Switching modules debut at AUTOTEST 2014

The new PXI Signal Insertion and Monitor Matrix (40-525A) is 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 PXI Large Matrix BRIC Update (40-565B) now has a 20% density improvement over previous models. The high-density large matrix modules are able to switch up to 2A 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.

Pickering’s PXI Microwave Multiplexer Update (40-785B) now features 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.

As an appetiser Pickering will also showcased the soon to be released: 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 optimise 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, minimising capacitive loading and maximising bandwidth of the matrix.

Pickering will also have copies of the 5^th edition of their PXImate book available at their booth. The PXimate is an 86-page book that provides an overview of the PXI standard along with useful information about the technology behind the PXI switching and instrumentation modules a typical chassis can contain.