8-Channel Switch Filter Bank, 8SFB-2G18G-SFF

Why It Matters

The fast, broadband switching capability enables agile RF front‑ends for radar, 5G and satellite applications, reducing hardware complexity and latency.

Key Takeaways

• Covers 2‑18 GHz with eight selectable channels
• Insertion loss 8 dB, VSWR 2:1 across band
• 82.8 dB rejection enables high isolation
• 200 ns switching supports fast reconfiguration
• SMA and 9‑pin Micro‑D interfaces simplify integration

Pulse Analysis

The 8‑channel switch filter bank from Planar Monolithics (PMI) addresses a growing need for agile, broadband RF front‑ends that can span multiple standards without bulky hardware swaps. Operating from 2 GHz to 18 GHz, the 8SFB‑2G18G‑SFF provides eight selectable pass‑bands, allowing a single chassis to service radar, satellite communications, electronic warfare and 5G test setups. Its 200 ns switching time enables rapid frequency hopping, a critical capability for modern spectrum‑dense environments where latency and flexibility directly affect performance.

Key performance figures set the device apart: a typical insertion loss of 8 dB and a VSWR of 2 : 1 across the entire band keep signal degradation modest, while a pass‑band ripple of ±0.5 dB preserves amplitude fidelity. The 82.8 dB rejection figure delivers exceptional out‑of‑band isolation, reducing interference in multi‑channel test rigs. With a 15 dBm input‑power rating, the unit can handle modest transmitter levels without compression, making it suitable for both laboratory and field deployments where power budgets are tight.

The launch arrives as the RF market pivots toward software‑defined architectures and multi‑band platforms. Designers of 5G NR, C‑band satellite, and next‑generation radar systems increasingly demand compact, fast‑switching filter solutions to shrink bill of materials and accelerate development cycles. PMI’s inclusion of both SMA and 9‑pin Micro‑D connectors simplifies integration into existing test equipment and modular platforms, lowering engineering overhead. As spectrum sharing intensifies, products like the 8SFB‑2G18G‑SFF will likely become standard building blocks for agile, high‑performance RF infrastructures.