Microwave switching solutions to feature at EuMW

21st September 2017

Mick Elliott

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A broad range of PXI and Ethernet LXI RF & Microwave switching solutions will be showcased by Pickering Interfaces at European Microwave Week (EuMW) (10 - 12 October). They will be highlighting recently released products. The PXI Microwave Multiplexers (model 40-785B) were recently expanded by Pickering with new 50GHz versions.

These new modules are single or dual 6-channel multiplexers with relays mounted on the front panel and are suitable for switching 50Ω signals up to 50GHz. The single slot version can support up to three remotely mounted multiplexers.

All options comprise LEDs to indicate channel setting, a feature widely supported in earlier rack and stack solutions.

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’s Ethernet controlled LXI modular chassis with a choice of 18 and 7 slots, as well as their 2 and 4-slot USB/LXI chassis for remote mount relay requirements.

The 4-slot USB/LXI Modular Chassis (model 60-105) complements Pickering’s recently released 2-slot USB/LXI Modular Chassis in that they both offer a small, lightweight form/factor ideal 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 very practical route into a variety of applications in the modular test and measurement market.

Also highlighted in the stand will be PXI Microwave Multiplexers (40-784A) - 4-way or 6-way multiplexers in single, dual or triple formats. They are characterised for 6GHz, 18GHz, 26.5GHz, or 40GHz and have excellent performance throughout their frequency range. All models occupy just two 3U PXI slots.