Crossbar switch

A switching network, formerly known as the crossbar switch (English crossbar switch) denotes serves to mediate and switching through digital or analog signals. It is one of the so-called spatial multiplexing in communications technology. In this case, input signals are switched transparently (without modifications or tampering ) to corresponding outputs.

A switching matrix refers to a matrix of interconnected ( so-called switching matrices ) of incoming and outgoing lines. The coupling field has, for the task cycle through the input lines via so-called coupling points ( switch) on the output lines.

When the switching network more input lines than output lines, it is called " blocking" because all the input lines can not be connected simultaneously to the output lines.

Switching networks are usually implemented with large scale integrated circuits, and can only switch digital signals in the rule. Switching matrices in relay technology can also switch analog signals today but hardly used. In the military field, they can still be found. It plays a role that a bistable relay can remain in its switching state, even in case of power failure.

A typical field of application for switching networks are switching equipment in telecommunications technology, essentially telephone exchanges.

Types of switching networks

• Space switching network:

It consists of a plurality of coupling points. The coupling point is the switching that connects an input to an output. Here, among other things, transistors are used as switching elements.

• Time - often switching network:

Change in the temporal order of the channels. ( Slots )

• Switching technology
• PBX
• Switch