Signal routing!

Pickering Interfaces has introduced version 6 of their signal routing software, Switch Path Manager™ (SPM), with a range of new capabilities as well as a new “lite” version.

This signal routing software simplifies signal routing through complex switching systems and speeds up the development of switching system software.

The latest version, Switch Path Manager 6, offers two major updates.
• The software evaluation period is now 14 days, but the time is based on the number of days the software is actually used rather than a fixed period of time; users are now able to fully evaluate the software as their schedule allows.
• The addition of Switch Path Manager Lite, a low-cost solution that is fully functional but with an operational limitation of two active switching modules in the configuration. Larger configurations with more than two modules can be created, loaded and edited—but not executed. In contrast to the SPM full license, SPM Lite is not connected to a dedicated computer, once purchased it can be used as a site license.

In addition to the major updates above, there is also a range of new capabilities including:
• The software evaluation period is now 14 days, but the time is based on the number of days the software is actually used rather than a fixed period of time; users are now able to fully evaluate the software as their schedule allows.
• The addition of Switch Path Manager Lite, a low-cost solution that is fully functional but with an operational limitation of two active switching modules in the configuration. Larger configurations with more than two modules can be created, loaded and edited—but not executed. In contrast to the SPM full license, SPM Lite is not connected to a dedicated computer, once purchased it can be used as a site license. An enhanced System Configurator Editor which gives the user the ability to apply standard functionality like copy, paste, delete, find, replace and cell manipulation. It also offers better filtering technology to filter dedicated pins, and it now has added display options, so the user can decide what will be displayed in the configurator.
• Introduction of Multipoint Routes—in the past, if a user wanted to create fixed routes for multipoints (e.g., A connect to B & C), two single routes (A-B, B-C) had to be created and combined into groups—this is now possible in one step.
• A new and very effective API function has been added: IsConnectedStatus (EndpointA, EndpointB). With only one simple function call, a user can find out whether given endpoints have been connected by SPM. This functionality is important when a route uses multiple relays, and on that route, there are more endpoints connected to each other than a user is thinking of. Example: A and B have been connected, but C is on the route and connected as well. It is not obvious the user would know about the route A-C-B unless you call IsConnectedStatus()

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PXI Fault Insertion Switching.

Pickering Interfaces has expanded their range of PXI Fault Insertion Switching.

These new PXI Fault Insertion Switches (model 40-202), available with 22 or 11 fault insertion channels, were primarily designed to simulate fault conditions in automotive and avionics test applications involving the reliability testing of safety-critical controllers. They are specifically designed for differential signaling requirements, with capabilities to insert three different types of fault condition between the test fixture and the equipment under test; open-circuit, short-circuit between signal pairs and short-circuit to user applied fault conditions such as power or ground.

These new models complement Pickering’s large range of PXI Fault Insertion Switches, which are typically used in Hardware-in-the-Loop Simulation applications for Electronic Control Unit validation.

Relays in-line with the signal paths allow open circuit conditions to be simulated on either side or both sides of a signal pair. Relays between each channel pair enable adjacent signals to be shorted, and relays between signal paths and the “Fault” connection allow the application of external fault conditions.

The switching topology of the 40-202 fault insertion switches allows switching channels to be interconnected so that complex fault insertion channels can be constructed.

These products are supported by Pickering’s eBIRST Switching System Test Tools, which provide a quick and easy way of finding relay failures within the modules. In addition, Pickering’s signal routing software, Switch Path Manager, may be used to simplify signal routing through complex switching systems.

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Designing cable assemblies.

Pickering Interfaces has announced a new Cable Design Tool.

Pickering provides a full range of supporting cables and connector solutions for all of their switching and simulation products; they also manufacture cable assemblies to special requirements. To help customers to design a custom cable solution, they now offer the Cable Design Tool.

This graphics-based web tool allows users to create customized cable assemblies using very detailed design characteristics including a selection of connector types, wire type, pin definitions, pin and cable labeling, cable bundling, length selection, sleeving comments and more.

The cable design tool has a built-in library of standard cable sets that can be used as the basis for customization or cables can be designed from scratch. If a user gets stuck creating a cable, all they need to do is submit the semi-completed assembly and one of Pickering’s engineers will provide guidance through the complete process. When the customized cable assembly is finished, users just need to submit it for a quote.

The tool runs on all modern browsers and is fully supported on all major tablet operating systems.

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Signal routing software for electronic test.

Pickering Interfaces has a new signal routing software product, Switch Path Manager™. This software simplifies signal routing through switching systems and speeds up the development of switching system software. It can be used in NPI labs as they develop test procedures as well as in automated test systems.

Originally known as Tecap Switching, Pickering is adding new features to the software and renaming it to better address the market requirements as well as clearly identifying the functionality. Beginning in Q4, Switch Path Manager will be part of Pickering’s super installer, which will provide customers access for up to 90 days at no cost.

Switch Path Manager signal routing software speeds up switch system development by automatically connecting system endpoints. The software supports Pickering’s PXI, LXI, PCI and GPIB switching systems and the interconnection between them.

Within small switching system configurations, or when utilizing just single switch modules, the user typically applies device drivers with the provided API to control the relays. Simple CLOSE and OPEN commands with additional parameters like module number and channel number control the required relays. As switching systems get more complex, this seemingly simple task can get quite complicated.

The user must always take care in order to avoid shorts or malfunctions even when performing simple switching tasks. If there are many relays involved, the risk of error increases significantly. Add to this the potential complexity of test code for the overall test program, and developing and debugging of the switching portion can be lengthy and prone to error.

Switch Path Manager virtually describes any switching architecture and processes all stored project data for switching and routing at runtime. The user selects the modules from the library, and defines the physical interconnections, as well as the endpoints. Endpoints are the boundary of the system where measurement and stimuli equipment and all the UUT access points are connected. By calling Point-to-Point or Point-to-Multipoint functions the routing is processed and the required relays are controlled to establish a signal path between these endpoints. The router will never interfere with existing routes and will find an alternate bypass or will terminate with an error message if not successful. In addition, the router is intelligent enough to minimize the risk of unintended short circuits.

“By offering smooth and easy implementation of switching applications with minimal coding, Switch Path Manager is unbeatable compared to low-level programming” states Matthias von Bassenheim, Program Director for Switch Path Manager at Pickering Interfaces. “The software also offers a simple and accurate setup, further speeding up the development process”

A free 90-day trial version can also be downloaded from Pickering’s web site.

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High-density 2 Amp PXI relay module.

Pickering Interfaces has launched a new High-Density 2 Amp PXI Relay Module.

2 Amp PXI Relay Module (model 40-100) – configured with 83 SPDT relays, this Relay Module was originally designed for applications in Aerospace and Defense requiring a higher density 2 Amp alternative to Pickering’s current 52 SPDT Module (model 40-139). This new Relay Module is suitable for applications requiring medium power switching with very high density. It features a 2 Amp current capacity and voltages to 200VDC/140VAC.

Connections for the 40-100 high-density Relay Module are made via a front panel mounted 500-pin SEARAY high-density connector. Pickering also offers standard cabling solutions converting from this high-density connector to more standard interfaces such as D connectors, IDC connectors as well as an unterminated option for ease of use.

Typical uses are found in automotive, aerospace and power cell testing applications.

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PXI and PCI Precision Programmable Resistors.

Pickering Interfaces is expanding its range of PXI and PCI Programmable Resistors used for high-density resistor simulation.

Pickering’s existing PXI High-Density Precision Programmable Resistor Module (model 40-297) and PCI High-Density Precision Programmable Resistor Card (model 50-297) have been expanded to increase the configurations offered from 42 to 50 models per platform. Each version offers users the choice of resistor channel count, resistance range and the resistance setting resolution. Depending on the version, the resolution is from 0.125Ω to 2Ω and resistor channel counts from 3 to 18, basic accuracy is 0.2% ± resolution.

All of these PXI and PCI programmable resistors are programmed by the use of resistance calls to the software driver. The driver uses calibration data from the module to give the best setting available to the user and can also return to the user the theoretical value of the actual resistance set. Drivers support all popular Windows versions, including Windows 10. Application software supporting temperature to resistance conversion for popular RTD sensors is available on Pickering’s website.
By offering the programmable resistors in different form/factors with the same options Pickering Interfaces continues to promote its test solutions in multiple platforms, allowing the user to choose the most appropriate platform for their test system.

• Pickering Interfaces stands behind all of their manufactured products with a standard three-year warranty and guaranteed long-term product support.

PCI fault insertion card!

Pickering Interfaces is expanding its range of PCI based switching solutions with the introduction of its first PCI Fault Insertion Card.

This new PCI Fault Insertion Card (model 50-190) is available as either a one or two slot short PCI card with the following features:

• 75, 64 or 36 channels of fault insertion
• One or two fault insertion busses, each of which can select from three fault sources
• The ability to introduce open circuit paths, shorts between paths or shorts to fault connections such as battery or ground
• 2 Amp hot switch capacity for powers up to 60W and voltages to 165VDC/115VAC
• High bandwidth suited for use on Can and FlexRay bus systems

Pickering Interfaces continues to promote its test solutions in multiple platforms by offering fault insertion in different form factors (PXI and PCI) with the same options. This offering allows the user to choose the most appropriate platform for their test system. The 50-190 PCI Fault Insertion Card has the same functionality as their widely used 40-190 PXI Fault Insertion Module.

Keith Moore, Managing Director of Pickering, explained “Over the last year or so, we have been expanding our PCI product family in response to market demands. One would think that PCI is nearly obsolete, given that it is no longer available on desktop PCs. However, we have found that the industrial PC market, which is a larger market than PXI, still embraces PCI cards and expects to support them for many more years. As PCI products are electrically similar to standard PXI devices, it is a natural migration for Pickering to re-layout many of our popular PXI switch modules, thus supporting a greater portion of the test market.”

Switching system test tools!

Pickering Interfaces is lowering the cost of ownership of switching systems with the introduction of their latest diagnostic test tools—eBIRST Switching System Test Tools.

The eBIRST tools, designed specifically for Pickering Interfaces PXI, PCI or LXI (Ethernet) products, simplify switching system fault finding by quickly testing the system and identifying the faulty relays. Once identified, the tools then display a graphical representation of the switching system’s PCB assembly, highlighting the relays that need to be replaced. The eBIRST tools achieve this task by measuring the path resistance between different pins on the switching system connector and controlling the path through the system to allow it to test any of the relays in the system. Systems that use separate input and output connections can be tested by use of two eBIRST tools in a master/slave configuration.

“In 2009 we introduced an embedded test tool, BIRST™ (Built-In Relay Self-Test). This tool gave our customers the ability to find defective relays in matrix products and was very well received,” states David Owen, Business Development Manager for Pickering Interfaces. “The new eBIRST tools build on that experience by introducing external tools that can support any switching system architecture, not just matrices, with 100% relay coverage. These tools can be applied to low or medium power Pickering Interfaces switching systems using any of our primary control interfaces – PXI, PCI or LXI. For a modest investment, the tools offer our customers a quick and efficient method of identifying faults and a simple means of determining what needs to be repaired and what does not. Once a user has tools covering their primary connector use, they have an investment that can save its cost many times over in reduced repair times and lower system down times. No other switching system vendor offers this level of support for its designs.”

The eBIRST tools consist of three different tools that support 200-way LFH, 78-way D and 50-way D connectors and a set of adaptors that allow connection to other connector types. A supplied application program controls the eBIRST tools via a USB2 connection that also provides the tool power and controls the switching system using a Test Definition File to define the test sequence. The tool dimensions allow eBIRST to be used to test PXI, PCI or LXI (Ethernet) controlled switching systems.

The application program, which is free to download from the Pickering Interfaces website, is regularly updated to include support for a growing range of Pickering Interfaces switching products.

PCI-programmable resistors!

Pickering Interfaces is expanding its range of PCI and PXI Programmable Resistors with the introduction of two new Programmable Resistor & Relay solutions.

These new solutions include the PCI Programmable Resistor & Relay Card (model 50-294) and the PXI Programmable Resistor & Relay Module (model 40-294). Both of these solutions feature:

• Lower density and lower cost for simulating variable resistors. 
• 12 resistor channel options having resolution from 0.25Ω to 2Ω and channel counts of either two or four. 
• The option of adding eight SPST relays that can be used for extending resistance range or other switching functions within a test system. Their use potentially saves the addition of further switching products within a test system.
• Basic accuracy is 1%± resolution
• Each version uses high quality instrument grade reed relays to ensure long service life and fast setting times. 

The company continues to promote its test solutions in multiple platforms by offering the programmable resistors in different form factors (PXI & PCI) with the same options. This offering allows the user to choose the most appropriate platform for their test system. These new programmable resistors are functionally similar to Pickering’s current programmable resistor models 40-293 and 50-293, which are based on electromechanical relays and have pin compatible layouts.

Pickering Interfaces supports all of their manufactured products with a standard three-year warranty and guaranteed long-term product support.

High density switching matrix!

Pickering Interfaces is expanding its range of LXI switching matrices with the introduction of new high-density matrix modules.

High-Density LXI Switching Matrix (60-553) is a 1024x4 dual bus 1-pole matrix in a compact 1U full rack width enclosure. The product has been designed specifically to support high relay closure counts to optimize its use with a digital multimeter (DMM) or source meter for checking for insulation problems between a single contact and all other contacts in the unit under test (UUT), requiring the closure of up to 1024 crosspoint relays.

The 60-553 LXI switching matrix is designed with a dual bus arrangement that allows the matrix to be divided into two smaller independent matrices, for example, two matrices of 512x4. The dual bus design features isolation relays; this also allows sub-matrices to be isolated from the main matrix when there are no closures on that sub-matrix, minimizing capacitive loading and maximizing bandwidth of the matrix. They can also be linked together to form larger matrices by cables and can be supplied as partially populated matrices from 256x4 in increments of 128x4.

User connections are provided on a 160-way DIN41612 connector that is fully supported by Pickering Interfaces range of connector accessories. Control is via an Ethernet connection that is fully compliant to Version 1.4 of the LXI standard.

Also available on the 60-553 LXI matrix is Pickering’s diagnostic test tool BIRST™ (Built-in Relay Self-Test). BIRST provides a quick and simple way of finding relay failures within the matrices.
Pickering Interfaces stands behind all of their manufactured products with a standard three-year warranty and guaranteed long-term product support.

PXI high power solid-state switches.

Pickering Interfaces has introduced two new PXI high power solid-state switch modules to its range of PXI switching solutions.

• PXI 25A Solid State SPST Switch (40-184) – offer 3 or 6-off SPST solid-state switches capable of handling 25A signals at up to 100V.
• PXI 1.5A Solid State SPST Switch (40-185) – offer 3 or 6-off SPST solid-state switches capable of handling 1.5A signals at up to 400V.

Both of these new PXI switching solutions use solid-state switch designs based on isolated MOSFET technology to provide solutions capable of switching very high power AC or DC signals without any lifetime degradation while used within their ratings. The solid-state SPST switches feature a fast operating time of less than 250µs and bounce-free state transitions that can handle high inrush currents on switching without any impact on lifetime.

These new switching modules are particularly well suited to use in PXI applications where higher voltages and powers are required. Applications include testing products used in transportation systems where mechanical relays are generally unsuitable because of limited switching capacity at the voltages and currents required.

For each model the 3-off SPST versions occupy one 3U PXI slot while the 6-off SPST versions require two 3U PXI slots. Each model uses robust high power D-type connectors that are fully supported by Pickering Interfaces’ range of connection accessories. The modules can also be supported in Pickering Interfaces LXI Modular chassis’ for users preferring Ethernet control of switching systems.

Pickering Interfaces stands behind all of their manufactured products with a standard three-year warranty and guaranteed long-term product support.

One thousand PXI modules!

Pickering Interfaces has announced  a significant milestone in providing test engineers with the optimum PXI solutions for their Test & Measurement applications. The company now offers over 1000 PXI modules, ranging from their BRIC™ high density switching matrices, RF/microwave and optical switching products through to precision resistor switching networks for sensor emulation.

All module production processes take place in Pickering’s two factories on flexible manufacturing lines. This allows Pickering to offer an extremely wide product range to meet the ever-changing requirements of the Test & Measurement industry—with both prompt delivery and a competitive price point.

“We have been providing modular switching systems for over 25 years, and we continually find that our customers' commercial and technical requirements are so diverse that they exclude a system where ‘one size fits all’.” states Keith Moore, CEO at Pickering Interfaces. “By working closely with customers and investing heavily in R&D, we continuously design new PXI modules to directly address these varied needs.”

Keith adds: “Because we offer such a large selection of modules, we have recently redesigned our website and added new product reference maps to assist our customers in quickly finding the exact product for their particular application.”

All of Pickering’s PXI modules come with a standard 3-year warranty and long-term product support.

Representative for Japan appointed!

Pickering Interfaces has appointed Andor System Support Company, Ltd. as their representative for Japan.

"We are very excited to be working with such a well known brand like Pickering," says Horikoshi Kenji, Senior Advisor at Andor. "Our innovative approach to selling combined with our line of the latest technology test products makes us a considerable resource in Test and Measurement”.

Bob Stasonis, Pickering’s Asia/Pacific Sales Manager, added “Andor’s reputation for servicing their customers is second to none in the region. Their market presence, combined with their complimentary product range, assures that our mutual customers have access to the right products for their application. We are very excited to work with Andor."

PCI and PXI programmable resistors

Pickering Interfaces is expanding its range of PCI and PXI Programmable Resistors.

Expansion of existing range
The existing PCI High-Density Precision Resistor Card (model 50-297) and PXI High-Density Precision Resistor Module (model 40-297) have been expanded to increase the versions offered from 6 to 42; each version offers users the choice of the number of resistor channels, resistance range and the resistance setting resolution. Depending on the version the resolution is from 0.125Ω to 2Ω and resistor channel counts from 3 to 18. Resistor values up to 1.51MΩ can be simulated.

New product introduction
Pickering is introducing the new PCI Programmable Resistor & Relay Card (model 50-293) and the new PXI Programmable Resistor & Relay Module (model 40-293) offer lower densities and cost solutions (compared to similar products) for simulating resistors with 12 versions available having resolution from 0.25Ω to 2Ω and channel resistor channel counts of either 2 or 4. In addition, each of the 12 versions has the option of adding 8 SPDT relays which can be used for other switching functions within a test systems their use potentially saves the addition of further switching products within a test system.

All of these PCI and PXI resistors are programmed by the use of resistance calls from the driver, the driver uses calibration data from the module to give the best setting available to the user and can also return to the user the theoretical value of the resistor. Basic accuracy is 0.2% ± resolution for the 40-297 and 50-297 and 1%± resolution for the 40-293 and 50-293.

By offering the programmable resistors in different form/factors with the same options Pickering Interfaces continues to promote its test solutions in multiple platforms, allowing the user to choose the most appropriate platform for their test system.

PXI microwave switch modules from Pickering!

Pickering Interfaces is improving and expanding its range PXI Microwave Switching Modules. All of these new and improved microwave switch modules will include visual indicators of the relay setting thru the use of blue LEDs that indicate when a normally open path has been closed. These indicators are provided as an aid to help the user with visual checking of routing during system debug phase of test system development.

Updated PXI Microwave SPDT Relay Module and PXI Microwave Transfer Switch:
The PXI microwave SPDT relay module (model 40-780A) supports from 1 to 4 SPDT relays and is available in a variety of different frequency options from 12.4GHz to 65GHz - a 75Ω 2.4GHz version is also available. The PXI microwave transfer switch (model 40-782A) supports either one or two transfer switches with frequency options of 18GHz, 26.5GHz and 40GHz.

New PXI Terminated SPDT Microwave Relay Module (model 40-781): This module is a terminated SPDT switching module with 18GHz frequency range offering one or two relays and the option of using internal or external terminations. The external termination versions allow users to attach external high power loads to increase the carry power of the relay.

Multiplexer range expanded!

Pickering Interfaces is expanding its range of PXI 10A multiplexers with the introduction of a new 10A power multiplexer.

This new PXI 10A power multiplexer (model 40-661) is available in a variety of configurations ranging from 8 off 4:1 multiplexers to 1 off 32:1 multiplexer. Each multiplexer is capable of hot switching up to 10A at 30VDC and has a maximum DC hot switch rating of 125VDC. AC signals up to 250VAC at 10A can be switched. For cold switching applications the 40-661 is capable of withstanding 400VDC.

The 40-661 uses high quality high power electromechanical relays and user signals are carried on 20 way GMCT connectors. Options for partially loaded configurations are available to minimize user cost for smaller test system applications.

Careful attention to the switch designs ensures that all multiplexers can carry the full 10A current simultaneously over the full operating temperature range.

Pickering also provides a full range of supporting cable and connector solutions for all of their LXI and PXI switching modules including the new 10A power multiplexer. They can also create custom cable solutions to suit every user requirement.

Pickering Interfaces stands behind all of their manufactured products with a standard three-year warranty and guaranteed long-term product support.

Aircraft lightning protection testing!

A major British manufacturer of aircraft engine control units recently awarded Pickering Interfaces a contract for a large quantity of High-Density PXI Multiplexers (model #40-651) as the switching solution for use in its new automated production test systems. These systems will be used to test FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Controller) lightning-strike protection components on Airbus’ A330 and A350 as well as Boeing’s Dreamliner aircraft.

The customer needed to test the transient-voltage-suppression diodes, or transorbs, used to protect the FADEC’s sensitive electronics from very fast voltage spikes induced on connected wires following a lightning strike on the aircraft. Due to the quantity of transorbs that needed to be tested (one on every I/O connection of the FADEC), a large number of high-power multiplexers were required to connect the UUT to the test instrumentation.

The customer required a compact, modular test architecture for scalability and ease of maintenance and selected PXI as their preferred platform. With no high-density PXI multiplexers of the required performance commercially available, the customer approached Pickering (a preferred PXI switch supplier) to discuss their options. Pickering’s engineers subsequently designed, built and tested a new PXI multiplexer to their specification. Following a successful trial of the initial prototype, Pickering worked closely with the customer to simplify the test system wiring by adding a second connector to the multiplexer for the MUX common connections. This led to a preliminary order for 84 multiplexer modules, with additional future requirements planned.

The 40-651 High-Density PXI Multiplexer is a COTS (Commercial-Off-The-Shelf) product and is available worldwide.

Nordic/Baltic Sales Manager

Pickering Interfaces are pleased to announce the appointment of Jürgen Sedlacek as sales manager for the Nordic and Baltic area. This latest recruitment is part of their on-going plans to improve customer contact and raise market awareness of Pickering’s industry-leading products.

Jürgen Sedlacek has over 30 years experience in the electronics test industry, and his career includes managing sales in the Nordic/Baltic area for both GenRad and Teradyne. He has also been involved in marketing/sales of simulators ranging from system level down to digital simulators within the area of electronic design and has also experience from quality assurance tools, both hardware and software solutions, being used in the production line as well as in the area of test.

Keith Moore, MD of Pickering Interfaces comments: “Jürgen has an excellent record in the Test and Inspection markets and brings such strong experience to Pickering Interfaces. He will be a huge asset in further strengthening Pickering Interfaces’ position in the Nordic/Baltic States”.

Bo Öhrwall, Manager Pickering Interfaces AB “PIAB“ stated: ‘PIAB’s aim is to provide companies in the Nordic/Baltic area with solutions ranging from design to production. Offering a comprehensive set of tools and solutions that enhances the productivity and ensures the high standard of quality needed in todays’ Nordic Market, be it Automotive, Defense, Industrial, Medical or Telecom products. Our strive for a long term business relationships is based on core values. So when dealing with us you should expect - amongst others, confidence respect what we call Human Technology. Hiring Jürgen was a natural step in our organic growth’

A Practical Guide to LXI

Pickering Interfaces has released the third edition of its book; "LXImate" – A Practical Guide to the LXI Standard and Getting Started with LXI Devices.

LXImate is an overview of the LXI Standard—an open, accessible standard identifying specifications and solutions relating to the functional test, measurement and data acquisition industry (LXI=LAN eXtensions for Instrumentation). This new edition has been updated to reflect the change in how products are offered, moving away from a class structure to a structure describing a Core Specification and a set of optional Extended Functions. This change has enabled the LXI Consortium to respond quickly to support enhancements like IPv6 and to adopt HiSLIP, a standard created by the IVI Foundation, without disruption to the Core Specification.

In addition to describing the standard and how to connect to LXI Devices, the new version of the LXImate also describes how Pickering Interfaces has adopted the LXI Standard to address its core markets in switching.

“The LXI Standard has been incredibly successful across a range of different applications and markets. The third edition of the LXImate brings the publication up-to-date to show how the LXI Consortium has evolved the standard to ensure that it can respond to technology changes and market demand,” said David Owen, Business Development Manager for Pickering Interfaces and Chair of the LXI Consortium’s Technical Committee. “LXI has allowed Pickering to create and control switching systems that would be difficult in alternative platforms; it also provides robustness against changes in operating systems. In products such as our 65-110 Wideband Modular Matrix, chosen by CERN (the European Organization for Nuclear Research), LXI has allowed us to present a user scalable solution that behaves as a single coherent entity rather than individual modules. Pickering has been involved in the LXI Standard since the early days of its creation. We have always believed that LXI is complementary to our PXI switching business and that belief is supported by the unique switching products we have created using the LXI Standard”.

High density PXI large matrix solutions

Pickering Interfaces has expanded its range of 2Amp 1-Pole matrices with releases that include the highest density solutions available in PXI large matrix (BRIC™) format.

The 40-596, 40-597, and 40-598 are all BRIC 1-pole matrices with 2Amp current rating, up to 60W hot switch power and 100VDC/70VAC voltage rating – depending on the configuration, these products are available in 2 slot, 4 slot, and 8 slot PXI modules. Each model sets new standards in the achievable density of PXI matrices with configurations of 6, 12, and 16 Y Axis connections and maximum X Axis connections of up to 464 (up to 3,072 matrix crosspoints). For the first time matrix sizes have been introduced at Y sizes of 6 and 12 to compliment the usual 4, 8 and 16 sizes; giving users further choice of Y axis size and maximizing the X axis size for each configuration.

User connections are provided by industry standard D-type connectors and are supported by the comprehensive range of connection solutions also available from Pickering Interfaces.

The BRIC product range uses high quality electro-mechanical relays to achieve their 2Amp switch rating. The BRIC structure allows the creation of large PXI matrices over multiple slots without the use of expensive external cables. The fully integrated programming interface represents the matrix as a single entity, easing user programming and reducing the likelihood of user errors.