3 Summary

Using multiple multiplexers in series (cascading) allows for flexibility and versatility to create unique designs but also requires extra parametric checks before finalizing a design. Selecting a lower leakage multiplexer is an important factor in high precision applications as the leakage adds linearly. A low On-Resistance multiplexer is more desirable in applications with a lower load, such a 50-ohm coax load, to help reduce the insertion loss per multiplexer. The overall bandwidth of the system must always be evaluated as the bandwidth decays as more cascading stages are added. The loss is greatest in the first stage, where the bandwidth was reduced by nearly half. In most cascaded multiplexer applications, we recommend to do a bench level analysis of the cascaded networks compatibility with the specific system as use cases, system requirements and environments vary.