RF and Microwave Switching Solutions in both PXI and LXI Formats Will Be on Display

Pickering Interfaces, a leading provider of modular signal switching and simulation for electronic test and verification, to showcase their broad range of PXI and Ethernet LXI RF & Microwave switching solutions, at European Microwave Week (EuMW) at Hall 7A, Stand 141 on 10 – 12 October 2017. Among the products, they will be highlighting the following recently released products.

PXI Microwave Multiplexers (model 40-785B) – Pickering recently expanded this range of multiplexers 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.

4-slot USB/LXI Modular Chassis (model 60-105) – This chassis compliments 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) – support 4-way or 6-way multiplexers in single, dual or triple formats. They are characterized for 6GHz, 18GHz, 26.5GHz, or 40GHz and have excellent performance throughout their frequency range. All models occupy just two 3U PXI slots.

All of these microwave switch modules include visual indicators of the relay setting thru the use of blue LEDs that indicate when a normally open path has been closed. These indicators are provided as an aid to help the user with visual checking of routing during system debug phase of test system development.

LXI Microwave Multiplexer (60-800) – this range of multiplexers is designed for switching 50Ω signals up to 26.5GHz. With the capability of supporting up to 16 banks of six channel multiplexers—it is ideal for constructing complex microwave switching systems for many applications.
Pickering’s RF & Microwave Switching solutions range from low-level DC signals to RF and Microwave. These switching solutions can be used to increase the flexibility of Test and Measurement systems with signal bandwidths up to 65GHz. Configurations available within their PXI and LXI platforms include multiplexers, matrices, transfers and general-purpose switches.

Pickering will also highlight their eBIRST Switching System Test Tools and Switch Path Manager Signal Routing Software. The eBIRST tools were designed specifically for Pickering’s PXI, PCI or LXI (Ethernet) products, they simplify switching system fault-finding by quickly testing the system and graphically identifying the faulty relay. Switch Path Manager signal routing software streamlines signal routing through switching systems and speeds up the development of switching system software.