The Xtreme 256 matrix switch. Photo: Quintech Electronics & Communications.

Quintech Electronics & Communications announced that it secured a patent for the Xtreme 256 matrix switch modular design that allows its switch chassis to be configured with either a symmetric or asymmetric number of inputs and outputs.

Unlike traditional Radio Frequency (RF) switch matrices that require multiple chassis in order to scale and meet both symmetric and asymmetric input/output port requirements, Quintech’s patented modular asymmetric feature lets customers customize matrix sizes in a standard chassis. In a single chassis, the Xtreme 256 supports 256 total input and output ports with a minimum of 8 inputs or outputs. In addition, the product can be converted to other sizes while deployed in the field. For example, an Xtreme 256 can be initially deployed as a 128 by 128 and can later be converted to a 64 by 192 single chassis matrix by changing the modular hot-swappable RF cards.

“The Xtreme 256 was conceived to allow Quintech to offer an off-the-shelf solution that would also represent the most optimized value and rack space to the customer,” says Tom Phelps, vice president of engineering of Quintech Electronics. “In addition, the amount of cabling between chassis is reduced, simplifying the installation. Should the user later decide that they need to change to a different configuration, the Xtreme 256 can be converted to a new configuration by adding and/or subtracting modular RF matrix cards in the field, without a factory modification.”