SANTA CLARA, Calif., 19 June 2012. Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) announced a USB-powered, single-pole, double-throw coaxial switch, which is being called the first-to-market microwave switch driven by a USB port. The Agilent U1810B is designed to deliver a long-operating-life solution with convenient RF switching to system-design and manufacturing engineers.

The USB coaxial switch is designed to support the standard plug-and-play functionality of typical USB devices, eliminating the need for added power adapters or drivers and simplifying setup. A button on the switch enables users to toggle the signal path between two output ports without using the software interface. The U1810B’s front panel provides an alternative software control interface. Users can control the switch using various software platforms, such as C, LabVIEW, or VEE.

The Agilent U1810B is being designed to deliver a guaranteed 5-million-cycle operating life and guaranteed 0.03 dB insertion loss repeatability.

“Excellent RF characteristics, simplicity and flexibility are key features today’s engineers look for in a test system,” says Keng-Boon Oh, general manager of Agilent’s Microwave Test Accessories Operation. “Our new U1810B presents a unique combination of outstanding RF performance and convenient USB connectivity, making it well suited for system design and manufacturing test engineers in communications and component test.”

Agilent’s new U1810B USB coaxial switch, available now, is priced at $1,300.