Agilent 87606B Coaxial Matrix Switch, DC to 20 GHz (Standard, Ribbon Cable) (Pre-Owned)

Key Features At A Glance

• Frequency range DC to 20 GHz with SMA (f) connectors and 50 ohm characteristic impedance
• Configurable as 3 x 3, 2 x 4, or 1 x 5 blocking matrix, or as SP5T signal routing element
• Magnetic latching design with make-before-break or break-before-make operation
• Operating life of 10 million cycles typical; meets all electrical specifications for at least 5 million cycles
• Insertion loss repeatability of 0.03 dB (measured at 25 °C)
• Isolation 100 dB minimum to 12 GHz; 80 dB minimum from 12 to 15 GHz; 70 dB minimum from 15 to 20 GHz
• Self-interrupting drive circuit with opto-electronic position sensing; terminated ports with internal 50 ohm loads
• Fully compatible with Agilent 87130A and 70611A switch drivers

The Agilent 87606B is a six-port coaxial matrix switch covering DC to 20 GHz, designed for RF and microwave automated test systems. The datasheet describes it as a high-performance matrix switch offering improvements in insertion loss repeatability and isolation that support higher test system accuracy. The switch can be configured as a 3 x 3 or 2 x 4 blocking matrix, or as a 1 x 5 (SP5T) signal routing element, and uses magnetic latching with a self-interrupting drive circuit to reduce solenoid power consumption after switching is complete.

Per the datasheet, the 87606B is intended for automated test and measurement, signal monitoring, and signal routing applications. The longevity of the switch is positioned as a means to increase system uptime and reduce calibration cycles and switch maintenance in production test systems, satellite and antenna monitoring systems, and test instrumentation. The matrix architecture allows two of the six ports to be connected at a time, with all unselected RF ports terminated into internal 50 ohm loads.

Brand Heritage

Hewlett-Packard's test and measurement business was spun out as Agilent Technologies in 1999. In 2014, Agilent's electronic measurement business was transferred to Keysight Technologies, while Agilent retained its life sciences and chemical analysis lines. Components and instruments bearing the Agilent brand, including the 87606B, originate from this lineage.

Compare Other Models in This Series

The 87606B is a six-port coaxial matrix switch covering DC to 20 GHz, configurable per the datasheet as a 3 x 3 or 2 x 4 blocking matrix or as a 1 x 5 signal routing element. It is offered in two interface variants described in the ordering information: the standard model with a 16-pin ribbon cable connector and Option 100 with solder terminals in place of the ribbon connector.

Both variants share the same RF performance envelope, the same magnetic-latching mechanism, the same six SMA (f) ports, and the same drive voltage and current characteristics. The differences between the two are limited to the control interface and the availability of the open-all-ports function.

Each pre-owned 87606B configuration linked below is its own product page with condition-matched pricing. The model variant and option selection should match the control wiring already present in the system; the standard ribbon cable and the Option 100 solder-terminal variants are not interchangeable without rewiring the drive interface.

The standard 87606B and the 87606B Option 100 share identical RF specifications across the DC to 20 GHz range, but Option 100 substitutes solder terminals for the 16-pin ribbon cable connector and, per the datasheet, does not incorporate the open-all-ports feature available on the standard configuration. Selection between the two is driven by the control wiring approach in the target system.

The compare table below summarizes the two control-interface variants of the 87606B. RF frequency range, insertion loss, isolation, SWR, switching speed, life rating, and connector type are identical between the variants and reflect the published 87606B specifications.

The variant decision is a control-interface decision: the standard ribbon-cable model preserves the open-all-ports function on pin 16, while Option 100 provides a solder-terminal interface for hard-wired drive connections and omits the open-all-ports feature per the datasheet.

Model	Frequency Range	Configuration	Isolation
87606B	DC to 20 GHz	3x3, 2x4, or 1x5 blocking matrix	100 dB min to 12 GHz; 80 dB min 12-15 GHz; 70 dB min 15-20 GHz

Additional differences in specifications beyond the few shown above are not listed here — see each model's full specifications below.

Product Core & Specifications

Specification	Value
RF Performance
Frequency range	DC to 20 GHz
Insertion loss	0.34 dB + 0.033 x frequency (GHz) maximum
Isolation	100 dB minimum to 12 GHz; 80 dB minimum from 12 to 15 GHz; 70 dB minimum from 15 to 20 GHz
SWR	1.21 max DC to 4 GHz; 1.35 max 4 to 10 GHz; 1.5 max 10 to 15 GHz; 1.7 max 15 to 18 GHz; 1.9 max 18 to 20 GHz
Maximum power rating (switching)	1 W average into 50 ohm internal loads
Maximum power rating (non-switching)	50 W peak (10 μs max, not to exceed 1 W average)
Life	5,000,000 cycles minimum (10 million typical)
Switching speed	15 ms maximum
Supplemental Characteristics
Insertion loss repeatability (measured at 25 °C)	0.03 dB
Characteristic impedance	50 ohms
RF connectors	SMA (f)
Switch Drive
Supply voltage, Vcc	20 V min, 24 V nom, 32 V max
Switching current (Vcc=24 VDC)	200 mA nominal (per RF port closed or open)
Standby current (quiescent)	25 mA min, 50 mA max
Environmental
Operating temperature	-25 to 75 °C
Storage temperature	-55 to 85 °C
Temperature cycling	-55 to 85 °C, 10 cycles per MIL-STD-202F, Method 107D, Condition A (modified)
Vibration (operating)	7 g: 5 to 2000 Hz at 0.25 in p-p
Vibration (survival)	20 g: 20 to 2000 Hz at 0.06 in p-p, 4 min/cycle, 4 cycles/axis
Vibration (random)	2.41 g (rms) 10 min/axis
Shock (half-sine)	500 g at 0.5 ms, 3 drops/direction, 8 total
Shock (operating)	50 g at 6 ms, 6 directions
Moisture resistance	65 °C, 95% RH, 10 days per MIL-STD-202F, Method 106E
Altitude storage	50,000 feet (15,240 meters) per MIL-STD-202F, Method 105C, Condition B
RFI	Per MIL-STD-461C, RE02, Part 4
Magnetic field	<5 gauss 1/4 inch from surface
Physical
Weight	229 g (0.50 lb)
Body	2-1/4 in. square flange, 2-1/2 in. long x 2-1/4 in. diameter body

Important: Simultaneously grounding the open and close pins for the same RF port, or simultaneously grounding any RF port close pin and pin 16 (open all ports), will cause rapid cycling and premature failure of the switch.Important: WARNING: Damage to switch will occur if pin 15 is not grounded.Important: Simultaneously selecting the 'RF port close' pin and the 'RF port open' pin for the same port will cause rapid cycling and premature failure of the switch.Important: Simultaneously grounding any 'RF port close' pin and pin 16 (open all ports) will cause rapid cycling and premature failure of the switch.Important: Option 100 does not incorporate the 'open all ports' feature (pin 16).Important: All unselected RF ports are terminated with 50 ohm internal loads.Recommended pairing: the 87606B is fully compatible with the Agilent 87130A and 70611A attenuator/switch drivers, and accessory cable 11764-60008 (16-pin DIP to six 4-pin berg connectors) supports the standard ribbon-cable interface called out in the datasheet.

About this used unit

• Warranty included
• Functional verification included
• Standard Calibration Upgrade Options: No Calibration Required, NIST Traceable, Z540.1 or ISO 17025 with Data, Z540.3 Guardbanding with Data.
• Note that unnecessary accessories may not be included (contact Test Architect to confirm).

Please review the Manufacturer's Data Sheet to verify published specifications. Feedback on this webpage is always welcome — please reach out to your Test Architect at any time for questions or concerns. Thank you, we truly appreciate you being our customer.