The Keysight Technologies (formerly Agilent / HP) 87104A is a high-performance multiport SP4T coaxial latching switch designed for RF and microwave signal routing. Operating from DC to 4 GHz, it provides excellent insertion loss, isolation, and VSWR specifications with high repeatability. Featuring a latching solenoid actuator with self-interruption, it is highly optimized for automatic test equipment (ATE) and RF signal monitoring applications.

Specifications

General

ParameterValue
InterfacesSMA (female) RF connectors; 16-pin ribbon cable connector or solder terminals (configuration dependent)

Physical

ParameterValue
Power Supply24 VDC nominal (20 to 30 VDC range) standard; optional 5 VDC (Option 011) or 15 VDC (Option 015); typical current 120 mA @ 24 V
Operating Temperature-25 °C to +75 °C
Dimensions (W×H×D)63.5 mm × 52.1 mm × 63.5 mm

RF Performance Specifications

ParameterValue
Frequency RangeDC to 4 GHz
Characteristic Impedance50 Ω
Insertion Loss< 0.3 dB
Isolation> 100 dB
Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR)< 1.15
Insertion Loss Repeatability0.03 dB maximum (guaranteed up to 5,000,000 cycles)

Actuator and Electrical Control Specifications

ParameterValue
Actuator TypeLatching with self-interruption
Nominal Coil Voltage24 VDC (Standard)
Coil Current120 mA at 24 VDC (per port)
Switching Speed / Transition Time< 15 ms
Self-Interruption FeatureYes (solenoid power automatically disconnects after switching)

Mechanical and Interface Characteristics

ParameterValue
Switch ConfigurationSP4T (Single Pole Four Throw), multiport, unterminated
RF Connector TypeSMA (female)
Mechanical Lifetime (Cold Switching)5,000,000 cycles (guaranteed)
Typical Mechanical Lifetime10,000,000 cycles

Environmental and Reliability

ParameterValue
Storage Temperature Range-55 °C to +85 °C
Operating Humidity95% relative humidity at 40 °C for 5 days

Configuration Options

ParameterValue
TTL/CMOS Drive OptionOption 161 (incorporates TTL/CMOS drive and electronic indicators)
Coil Voltage Selection Options5 VDC (Option 011), 15 VDC (Option 015), 24 VDC (Option 024)
Indicator Contact OptionsSolder terminals (Option 100) or ribbon cable (Option 161)

RF Performance

ParameterValue
Cold Switching RF Power Handling (Average)150 W CW (at 4 GHz)
Hot Switching RF Power Handling (Average)2 W CW
Hot Switching RF Power Handling (Peak)100 W (10 µs pulse width, 1% duty cycle)

Environmental

ParameterValue
Operating Shock50 g (11 ms half-sine pulse)
Non-operating Shock500 g (1.8 ms half-sine pulse)
Operating Vibration7 g (5 to 2000 Hz)
Non-operating Vibration20 g (20 to 2000 Hz)
Operating Altitude4,600 m (15,000 ft)
Storage Altitude15,300 m (50,000 ft)

Inputs & Outputs

ParameterValue
Control Connector TypeSolder terminals (Option 100) / 16-pin ribbon cable (Option 161)

RF Characteristics

ParameterValue
Number of Throws4
TerminationUnterminated
Number of Ports5 (1 common, 4 output)

Performance

ParameterValue
Switching SequenceBreak-before-make

Technology

Coaxial Latching Switch

Applications

RF and microwave signal routing, automated test equipment (ATE), RF communications testing