ETL RF Switch Matrix Range
Seamless signal management for optimal performance
RF Matrices
Comprehensive RF switch matrix offering
ETL Systems offers an extensive range of RF routers, providing robust RF signal distribution solutions for satellite communications. Our selection of L-band matrices is more than double that of our nearest competitor, ensuring we can provide the best fit for your specific requirements. Whether you need distributive fan-out or combining fan-in configurations, our products are designed to meet diverse operational needs with precision and reliability.
Our RF router products are available in a variety of frequencies, including IF-band, L-band, and Ka-band. This versatility in frequency range allows us to cater to a wide range of applications and ensure seamless integration into your existing systems. With ETL’s unmatched selection and advanced technology, you can achieve optimal performance and efficient signal management in your satellite communication networks.
Flexible configurations
Available in a variety of frequencies
Latest generation using SNMPv3
8 Matrix Families Available
from 4×4 to 256×256
At ETL Systems, we offer a comprehensive range of RF Switch Matrices and Routers specifically designed for robust signal distribution in satellite communications. Our product line includes distributive fan-out matrices and combining fan-in matrices, ensuring reliable and efficient signal management across uplink and downlink applications. The Ensign fan-in/fan-out L-band matrix is also available, providing flexible routing options to meet your needs while minimising signal paths to reduce insertion loss and signal degradation.
Our advanced line-up, featuring the Hawk, Victor, Enigma, Ensign, Vortex, Hurricane, Harrier, and Havoc matrices, is engineered to deliver high-density configurations, excellent isolation, and low insertion loss. These state-of-the-art products are ideal for enhancing the efficiency and reliability of RF environments, from satellite communications to automated test systems.
ETL Matrix Range
Available in both distributive fan-out matrices for receive chains and combining fan-in matrices for transmit chains, ETL’s range also features the versatile Ensign fan-in/fan-out L-band matrix.
Our RF Router range includes fully hot-swappable components, such as RF cards, CPUs, and PSUs, ensuring easy maintenance and future expandability. For larger applications, our scalable multi-modular systems can handle up to 1024 inputs x 1024 outputs. Covering various frequency ranges, our solutions include L-band, IF, Broadband (50-1000 MHz), UHF/VHF. It is crucial to consider the frequency range when selecting an RF matrix for various applications to ensure optimal performance and compatibility.
Power Supply and Control
A dependable power supply and control system is vital for the optimal performance of RF switch matrices. At ETL Systems, our power supply and control solutions are engineered to deliver stable and efficient power, minimising downtime and ensuring continuous operation. These systems are hot-swappable, allowing for straightforward maintenance and upgrades without disrupting the overall system.
Switch Matrix Design and Manufacturing
Our switch matrix design and manufacturing process is meticulously crafted to produce high-quality, reliable products tailored to our customers’ specific needs. The design phase involves a thorough analysis of system configuration, signal routing, and power supply requirements to guarantee optimal performance. During manufacturing, each RF router undergoes rigorous testing and quality assurance to meet the highest standards of reliability and excellence. By focusing on precision in signal routing and robust power supply integration, we deliver products that excel in performance and durability.
Testing and Quality Assurance
Ensuring the highest standards of quality and reliability is at the heart of our testing and quality assurance process. Each matrix undergoes comprehensive testing to verify signal routing, power supply stability, and overall system configuration. Our quality assurance team conducts detailed inspections and tests to confirm that every switch matrix meets our stringent quality criteria. Through this meticulous approach, we guarantee that our RF switch matrices provide exceptional performance and reliability, supporting the critical needs of communication systems worldwide.
Hot Swappable Modules
Hot swappable modules offer significant benefits in ground segment systems by enabling the replacement or upgrade of hardware components without interrupting service or powering down equipment.
This feature is crucial for maintaining continuous operation, particularly in mission-critical environments such as satellite communication, where downtime can lead to data loss or disruption of services. Hot swappability ensures swift and efficient maintenance, reducing repair times and operational costs while enhancing system reliability and uptime. Additionally, it allows for easy scalability and flexibility, enabling ground stations to adapt quickly to changing technology and capacity requirements.
Secure protocols with SNMPv3 and HTTPS
Implementing secure protocols like SNMPv3 and HTTPS in network management provides substantial benefits by ensuring the safety and integrity of data communications. SNMPv3 (Simple Network Management Protocol version 3) enhances security through robust authentication and encryption mechanisms, protecting network devices from unauthorised access and tampering. It also supports fine-grained access control, allowing administrators to precisely manage user permissions.
Meanwhile, HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) encrypts data transmitted over the internet, safeguarding sensitive information from interception and attacks during remote access and control of network devices. Together, these protocols help protect critical infrastructure from cyber threats, enhance compliance with security standards, and foster trust in network management practices. By securing both local and remote communication channels, they provide a resilient foundation for reliable and secure operations in modern networking environments.
Local & Remote Control & Monitoring
Local and remote control and monitoring capabilities provide essential advantages in managing complex systems and networks. Locally, operators can directly oversee equipment status, troubleshoot issues promptly, and make real-time adjustments to optimise performance. This immediate access is critical for maintaining operational continuity and responding swiftly to changing conditions or emergencies.
On the other hand, remote control and monitoring extend these capabilities beyond physical proximity, allowing administrators to manage devices and systems from virtually anywhere. This flexibility enhances operational efficiency by reducing the need for on-site interventions and enabling proactive maintenance and upgrades. Additionally, remote monitoring provides insights into long-term performance trends, enabling data-driven decision-making and predictive maintenance strategies. Overall, the combination of local and remote control and monitoring empowers organisations to maximise uptime, ensure regulatory compliance, and deliver reliable services to end-users.
Free Technical Support
ETL’s product support service offers comprehensive assistance to ensure optimal performance of your equipment. Customers receive free access to our UK-based technical support team, staffed by experienced engineers with in-depth knowledge of ETL products. Our support includes advice on installation, configuration, operation, and maintenance, as well as diagnostic and troubleshooting help. We also provide identification and supply of replacement parts, along with free software updates to keep systems running smoothly.
Need help selecting the right RF Solution for your project?
Only a selection of our products are listed on the site. If you can’t find what you’re looking for or have specific requirements, our team is here to assist you in finding the perfect solution.
Small Matrix Solutions
HAWK Matrix / Router
ETL’s compact Hawk RF Matrix (router) offers from 4 x 4 genus module up to dual 8 x 8 or a 16 x 8 or 8 x 16 routing in a 1U chassis. Designed for the latest LEO constellations, the matrix has the capacity for two fan-out / distributive or fan-in / combining 8 x 8 matrix cards.
The Hawk can be fitted with any combination of combining (fan-in) or distributive (fan-out) cards depending on the application but is ideally suited for smaller gateways with multiple modems and one or two antennas.
- Compact 1U size
- 500-3150MHz
- Field Replaceable modules
- Dual 8×8, Single 8×16, single 16×8 & multiple 4×4 configurations
- Secure protocols with SNMPv3 and HTTPS
- Local & Remote control & monitoring via RJ45 Ethernet port and web browser interface
VICTOR Matrix / Router
ETL’s compact Victor RF matrix (router) offers up to 16 x 16 routing in a 1U chassis. The matrix series provides fan-out / distributive and fan-in / combining routing options and optional LNB powering. The matrix can be used for extended L-band applications.
It can be supplied part populated and expanded via software keys. It is ideal for TVRO, smaller teleports and satellite ground stations, providing the flexibility of RF routing.
- Compact 1U size
- 850-2450MHz
- LNB powering optional
- RF detect optional
- 16×16 size
- Software expandable from 4×4 size
- Secure protocols with SNMPv3 and HTTPS
- Local & Remote control & monitoring via RJ45 Ethernet port and web browser interface
Learn more about this product range
Get in touch with our sales team to learn how our RF and Digital IF products could work for you.
Medium Matrix Solutions
ENIGMA Matrix / Router
ETL’s flagship Enigma matrix (router) range offers up to 32 x 32 routing in a 6U chassis. This can be expanded up to 512 x 512 with additional chassis. With fan-out / distributive and fan-in /combining options.
The Enigma matrix is designed to improve resilience and minimise the risk of expensive downtime for the satcoms user, with single input and output cards and hot-swap active components.
- 32×32 capacity in compact 6U size
- Multiple frequency options including L-Band, S-Band & C-Band
- Fan-In and Fan-out options
- Multi-chassis allows for larger systems up to 1024×1024
- RF card failure only affects single input/output port
- Secure protocols with SNMPv3 and HTTPS
- Local & Remote control & monitoring via RJ45 Ethernet port and web browser interface
ENSIGN Matrix / Router
ETL’s Ensign matrix (router) offers up to 32 x 32 routing in a 6U chassis. With fan-in and fan-out.
The Ensign matrix is designed to improve resilience and minimise the risk of expensive downtime for the satcoms user, with single input and output cards and hot-swap active components.
- Compact 6U size, 32×32 capacity
- Multiple frequency options including L-Band & S-Band
- FIFO matrix
- Multi-chassis allows for larger systems up to 1024×1024
- RF card failure only affects single input/output port
- Local & Remote control & monitoring via RJ45 Ethernet port and web browser interface
VORTEX Matrix / Router
VTX-100 is the new generation Vortex 64 x 64 distributive (full fan-out) L-band matrix, building on the 6-year VTX pedigree. This can be expanded beyond 64 x 64 with the use of additional chassis. Available in a new compact 5U design, with enhanced RF performance. The new design L-band (850-2450 MHz) Vortex uses the same leading-edge technology switching cards as the Vulcan Matrix, giving excellent RF performance in a compact chassis.
VTX-100 has a module capacity of 64 inputs x 64 outputs, but can be part populated to any size. A variety of impedances and connector types are available.
- Compact 5U size
- 850-2450MHz frequency band
- Fan-Out and Fan-In matrix options
- 64×64 size
- Multi-chassis allows for larger systems up to 1024×1024
- Local & Remote control & monitoring via RJ45 Ethernet port and web browser interface
HURRICANE Matrix / Router
ETL’s ultra compact 64 x 64 Hurricane matrix (router), offers full fan-out / distributive routing in a compact form factor (4U high) with optional integrated LNB powering fibre inputs, via compatible IO modules.
The Hurricane’s configurable design offers a range of input and output modules (IO modules) with features to suit specific RF needs for each satellite feed. The matrix can be expanded from 8 x 8 up to 64 x 64 in blocks of 8. Can be expanded beyond 64 x 64 by additional chassis.
- Compact 4U size
- 850-2450MHz frequency band
- 64×64 size
- Input/Output module options including Passive, Active, LNB powering and Optical modules.
- Multi-chassis allows for larger systems up to 1024×1024
- Local & Remote control & monitoring via RJ45 Ethernet port and web browser interface
Datasheets
Learn more about this product range
Get in touch with our sales team to learn how our RF and Digital IF products could work for you.
Large Matrix Solutions
HARRIER Matrix / Router
ETL’s ultra compact, fully featured 128 x 128 Harrier L-band matrix (router) offers full fan-out / distributive routing in a compact form factor (10U high) with optional integrated LNB powering and fibre inputs, via compatible IO modules.
The Harrier’s configurable design offers a range of input and output modules (IO) with features to suit specific RF needs for each satellite feed. The Harrier can be expanded from 8 x 8 up to 128 x 128 in blocks of 8. Can be expanded beyond 128 x 128 by additional chassis.
- Compact 10U size
- 850-2450MHz frequency band
- 128×128 size
- Input/Output module options including Passive, Active, LNB powering and Optical modules.
- Multi-chassis allows for larger systems up to 1024×1024
- Secure protocols with SNMPv3 and HTTPS
- Local & Remote control & monitoring via RJ45 Ethernet port and web browser interface
Datasheets
HAVOC Matrix / Router
The new ultra compact L-band Havoc Matrix provides routing for up to 256 input and 256 output feeds in a 16U high chassis.
The HAV-80 is a distributive (full fan out) Matrix unit which can be expanded from 16×16 up to 256×256 in blocks of 16. A variety of impedances and connector types are available.
- Compact 16U size
- 850-2450MHz frequency band
- 256×256 size
- Multi-chassis allows for larger systems up to 1024×1024
- Secure protocols with SNMPv3 and HTTPS
- Local & Remote control & monitoring via RJ45 Ethernet port and web browser interface
Datasheets
Learn more about this product range
Get in touch with our sales team to learn how our RF and Digital IF products could work for you.
Case Study
CBC/Radio-Canada chooses ETL’s RF equipment for their broadcast centre
CBC/Radio-Canada’s new production centre in Montreal has been fitted with ETL Systems’ RF distribution equipment. Read more
FAQs
An RF Matrix, or Radio Frequency Matrix, is a sophisticated device used in telecommunications and electronic testing that allows for the routing and switching of RF signals between multiple input and output channels. It operates by using a network of switches to connect any input to any output, facilitating the testing and management of RF signals in complex systems.
RF Matrices are widely used in several industries, including telecommunications, aerospace, defence, and broadcasting. They are essential for applications such as signal routing in test labs, automated testing of RF components, satellite communication systems, and managing signal paths in wireless communication networks.
Selecting the right RF Matrix depends on several factors, including the frequency range, the number of input and output ports, the required isolation and insertion loss, and the specific application requirements. It’s important to assess these parameters to ensure the RF Matrix meets your performance needs and integrates seamlessly with your existing systems.
Using an RF Matrix in testing environments offers numerous benefits, such as increased efficiency in signal routing, automated switching that reduces manual intervention, improved accuracy in testing results, and the ability to handle complex testing scenarios. This leads to faster testing processes, reduced downtime, and enhanced reliability of the test systems.
An RF Matrix enhances the performance of communication systems by providing flexible and reliable routing of RF signals, which ensures optimal signal integrity and minimal loss. This capability is crucial in applications like satellite communications, where precise signal management is essential for maintaining high-quality transmission and reception, ultimately improving the overall performance and reliability of the communication system.
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