Upgrade coax switches for high power transfer

A computer-aided analysis carried out on coaxial switches (CXS) to examine suitable tradeoffs between maximum peak power capability, bandwidth, and mismatch is reported, with details on the frequency/VSWR relationship and peak power performance of modified CXS. Applications for hot-switching CXS (switches actuated while power is applied, for noninterrupted transmission during rotation motion, and at levels of several hundred W) in satellite communications systems are emphasized, and design modifications to limit device damage in hot switching are discussed (arc suppression, materials selection). The final CXS design decided upon uses an Al connector pin with a thin-anodized layer. Non-ideal performance and tolerance requirements are mentioned.