The Pickering 40-635A is a PXI Low Cost EMR Multiplexer Module designed for signal routing in Automatic Test Equipment (ATE) and data acquisition systems. It is available in 9 standard and 9 half-density configurations, all utilizing high-quality electro-mechanical signal relays.
Function Description:
The 40-635A module is powered by a +5V input via the Compact PCI connector J1. User test equipment interfaces through a front panel 78-pin D-type connector, J2. The module's PCB is populated with up to 36 electro-mechanical relays, depending on the specific version. These relays are energized by control signals from relay drivers (U8 to U10), which are addressed by a PCI bridge (U1) to output the required signal. Module configuration is determined by hardwired links and data stored in EEPROM U7, with PCI Bridge U1 configured by EEPROM U2.
The module can operate as a conventional multiplexer with break-before-make action when a new channel is selected. Additionally, 2-pole, 4-pole, and 8-pole variants support simultaneous selection of multiple channels. This multiple channel selection option is not available for 1-pole versions. Larger multiplexers can be constructed by daisy-chaining common signals from multiple modules.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Configurations:
- Standard: Single: 64-Channel 1-Pole, 32-Channel 2-Pole, 16-Channel 4-Pole, 8-Channel 8-Pole; Dual: 32-Channel 1-Pole, 16-Channel 2-Pole, 8-Channel 4-Pole; Quad: 16-Channel 1-Pole, 8-Channel 2-Pole.
- Half Density: Single: 32-Channel 1-Pole, 16-Channel 2-Pole, 8-Channel 4-Pole, 4-Channel 8-Pole; Dual: 16-Channel 1-Pole, 8-Channel 2-Pole, 4-Channel 4-Pole; Quad: 8-Channel 1-Pole, 4-Channel 2-Pole.
- Relay Type: Electro-mechanical relays with Palladium-Ruthenium, Gold Covered Bifurcated contacts.
- Switching Capabilities: 2A Hot or Cold Switching.
- Max Switch Voltage: 300VDC/250VAC.
- Max Power: 62.5VA, 60W (from 30V to 220VDC), 30W (to 300VDC) (resistive load).
- Max Switch Current: 2A.
- Max Continuous Carry Current: 2A.
- Max Pulsed Carry Current: 6A for 100ms (up to 10% duty cycle) for a single switch path.
- Initial Path Resistance - On: <300mΩ.
- Path Resistance - Off: >10^9 Ω.
- Thermal Offset: Single-Ended <10µV, Differential <5µV.
- Operate Time: 6ms typical, 3ms for multichannel mode.
- Expected Life (operations):
- Very low power signal load: >1x10^8.
- Low power load (2W): >1.5x10^7 (0.1A 20VDC).
- Medium power load (30W): >5x10^6 (1A 30VDC).
- Full power load (60W): >1x10^5 (0.1A 300VDC), >1x10^5 (2A 30VDC).
- RF Specification (in a 50Ω System):
- Bandwidth (-3dB): 15MHz to 35MHz, depending on configuration.
- Crosstalk (typical): -90dB (10kHz), -70dB (100kHz), -50dB (1MHz), -30dB (10MHz).
- Isolation (typical): 90dB (10kHz), 70dB (100kHz), 50dB (1MHz), 30dB (10MHz).
- Power Requirements: +3.3V (0A), +5V (350mA max), +12V (30mA), -12V (0A).
- Mechanical Characteristics: Single slot 3U PXI (CompactPCI card).
- Connectors: PXI bus via 32-bit P1/J1 backplane connector. Signals via front panel 78-pin male D-type connector.
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to +55°C.
- Humidity: Up to 90% non-condensing.
- Altitude: 5000m.
- Storage Temperature: -20°C to +75°C.
- Storage Humidity: Up to 90% non-condensing.
- Storage Altitude: 15000m.
- Compliance: PXI Specification 2.2, CE compliant (EN61010-1:2010, EN61326-1:2013, EN55011:2009+A1:2010).
Usage Features:
- Chassis Compatibility: Compatible with 3U PXI and 3U Compact PCI (cPCI) specification chassis, legacy and hybrid peripheral slots in 3U PXI Express (PXIe) chassis, and Pickering Interfaces LXI or LXI/USB Modular Chassis.
- Control: Supports VISA, IVI, and Kernel drivers for Windows. Can be controlled via embedded or remote Windows PC, or LXI/USB for remote operation from virtually any controller. LXI provides manual control via Web browsers and driverless software support.
- Software Support: Drivers are supplied for Windows, with the latest versions available on pickeringtest.com. A single installation covers System 40, 45, and 50 ranges. LabVIEW Runtime Engine is required for the Pickering Test Panels application if not a LabVIEW user.
- Programming: Comprehensive programming options are available, with detailed information in the Software User Manual (accessible via download or DVD).
- Connectivity Solutions: Pickering offers a full range of supporting cable and connector solutions, including simple mating connectors, complex cable assemblies, and terminal blocks. Customized cabling can be designed using the online Cable Design Tool.
- Mass Interconnect: Recommended for PXI or LXI based test systems requiring an Interchangeable Test Adapter (ITA), fully supported by Virginia Panel and MacPanel.
- Reed Relays: Utilizes Pickering's in-house manufactured instrument-grade reed relays with SoftCenter® technology for long service life and repeatable contact performance.
- Product Customization: Pickering PXI modules can be customized to specific requirements, including alternative relay types, mixtures of relay types, different numbers of relays, and different performance specifications. Customized products receive unique part numbers and full documentation.
Maintenance Features:
- Warranty: 3-year warranty against defective materials and workmanship from the date of delivery to the original purchaser. Products serviced and repaired outside warranty are warranted for 90 days. Extended warranty and service are available.
- Technical Support: Available via phone, website, or e-mail.
- Environmental Policy: Pickering Interfaces operates under an environmental management system similar to ISO 14001, aiming to reduce waste and releases, and design products for safe production, distribution, use, and disposal.
- Pre-Operation Checks: Before installation, check for transport damage and ensure the chassis is positioned on a flat, solid surface and is not connected to the electrical supply.
- Hardware Installation: Chassis must be electrically installed and grounded by a qualified engineer. Electrostatic discharge precautions should be followed. Ensure adequate ventilation.
- Software Installation: Install appropriate PXI switch card drivers from the supplied CD-ROM or website.
- Testing Operation: After installation, use the General Soft Front Panel (GSFP) to test the module. The GSFP can be found in the Start menu under Pickering Interfaces Ltd.
- Troubleshooting: The Pickering Diagnostic Utility (accessible via Programs>>Pickering>>PXI Utilities menu) generates a diagnostic report to identify potential configuration problems. Support can be contacted for interpretation of this report.
- Switching System Test Tools (eBIRST): This product is supported by eBIRST test tools, which simplify fault-finding by quickly testing the system and graphically identifying faulty relays.
- Spare Relay Kits: Replacement relay kits are available for most Pickering PXI switching products to simplify servicing and reduce downtime.
- Relay Look-Up Tables: Provided in the manual, these tables cross-reference signal paths with physical relays on the PCB, aiding in fault finding. Users of eBIRST tools do not need to use this information.
- Periodic Maintenance: The product and its chassis do not require periodic maintenance.
- General Cleaning: Isolate electrical power and user I/O signals before cleaning. Wipe surfaces with a clean, dry anti-static cloth only.
- Software Update: For PXI modules in a PXI chassis, no module software updates are required. For modules in Pickering Interfaces' Modular LXI Chassis, chassis firmware may need upgrading if the module was introduced after the chassis was manufactured.