Pickering Interfaces to showcase switching modules and chassis

PXI RF Solid State 6 GHz Multiplexers (40-88X) includes an SP8T (8:1) MUX occupying two PXI slots and an SP16T (16:1) MUX occupying three PXI slots. Each MUX uses solid-state switches that ensure fast switch operation time of 50us, very repeatable performance and an indefinite service life when used within ratings. The designs have been carefully optimised for VSWR performance and insertion loss. Particular attention has been paid to crosstalk and isolation to ensure that unselected switch paths have minimal output signal content. Each multiplexer can handle up to +30dBm of signal power and signal frequencies from 10MHz to above 6GHz. Unused ports are automatically terminated to manage VSWR effects in cables.

3U 16Amp PXI Switching Module (40-161) is capable of switching currents up to 16A and voltages up to 300V DC/250V AC with hot switch power of 480W at 30V DC and 4000VA at 250V AC. The new switching module is available with configurations of 16, 12, or 10 SPST, or 12 or 6 SPDT relays. The module occupies one slot of a 3U PXI chassis and user signals are carried on one or two GMCT 24 way connectors fitted with 16A contacts.

5Amp Power Multiplexer Module (40-651) is a high-density multiplexer (MUX) capable of hot switching up to 5A and 110V DC/250V AC; with hot switch power up to 150W or 1250VA. The Power MUX is available in a variety of configurations to suit different applications. Configurations are a single 48:1 MUX, a dual 24:1 MUX, a quad 11:1 MUX and an octal 5:1 MUX. The single and dual MUX models include an isolation relay in the common to reduce the cable load when the MUX is not in use. All models use robust electro-mechanical relays on silver alloy contact materials and include a spare relay to facilitate relay replacement.

PXI Microwave Multiplexer Upgrade (40-784A) supports one, two, or three microwave multiplexers and the multiplexers can be ordered as either 4 or 6-way. The multiplexers fitted to each model are characterised for bandwidths of 6, 18, 26.5, or 40GHz and have excellent performance throughout their frequency range. All models occupy just two 3U PXI slots and feature LEDs that indicate which path of the multiplexer is closed.

All the PXI modules can be used in any PXI chassis, can be fitted to PXI hybrid slots in a PXIe chassis and can also be used in Pickering's LXI Modular chassis for users preferring control via an Ethernet port.

LXI Modular Chassis Upgrade (60-102B and 60-103B) increases the Ethernet interface speed to 1Gb from 100Mb, as well as adding an IP display that shows the IP address of the chassis. The LXI Modular Chassis provides an easy way of supporting Pickering Interfaces 3U PXI modules in an Ethernet-based LXI control environment. All Pickering's PXI switching products are supported along with simulators such as resistor modules and battery emulators; the majority of Pickering's PXI instruments and power supply products are also supported. The 60-102B allows up to seven PXI modules while the 60-103B allows up to 18 PXI modules.

PCI 32-Channel Digital I/O Card (50-412) is capable of driving high current loads and reading back the logical state of high-voltage logic signals. The card provides 32 channels of digital output lines that can serve as high or low-side drivers. Each channel is capable of sourcing 0.4A or sinking 0.5A at voltages up to 50V and has protection circuits that prevent over voltage, over current or thermal overload from occurring.

Pickering Interfaces stands behind all of their manufactured products with a standard 3-year warranty. Pricing and availability information for the switching modules and chassis is supplied on their website at www.pickeringtest.com.