Coherent Solutions SwitchPXIe 1000 Series User manual

SwitchPXIe 1000/1100/1400 Series
Optical Switch
USER MANUAL

PXIe Platform Optical Switch Module |SwitchPXIe
Coherent Solutions Version 2.03 i
Copyright © 2019 Coherent Solutions Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may
be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form, be it electronically,
mechanically, or by any other means such as photocopying, recording or otherwise, without
the prior written permission of Coherent Solutions Ltd. (Coherent Solutions).
Information provided by Coherent Solutions is believed to be accurate and reliable.
However, no responsibility is assumed by Coherent Solutions for its use nor for any
infringements of patents or other rights of third parties that may result from its use. No
license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent rights of Coherent Solutions.
The information contained in this publication is subject to change without notice.
Trademarks
Coherent Solutions’ trademarks have been identified as such. However, the presence or
absence of such identification does not affect the legal status of any trademark.
LabVIEW™, MATLAB® and Python® are trademarks of National Instruments, The MathWorks
Inc., and the Python Software Foundation respectively. Neither Coherent Solutions Ltd nor any
software programs or other goods or services offered by Coherent Solutions are affiliated with,
endorsed by, or sponsored by National Instruments, The MathWorks Inc., and the Python
Software Foundation.
Units of Measurement
Units of measurement in this publication conform to SI standards and practices.
Version 2.03

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Contents
1Conventions ....................................................................................................................4
2Safety Information..........................................................................................................5
3Introducing the SwitchPXIe –Optical Switch Module ...............................................6
SwitchPXIe 1x1 & 1x4 Models Overview............................................................................... 6
SwitchPXIe Crossover Models Overview .............................................................................. 7
SwitchPXIe Duplex Models Overview .................................................................................... 8
SwitchPXIe 1xN Models Overview ......................................................................................... 9
Status LED ................................................................................................................................10
3.5.1 For SwitchPXIe 1x1 and 1x4 models:..........................................................................10
3.5.2 For SwitchPXIe Crossover models: .............................................................................10
3.5.3 For SwitchPXIe Duplex models:....................................................................................10
3.5.4 For SwitchPXIe 1xN models:.........................................................................................10
4Connecting Optical Input............................................................................................ 11
Cleaning and Connecting Optical Fibers .............................................................................11
5Handling the SwitchPXIe Module .............................................................................. 12
SwitchPXIe Module Installation ............................................................................................12
SwitchPXIe Module Uninstallation .......................................................................................14
6CSL Software Installer Information........................................................................... 15
Installation Overview...............................................................................................................15
Installation Process.................................................................................................................15
7cohesionUI™................................................................................................................. 18
Accessing cohesionUI ............................................................................................................18
Home .........................................................................................................................................18
Modules.....................................................................................................................................19
Settings......................................................................................................................................19
Info .............................................................................................................................................20
General usage ..........................................................................................................................21
8SwitchPXIe control with cohesionUI......................................................................... 22
9Programming Guide.................................................................................................... 24
Programming Conventions....................................................................................................24
Common System Command Summary..............................................................................25
Common System Command Descriptions.........................................................................26
Specific Command Summary...............................................................................................27
Specific Command Descriptions..........................................................................................28
9.5.1 Slot Commands...............................................................................................................28
9.5.2 Configuration Commands.............................................................................................29
Multi Chassis Mode Operation..............................................................................................30

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9.6.1 NI-MAX ..............................................................................................................................30
9.6.2 SCPI Multi Chassis Commands ...................................................................................31
10 Maintenance ................................................................................................................ 32
11 Technical Support ....................................................................................................... 35
Contacting the Technical Support Group............................................................................35
Transportation..........................................................................................................................35
12 Warranty ....................................................................................................................... 36
General Information ................................................................................................................36
Liability.......................................................................................................................................36
Exclusions.................................................................................................................................36
Certification ..............................................................................................................................37
Service and Repairs.................................................................................................................37

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1Conventions
Before using the instrument described in this manual, take note of the following conventions:
WARNING
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could
result in death or serious injury. Do not proceed unless the required
conditions are met and understood.
CAUTION
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may
result in minor or moderate injury. Do not proceed unless the required
conditions are met and understood.
CAUTION
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may
result in component damage. Do not proceed unless the required
conditions are met and understood.
IMPORTANT
Refers to information about this product you should not overlook.

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2Safety Information
Before using the SwitchPXIe module, ensure that the following safety information had been
read and understood.
WARNING
•Do not install or terminate fibers while a light source is active. Care
must be taken to ensure that the instrument has been turned OFF
before inspecting the end face(s) of the instrument, or any optical
patch cords connected to this instrument. Never look directly into
a live fiber; ensure that your eyes are protected at all times.
•The use of controls, adjustments and procedures other than those
specified herein may result in exposure to hazardous situations or
impair the protection provided by this unit.
CAUTION
The SwitchPXIe modules are sensitive to electrostatic discharge (ESD).
Store the modules that are not installed in protective electrostatic
packaging.
IMPORTANT
•For electromagnetic compatibility, this instrument is a Class A
product. It is intended for use in an industrial environment. There
may be potential difficulties in ensuring electromagnetic
compatibility in other environments, due to conducted as well as
radiated disturbances.
•Wherever the symbol is printed on the unit, refer to the
instructions provided in the device documentation for related
safety information Ensure that the required conditions are met and
understood before using the product.

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3Introducing the SwitchPXIe –Optical Switch Module
The SwitchPXIe is an efficient solution for test procedure automation designed to be used on
the National Instruments PXIe platform. The MEMS based optical switch ensures repeatable
and low-loss switching to various test set-ups while taking advantage of the PXIe mainframe’s
flexible connectivity and high channel density form-factor.
This manual applies to SwitchPXIe-1000/1100/1400 Series.
SwitchPXIe 1x1 & 1x4 Models Overview
Note: Number of common and routing ports will depend on the selected model. SwitchPXIe-1003 shown above.
1
Fastening screw
2
Routing Indicator LED
3
Common Optical port
4
Routing Optical ports
5
PXIe Headers
6
PXIe Module/Optical Connector Information
7
Fastening clip

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SwitchPXIe Crossover Models Overview
1
Fastening screw
2
Routing Indicator LEDs
3
Red Optical ports
4
Blue Optical ports
5
PXIe Module/Optical Connector Information
6
Fastening clip
7
SwitchPXIe Module Information
8
PXIe Headers
IMPORTANT
All Crossover switch modules DO NOT HAVE A PARK STATE. When
plugging optical fibres into the ports or inspecting fibres, ensure that
the optical source is off to prevent user injury.

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SwitchPXIe Duplex Models Overview
1
Fastening screw
2
Routing Indicator LEDs
3a
Red Common Optical port
3b
Blue Common Optical port
4a
Red Input/Output Optical port 1
4b
Blue Input/Output Optical port 1
5a
Red Input/Output Optical port 2
5b
Blue Input/Output Optical port 2
6
PXIe Module/Optical Connector Information
7
Fastening clip
8
PXIe Headers
9
SwitchPXIe Module Information
IMPORTANT
All Duplex switch modules DO NOT HAVE A PARK STATE. When
plugging optical fibres into the ports or inspecting fibres, ensure that
the optical source is off to prevent user injury.

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SwitchPXIe 1xN Models Overview
Note: Number of common and routing ports will depend on the selected model. SwitchPXIe-1106 shown above.
1
Fastening screw
2
Error Status LED
3
Common Optical port
4
Routing Optical ports
5
PXIe Module/Optical Connector Information
6
Fastening clip
7
SwitchPXIe Module Information
8
PXIe Headers

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Status LED
The Status LEDs are used to denote the operation state of the SwitchPXIe, and will indicate
which state the switch is in.
The different colors have slightly different meanings for the different SwitchPXIe models.
3.5.1 For SwitchPXIe 1x1 and 1x4 models:
•Blinking yellow - Indicates initialization on startup.
•All off - Indicates that the SwitchPXIe is in the PARK state (State 0).
•Solid green - Indicates which state the SwitchPXIe is routed to.
•Solid red - Indicates a Switch error. Most often this means an invalid route position.
3.5.2 For SwitchPXIe Crossover models:
The SwitchPXIe-XX04 is a 2x2 crossover switch. This means that it has only 2 valid states:
Transmit (T) and Cross.(C)
•Solid green - Indicates which state the SwitchPXIe is in (default is T)
•Solid red - Indicates there was an error in switching states. Only 1 LED will light up.
3.5.3 For SwitchPXIe Duplex models:
The SwitchPXIe-XX05 is a duplex switch. This means that it has only 2 valid states: 1and 2.
•Solid green –Indicates which state the SwitchPXIe is in (default is 1)
•Blinking red - Indicates there was an error in switching states. Only 1 LED will light up.
3.5.4 For SwitchPXIe 1xN models:
•Blinking yellow - Indicates initialization on startup.
•Solid green - Indicates successful initialization and communication.
•Solid red - Indicates a Switch error. Most likely an initialization error at startup.

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4Connecting Optical Input
IMPORTANT
To ensure maximum power and to avoid erroneous readings always
inspect fiber end faces. Make sure they are cleaned as detailed below
before inserting into any port. Coherent Solutions is not responsible for
damage or errors caused by bad fiber cleaning or handling.
CAUTION
The type of optical connectors on the SwitchPXIe module can be found
printed on the front plate of the module. Joining mismatched
connectors will damage the ferrules and fibre faces.
Cleaning and Connecting Optical Fibers
To connect the fiber-optic cable to the port:
1. Inspect the fiber using a fiber inspection microscope. If the fiber is clean, proceed to
connect it to the desired port. If the fiber is dirty, clean it as detailed below.
2. Clean fiber ends as follows:
aGently wipe the fiber end with a lint-free swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol.
bUse compressed air to dry completely.
cVisually inspect the fiber end to ensure its cleanliness.
3. Carefully align the connector and port to prevent the fiber end from touching the outside of
the port or rubbing against other surfaces. If the connector features a key, ensure that it is
correctly mated into the corresponding notch of the port bulkhead.
4. Push the connector in so that the fiber-optic cable is firmly in place, thus ensuring
adequate contact. If your connector features a screw sleeve, tighten the connector enough
to firmly maintain the fiber in place. Do not over tighten, as this will damage the fiber and
the port bulkhead.
Note: If your fiber-optic cable is not properly aligned and/or connected, you will notice large
signal loss and reflection.
Coherent Solutions uses high quality connectors in compliance with EIA-455-21A standards.
To keep connectors clean and in good condition, Coherent Solutions strongly recommends
inspecting them with a fiber inspection probe before connecting them. Failure to do so will
result in permanent damage to the connectors and degradation of future measurements.

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5Handling the SwitchPXIe Module
SwitchPXIe Module Installation
WARNING
DO NOT attempt to remove or adjust any component of the PXIe
chassis while the power is on. Ensure the chassis is powered OFF first,
and that the correct installation and removal procedure detailed herein
is followed.
CAUTION
•Do not remove the SwitchPXIe from the antistatic packaging
until instructed during the following installation procedure.
•The SwitchPXIe is sensitive to ESD. Please be sure to wear a
grounded wrist strap at all times when handling the SwitchPXIe
module to prevent such damage.
•Take care not to handle the connectors on the SwitchPXIe
module, as once they are exposed to skin contact this may
leave corrosive residue which can damage the connector.
1. Shutdown the PXIe chassis.
2. If present, remove the current module or
blanking plate in the intended installation
slot.
3. Carefully remove the SwitchPXIe module
from the antistatic packaging bag it was
shipped in.
Retain the bag for storage of the
SwitchPXIe module.
4. Insert the SwitchPXIe module into the
desired slot.
Align the top and bottom lip of the
SwitchPXIe module with the chassis
guide rails. With a firm grip push the
module into the chassis.

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5. Push the module into the chassis until a
resistance is felt.
This is to confirm the header pins on the
back of the module are properly
connected to the chassis.
6. Secure the module into the chassis by
pulling up on the black locking clip.
A click should be heard when the locking
clip is properly engaged into the front
chassis rail.
Secure the fastening screw with a
screwdriver.
7. Perform a visual check to ensure no
loose items or tools have been left in the
chassis after installation.
Power on the PXIe chassis.

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SwitchPXIe Module Uninstallation
IMPORTANT
After powering on the PXIe chassis, please wait at least 2 minutes
before attempting to communicate with the instrument. This will allow
the chassis enough time to finish boot procedures and initialize the
communication server.
1. Shutdown the PXIe chassis.
2. Unfasten the locking clip on the
SwitchPXIe module. Unscrew the
fastening screw.
Pull out the module from the chassis while
firmly gripping the front plate edges of the
SwitchPXIe module. DO NOT PULL THE
MODULE OUT BY GRIPPING ANY OF THE
CONNECTORS.
3. Insert the SwitchPXIe module in the
antistatic bag it was shipped in. Store
appropriately.
4. Power on the PXIe chassis.

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6CSL Software Installer Information
IMPORTANT
The software must be installed on the PXIe Controller for the PXIe
Chassis in which the CSL Modules will be installed.
Minimum System Requirements: 64bit OS, Windows 7 or above
Recommended System Requirements: 64bit Windows 10
The CSL Software Installer is a single installation package that contains all the required drivers
and software to support and control CSL modules on the PXIe Platform.
Installation Overview
For the PXIe Controller to communicate with the SwitchPXIe installed in the chassis, some
software packages are necessary. These software packages are all contained in the single
installer.
•CSLDriverInstaller: Drivers for Coherent Solutions PXIe Modules
•CSLServer: VXI11 server for remote communication
•cohesionUI: Web-based Graphical User Interface
IMPORTANT
It recommended that you save all work and close any open programs
before attempting to install the required software packages above.
All installation processes may require a system reboot to complete the
installation.
Installation Process
Windows 10 64bit:
1. Locate and run the installer CSLSoftwareInstaller-1.X.X.exe on the provided USB media
device. Alternatively it is available for download from the Coherent Solutions website.

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2. Follow the on-screen installation prompts.
IMPORTANT
To operate in Multiple Chassis Mode, additional hardware modules are
required. The Chassis Mode can be changed at any time, so it is
recommended to select Single Mode until all other configuration
requirements have been met.
3. Installation will continue with the Chassis Mode selection. The default setting is Single
Chassis Mode. If unsure, proceed with the default mode setting.

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4. When installing cohesionUI, a Windows Security Alert may prompt the user for network
access. It is recommended that both options be ticked, to allow cohesionUI to work on
any network configuration.
IMPORTANT
5. Continue with the installation of the CSLDriverInstaller by following the on-screen
installation prompts.
6. Once completed, a popup will ask whether to reboot now or later, select Restart Later.
7. At the end of the installation, it is recommended to select the Reboot now option, and
click Finish to complete the installation process.

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7cohesionUI™
cohesionUI is a web-based application that you can use to control any PXIe module from
Coherent Solutions. Its cutting-edge design offers a sleek modern interface, cross-device
compatibility, multi-instrument control, customizable views, and remote access.
Accessing cohesionUI
To use cohesionUI, you need the IP address of the host chassis, with which you can access
the chassis either locally or remotely. For local access, you can use the embedded PXIe
controller operating system, and for remote access, you can use any compatible device that
are connected to the PXIe chassis via an ethernet connection.
To obtain the IP address, open the Command Prompt window on the chassis controller and
then run the ipconfig command. Note down the IPv4 address that is displayed. For the local
IP address, you can use 127.0.0.1 instead.
To access cohesionUI locally or remotely, open a compatible browser (Google Chrome or
Microsoft Edge) and use the IP address as the URL.
For local access, you can also use one of the following methods:
•Open a compatible browser and then use the local IP address of 127.0.0.1 as the
URL.
•Double-click the desktop icon for cohesionUI or select it from the Start menu.
Home
The main landing page of cohesionUI is called the HOME page. It displays a graphical
representation of the module arrangement in the PXIe chassis. The blue numbers beside each
module show the slot in which they are installed.

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Modules
All the installed modules are displayed on the home page. To access the controls for a module,
click the corresponding module name. Alternatively, you can hover over the MODULES button
and then select a module from the list that is displayed. Controls for a specific module, or a
channel in a module are then displayed.
Settings
You can use the SETTINGS page to configure the units or step size used by module controls,
synchronize the system, or reinitialize the system. The settings for cohesionUI can be
accessed by either hovering over the SETTINGS button or clicking the button.
NOTE
Whenever the chassis is power cycled, cohesionUI reverts to the default
unit values in settings.