Pickering Interfaces is a leading provider of modular signal switching and simulation for electronic test and verification. A global manufacturer, it has direct operations in the US, UK, Germany, Sweden, France, Czech Republic and China, together with additional representation in countries throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia. Its systems enjoy an excellent reputation for reliability and value and are specified in test systems installed throughout the world.
Launched in September 2019, the company’s new 0.5Amp ultra-high-density PXI matrix module family is part of Pickering Interfaces’ BRIC large PXI Matrices range and delivers up to 6,144 crosspoints. It has a switching density 39% higher than competing devices. In addition, the 40-558 allows a complete functional ATE system to be housed in a single 3U PXI chassis and the integrated BRIC design saves on valuable chassis slots compared to standard PXI matrix modules. It is industry’s highest density reed relay PXI solution. The PXI Matrice 40-558 modules are suitable for use in many different industries, but especially suit high reliability applications including automotive and aerospace ECU and semiconductor package testing. Use of the highest quality Pickering instrument-grade reed relays means that Pickering Interfaces can guarantee the matrices for three years.
The new 40-558 modules are available in two, four or eight-slot widths for matrix sizes between 64×16 and 1,008×6. The modules are fitted with high quality, ruthenium-sputtered reed relays which feature a very long life with good low-level switching performance and excellent contact resistance stability. Automatic isolation relay switching maximizes bandwidth and reliability. Spare relays are included with the module to facilitate easy maintenance with minimum downtime. The BRIC’s internal high performance screened analogue backplane minimizes the complexity and cost of cable assemblies; Pickering has a range of standard cables available for the 40-558 and can construct custom cables for all its PXI modules. A choice of 6, 8, 12 and 16 pole analogue bus widths and dual analogue bus options are available.
Dual analogue bussing for the narrower matrix options enables completely separate matrices within a single module for parallel testing. The 40-558 BRIC PXI matrix modules can be operated in Fast Mode via the VISA driver with multiple relay operation in one command or provide the convenience and simplicity of IVI drivers. Extensive accessory support is available, including Pickering’s Built-in Relay Self-Test (BIRST) and eBIRST Switching System Test tools which provide a quick and simple way of finding relay failures within the modules and Pickering’s signal routing software, Switch Path Manager, allows easy programming of the BRIC matrix modules.