Nov 06, 2014 
Pickering Interfaces will be showcasing their latest LXI and PXI switching solutions at Electronica 2014 in Munich, Germany, these products include:
The new PXI Signal Insertion and Monitor Matrix (40-525A) – a 34x4 matrix with both switched and direct connection paths to the X and Y-axis. This matrix permits test signals to pass thru the switched X-axis to the unit under test (UUT) on the direct X connection, the switch allowing each thru path to be opened to disconnect the stimulus signal. The direct Y-axis to the matrix allows the user to monitor the signals with test equipment, such as an oscilloscope or DMM, the matrix allowing the test equipment to connect to any of the 34 thru connections. The switched Y connections can be used to inject alternative test signals into the UUT or to apply faults to the thru connection such as shorts to ground or to a supply voltage. The matrix also allows thru paths to be expanded using additional modules and a 16x4 version is offered for applications requiring lower numbers of thru paths.
The 40-525A signal insertion and monitor matrix uses electro-mechanical relays that are capable of switching currents up to 2A and voltages of up to 300VDC or 250VAC. User connections are provided on an easy to use 78-way D-type connector which is fully supported by Pickering Interfaces range of connector accessories.
The Updated PXI Large Matrix BRIC Update (40-565B) – now with 20% density improvement over previous models, these high-density large matrix modules are able to switch up to 2 Amps at 200VDC/140VAC. These PXI matrix BRIC modules are available in 2, 4, or 8-slot PXI sizes for most high performance PXI matrix requirements. With this high level of switching density, these BRIC matrix modules allow a complete functional ATE system to be housed in a single 3U PXI chassis.
Also available on these matrix modules is Pickering’s Built-In-Relay-Self-Test (BIRST) tool. BIRST provides a quick and simple way of finding relay failures within the BRIC module.
The Updated PXI Microwave Multiplexer Update (40-785B) – now featuring LED indicators to aid in test system development and debugging, these are single or dual 6-channel multiplexers with relays mounted on the front panel. These multiplexers are designed for switching 50Ω signals up to 40GHz. The single slot version can support up to three remotely mounted multiplexers.
The 40-785B microwave multiplexer range is compatible with any PXI chassis and can be fitted to PXI hybrid slots in a PXIe chassis. It can also be used in Pickering Interfaces LXI Modular chassis’ for users preferring control via an Ethernet port.
The New LXI High-Density Matrix (60-553) – a 1024x4 dual bus 1-pole matrix in a compact 1U full rack width enclosure. This matrix has been designed specifically to support high relay closure counts to optimize its use with a digital multi-meter (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 at least 1024 cross point relays.
The 60-553 LXI matrix has been 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 models ranging from 256x4 in increments of 128x4.
Also available on these matrix modules is Pickering’s Built-In-Relay-Self-Test (BIRST) tool. BIRST provides a quick and simple way of finding relay failures within the BRIC module.
Along with these new products, Pickering will also be showing:
- PXI High Power Relay Modules – These modules are suited for high power applications that exhibit currents ranging from 5 Amps to 40 Amps. Lower current versions require one 3U PXI slot; the highest current versions occupy two slots. These power relay modules are intended for switching heavy AC or DC loads or for controlling large external relays, contactors and solenoids.
- PXI RF Solid State 6 GHz Multiplexers (40-883) – these comprise an SP8T (8:1) MUX occupying two PXI slots and an SP16T (16:1) MUX occupying three PXI slots. Each version uses solid-state switches that ensure fast switch operation time of 50µs, very repeatable performance, and an indefinite service life when used within ratings.
- PXI Microwave Multiplexer (40-784A) – support single, dual, or triple SP4T or SP6T relays and are available in a variety of different frequency options for 50 Ω, from 6GHz to 40GHz. All models occupy just two 3U PXI slots and feature LED’s that indicate which path of the multiplexer is closed.
- LXI Modular Chassis – these chassis provide an easy way of supporting Pickering’s 3U PXI modules in an Ethernet-based LXI control environment. All of their PXI switching products are supported along with simulators such as resistor modules and battery emulators; the majority of their PXI instruments and power supply products are also supported.
Pickering Interfaces stands behind all of their manufactured products with a standard three-year warranty and guaranteed long-term product support. Pricing and availability information is supplied on their web site at www.pickeringtest.com.
Pickering Interfaces designs and manufactures modular signal switching and instrumentation for use in electronic test and simulation. We offer the largest range of switching cards in the industry for PXI, LXI, PCI and GPIB applications as well as a full range of supporting cables and connectors. Pickering Interfaces’ products are specified in test systems installed throughout the world and have a reputation for providing excellent reliability and value. Pickering Interfaces operates globally with direct operations in the US, UK, Germany, Sweden, France, Czech Republic, and engineering support in China, together with additional representation in countries throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia. We currently serve the automotive, aerospace & defense, power generation, energy and commercial electronics industries. For more information on signal switching and conditioning products or sales contacts please visit www.pickeringtest.com.
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