Switching solutions on show at productronica 2017

Below are the new products that will be introduced at the show.

BRIC ultra high density PXI matrix modules - This range of PXI matrices are robust 1A/20W switching modules, with up to 4,096 crosspoints. Constructed with the Pickering Electronics’ 4x4mm Reed Relay makes this range a new generation of 1Amp PXI matrices with what the company claims to be two times the density of any competing large matrix module.

The matrices are available in 2, 4, or 8-slot PXI sizes and are designed for high performance matrix requirements. With their high level of switching density, these PXI matrices allow a complete Functional ATE system to be housed in a single 3U PXI chassis and allow the use of much lower cost 8 or 14 slot PXI chassis’.

The range comes with Pickering’s Built-in Relay Self-Test (BIRST) and is also supported by their eBIRST Switching System Test Tools. These tools provide a quick and simple way of finding relay failures within the modules.

4-slot USB/LXI modular chassis - This chassis compliments Pickering’s recently released 2-slot USB/LXI Modular Chassis in that they both offer a small, lightweight form/factor suitable for portable, benchtop and space restrictive applications. These chassis are designed for desk or rack mounting and feature remote control via USB or LXI Ethernet.

Remote control over a network enables the switching function of a test system to be located as close as possible to the target equipment. This new 4-slot Chassis supports between one and four Pickering 3U PXI modules. Possible systems include switching matrices up to 2208 crosspoints or up to 72 channels of programmable resistor/sensor simulation.

Both the 2-slot and this new 4-slot chassis are USB 3 compatible and have a fully compliant LXI interface. These communications standards enable the chassis to be controlled directly through standard interfaces found on most personal computers and tablets that support HTML5, allowing for a practical route into a variety of applications in the modular test and measurement market.

High density modular LXI Ethernet reed relay matrix - Originally designed to test Semiconductors at wafer and package levels, this Reed Relay Matrix solution combines the company's LXI Modular Matrix Chassis with its new plug-in matrix modules that provide access to all signal connections on 200 pin connectors. The range includes four models covering matrices of up to 1,536x4 in increments of 128, 768x8 in increments of 64, 384x16 in increments of 32, and 192x32 in increments of 32.

Users can specify as many or as few plug-in modules (up to six) required and can field upgrade the chassis to extend the matrix when necessary. Another important feature is that over 1,500 relays can be closed simultaneously for specific conditions for parametric testing.

These plugin matrices also offer built-in scan list sequence stores with triggering capability, providing users with the ability to set a series of pre-determined sequences on a LXI instrument, the sequences can be triggered by software or one of the sixteen DIO software configurable open collector triggers. They also feature multi-bus capability for parallel testing.

Also highlighted in the booth will be:

• A demo including various Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) Simulation modules ranging from Pickering’s fault insertion switching, programmable resistor modules and thermocouple simulation modules.
• eBIRST Switching System Test Tools - Designed specifically for Pickering’s PXI, PCI or LXI products, these tools simplify switching system fault-finding by quickly testing the system and graphically identifying the faulty relay.
• Cable Design Tool - A graphics-based online tool used to create custom cable solutions for many applications. Features include a built-in library of standard cable sets that can be used as the basis for customisation or they can be defined from scratch. The tool allows very detailed design characteristics including: selection of connector types, wire type, pin definitions, pin and cable labelling, cable bundling, length selection, sleeving, comments and more.

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