Send us your BOM and target quantity and we'll quote current availability.
