Switching solutions

Pickering Interfaces is expanding its range of LXI switching solutions with the introduction of the 65-110 LXI Wideband Modular Matrix.

The 65-110 is a new modular platform providing a solution for connecting up to 16 of 104 X connections simultaneously to16 measuring devices on the Y axis with a usable BW of 500MHz. A version supporting 8 Y connections is also available for use in systems requiring fewer measuring devices.

The 65-110 is fully scalable – users can add X connections in blocks of 8 from 8 to 104 connections by simply adding or removing plugin boards to the chassis. Plugin modules can be added by users in the field; the chassis detects the presence of the plugin modules and configures the matrix as a single matrix. The modular construction is made invisible to the user to simplify programming and the Java based soft front panel presents the user with a simple integrated interface reflecting the build of the matrix via the web interface.

The matrix has been designed for high BW and low crosstalk, achieving a usable BW of up to 500MHz and crosstalk to better than 60dB at 30MHz and typically better than 45dB at 500MHz even on adjacent paths. The high performance of the matrix ensures that the 65-110 is particularly well suited to fast data acquisition systems where a limited number of measuring devices need to capture data from many potential test points, the matrix allows these signals to be connected with minimal loss and low risk of interference from other paths.

All connections are carried on SMB coaxial connectors to preserve the signal BW and ensure cabling can be adequately screened. The 65-110 includes a self-test capability that allows it to check all connection paths with the signal connections in place but not injecting current. This feature allows the matrix to be tested without having to first disconnect up to 120 RF connections. The self-test facility can be initiated through the 65-110 web pages; it requires no application program running on an external controller.

David Owen of Pickering Interfaces commented “The 65-110 has been designed to fulfil a requirement at a big physics laboratory for a matrix in a data acquisition system. We have incorporated a number of unique design approaches into the 65-110 in order to achieve the performance required. The 65-110 has been developed as an LXI platform to ensure we had the ability to design the modular sections on a footprint that was (in this case) significantly better than that which could be achieved in PXI and could include a controlled internal analog module interconnect to ensure analog signal integrity. The LXI control interface is better suited to this type of application than alternative test and measurement control methods”.

The 65-110 is fully compliant with the LXI Version 1.4 standard.

LXI switches

PickeringInterfaces is expanding its range of LXI switch solutions with the introduction of the 60-590 high density matrix.

The 60-590 is a high density matrix which can be provided in configurations of 40x40 or 40x20 and has provision for loop thru connections and isolated Y axis monitoring. The matrix has a current rating of 2A and supports up to 60W hot switching and voltages up to 300VDC. The design uses high quality EMR’s to ensure long service life and repeatable operation.

Connections to the matrix are by easy to use D Type connectors that are fully supported by the extensive range of Pickering Interfaces connection accessories.

The 60-590 is fully compliant with Version 1.3 of the LXI standard to ensure easy control in Ethernet/LAN based applications.

LXI Switching guide!

Pickering Interfaces have published their first full catalogue of LXI switching products running to over 150 pages and is available in either printed  or downloadable from their website.

Pickering Interfaces manufacture the widest range of Ethernet controlled switching solutions that are compliant with the industry wide LXI Standard. The range of products includes dedicated switching solutions that include high crosspoint count matrices, very wide multiplexers, switching systems to 10A and matrix solutions to microwave frequencies.

In addition the Pickering Interfaces Modular chassis system is able to support any of the Pickering Interfaces vast range of PXI switching products, providing a simple Ethernet connection to control the switches in place of the PCI based interface.

The on line catalogue provides an overview of all the products in the range in a single publication. Printed versions of the catalogue are available on request by contacting the local sales office.

Products for PXI & LXI on show

Pickering Interfaces has continued in 2010 to regularly release a steady flow of new products in both the LXI and the PXI platforms. Amongst a variety of products, these latest models deserve attention and will be shown at Autotestcon;

BIRST Modules (Built-In Relay Self Test)
Verification and diagnosis of complex switching operation in a test system has always been an issue, especially in the PXI platform. For this reason, Pickering Interfaces has developed a range of PXI modules with built inself-test. This feature is called BIRST™, or Built In Relay Self Test.

The first PXI modules with built in self test have been released a year ago and new launches continue to include BIRST in PXI matrix modules. At Autotestcon BIRST on LXI Devices will be launched –and demonstrated on a 60-555 LXI matrix.

In addition all Pickering Interfaces LXI products are now fully LXI compliant to the latest 1.3 specification, significantly increasing the number of LXI products available with the most recent additions to the standard. The company is committed to following the LXI standard’s evolution and adopting its newest features to improve user experience of Ethernet controlled instrumentation.

New PXI products on display:
• 40-737 High Channel USB Multiplexer
The 40-737 is an 8 to 1 multiplexer for switching datacomms signals and has been specifically designed for routing USB. The data signal paths are 2-pole arranged as differential pairs as defined by the USB standard. The signal pair have a controlled 100 ohm differential impedance and the multiplexer has been designed for minimum insertion loss. The USB power paths are arranged as a common negative and a switched positive, the negative may also be connected to the PXI front panel ground by means of an optional link. The power paths are designed to ensure minimum loss of the USB power.

• 40-755 50 Ohm RF Multiplexer with 10 off SP4T switches to 2GHz

• The 40-755 is a high density low cost solution for RF switching which is available in 2 mechanical formats. The 2 slot version supports RF switching to beyond 2GHz, the single slot version uses a multipole connector suitable for use to 500MHz (connector limited on bandwidth)

• 40-582 2-Pole 16x16 Matrix Module
16x16 2pole matrix module with BIRST self test in a single PXI slot

• 40-331 and 40-332 High Voltage (1000 Volts) Matrix & Multiplexer modules

• 41-752, their recently introduced Battery Simulator, which is being used by automotive customers to test battery management systems for electric vehicles.

Developed in association with DMC, a systems integrator based in Chicago, the 41-752 is a 6 cell battery simulator that provides up to 300mA of current from each cell. The output voltage from each cell is fully adjustable up to 7V and each cell includes its own sense lines to improve regulation performance. Each cell can be configured to operate as a current sink in a battery charging circuit of up to 100mA. Cells and modules can be series connected to emulate the battery stacks being used in new generation electric vehicles. More than 100 cells can stacked in series in a single Pickering Interfaces PXI or Modular LXI Chassis to allow the testing of battery
management charging systems. The independently controlled channels allow the cells to be set to different output voltages to simulate different charge and capacity states. A safety interlock system can be used to ensure that voltage generation is inhibited when the cables are disconnected from the front panel. Outputs are made available on high voltage D Type connectors permitting the generation of voltages of up to 750V.