Pickering 40-755A-9 Series User manual

pickeringtest.com Issue 1.0, September 2023
PXI/PXIe SP4T + SPDT RF Switch Module
40/42-755A-9xx User Manual

Page (ii)
© Copyright (2023) Pickering Interfaces. All Rights Reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, translated or stored in any form, or by any
means without the written permission of Pickering Interfaces.
Technical details contained within this publication are subject to change without notice.
FM38792

Page (iii)
Worldwide Technical Support and Product Information
Pickering Interfaces Headquarters
Stephenson Road, Clacton-on-Sea, CO15 4NL United Kingdom
Tel: [phone]
e-mail: [email protected]
USA
Tel: (West) [phone]
Tel: (East) [phone]
e-mail: [e-mail]
France
Tel [phone]
e-mail: [email protected]
Germany
Tel: [phone]
e-mail: [email protected]
Sweden
Tel: [phone]
e-mail: [email protected]
Czech Republic
Tel: [phone]
e-mail: [email protected]
China
Tel: [phone]
e-mail: [email protected]
Technical Support
For Technical Support please contact Pickering Interfaces either by phone, the website or via e-mail.
Warranty
All products manufactured by Pickering Interfaces are warranted against defective materials and workmanship for a period
of three years, excluding programmable power supplies, from the date of delivery to the original purchaser. Any product
found to be defective within this period will, at the discretion of Pickering Interfaces be repaired or replaced.
Products serviced and repaired outside of the warranty period are warranted for ninety days.
Extended warranty and service are available. Please contact Pickering Interfaces by phone, the website or via e-mail.
Environmental Policy
Pickering Interfaces operates under an environmental management system similar to ISO 14001.
Pickering Interfaces strives to fulfil all relevant environmental laws and regulations and reduce wastes and releases to the
environment. Pickering Interfaces aims to design and operate products in a way that protects the environment and the health
and safety of its employees, customers and the public. Pickering Interfaces endeavours to develop and manufacture products
that can be produced, distributed, used and recycled, or disposed of, in a safe and environmentally friendly manner.

Page (iv)
Meaning/Description Symbol
PROTECTIVE EARTH (GROUND)
To identify any terminal which is intended for connection to an
external conductor for protection against electric shock in case of a
fault, or the terminal of a protective earth (ground) electrode.
DANGEROUS VOLTAGE
To indicate hazards arising from dangerous voltages.
WARNING/CAUTION
An appropriate safety instruction should be followed or caution to a
potential hazard exists.
Refer to the relevant instructions detailed within the product
manual.
HEAVY
If this product is heavy reference should be made to the safety
instructions for provisions of lifting and moving.
STATIC SENSITIVE
To indicate that static sensitive devices are present and handling
precautions should be followed.
!
kg
Safety Symbols
The following safety symbols may be used on the product and throughout the product documentation.
Product Safety

Page (v)
Contents
Copyright Statement........................................................................................................................................................(ii)
Technical Support and Warranty...................................................................................................................................(iii)
Product Safety...................................................................................................................................................................(iv)
Contents (this page).........................................................................................................................................................(v)
Warnings and Cautions...................................................................................................................................................(vi)
Section 1
Technical Specification....................................................................................................................................................1.1
Section 2
Technical Description ......................................................................................................................................................2.1
Functional Description...............................................................................................................................................2.1
Hardware Interlock ....................................................................................................................................................2.2
Section 3
Installation.........................................................................................................................................................................3.1
Pre Operation Checks ................................................................................................................................................3.1
Hardware Installation................................................................................................................................................3.2
Software Installation..................................................................................................................................................3.2
Testing Operation........................................................................................................................................................3.3
Section 4
Programming Guide.........................................................................................................................................................4.1
Programming Options for Pickering PXI/PXIe Modules......................................................................................4.1
Module Architecture...................................................................................................................................................4.2
Programming the Module.........................................................................................................................................4.3
Section 5
Connector Information ....................................................................................................................................................5.1
Section 6
Trouble Shooting..............................................................................................................................................................6.1
Section 7
Maintenance Information................................................................................................................................................7.1

Page (vi)
WARNING - Hazardous Environments Symbol
This product is not specifically designed for use in hazardous environments, for example in explosive
atmospheres. If the product is to be used in hazardous environments we recommend that the user ensures
suitable protective measures are taken.
!
CAUTION - Handling of Electrostatic-Sensitive Devices Symbol
Certain semiconductor devices used in this equipment are liable to damage due to static voltage. Observe the
following precautions when handling these devices in their unterminated state, or sub-assemblies containing
these devices:
• Persons removing sub-assemblies from equipment using these devices must be earthed by a wrist strap
and a resistor at the point provided on the equipment.
• Soldering irons used during the repair operations must be low voltage types with earthed tips and isolated
from the mains voltage by a double insulated transformer.
• Outer clothing worn must be unable to generate static charges.
• Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) fitted with these devices must be stored and transported in anti-static bags.
Warnings & Cautions
WARNING - Danger of Electric Shock Symbol
This module may contain hazardous voltages. Before removing the module from the rack remove all supplies
and disconnect user I/O signals.
Unused slots in the PXI/PXIe/LXI chassis are populated with blanking plates to prevent access to user I/O
signals that may be present. Blanking panels are available to order from Pickering in a variety of slot widths.
If the product is not used in this manner for example by using an extender card then additional care must be
taken to avoid contact with exposed signals.
Not to be used in safety critical circuits, refer to the Pickering Interfaces’ terms & conditions of sale.
This module must not be used for the switching of Mains Circuits. For the switching of voltages up to the
module’s full specification, Secondary Circuit power supplies and the Device Under Test must be fully isolated
from the Mains Circuit and the safety earth.
The host chassis must be correctly installed and be connected to mains or factory safety ground, please refer
to your chassis installation manual.
Diagram Showing Separation Between The Mains Circuit and Secondary Circuit / DUT
For the purposes of this document, a Mains Circuit is an installation classified as Overvoltage Category II up to
300V. Separation between the Secondary Circuit and Mains Circuit is achieved by a transformer in which the
primary windings are separated from the secondary windings by reinforced insulation, double insulation, or a
screen connected to the protective conductor terminal.
Switching
Module
Device
Under Test
Power
Supply
Power
Supply
Host Chassis
Secondary Circuit
Mains
Circuit
Mains
Circuit
Mains/Factory
Safety Ground

Page (vii)
CAUTION - Product Documentation Symbol
Suitably qualified & trained users should ensure that the accompanying documentation is fully read
and understood before attempting to install or operate the product.
!
Safety Instructions
Safety Instructions
All cleaning and servicing requires the equipment to be isolated and disconnected from the power source and user I/O
signals (refer to the Maintenance Section).
• Appropriate manual handling procedures should be followed as dictated by the weight of the individual module or the
combined weight of the modules & chassis.
• Should a fault occur with the module or chassis, immediately isolate and disconnect the incoming power to the chassis
and the user I/O signals.
• Ensure the equipment is installed, operated and maintained by trained and authorised personnel.
• For suitably equipped products in the event of an emergency press the red “emergency stop” button situated on the
front of the unit.
Warnings & Cautions

Page 1.1 pickeringtest.com
Section 1 - Technical Specification
Supported by eBIRST
SMB builds of this product are supported by eBIRST test tools
which simplify fault-finding by quickly testing the system and
graphically identifying the faulty relay.
For more information go to: pickeringtest.com/ebirst
yAvailable as a PXI or PXIe Module
yUp To 8 off SP4T & 4 off SPDT in a Single Module
y1.8 GHz Switching (50 Ω SMB Version)
y1.3 GHz Switching (75 Ω SMB Version)
y1.3 GHz Switching (50 Ω Multiway Version)
y1.3 GHz Switching (75 Ω Multiway Version)
ySMB and Multiway Connector Versions
yLow Cost, High Performance
yDrivers Supplied for Windows & Linux, Plus Support
for Real-time Systems
yPXI Versions Supported by PXI or LXI Chassis
yPXIe Versions Supported by PXI Hybrid or PXIe Chassis
ySMB Versions Supported by
eBIRST ™
y3 Year Warranty
CH1
CH2
COM1 CH3
CH4
Bank 1
CH1
CH2
COM2 CH3
CH4
Bank 2
CH1
CH2
COM3 CH3
CH4
Bank 3
CH1
CH2
COM4 CH3
CH4
Bank 4
CH1
CH2
COM5 CH3
CH4
Bank 5
CH1
CH2
COM6 CH3
CH4
Bank 6
CH1
CH2
COM7 CH3
CH4
Bank 7
CH1
CH2
COM8 CH3
CH4
Bank 8
CH1
CH2
COM9
Bank 9
CH1
CH2
COM10
Bank 10
CH1
CH2
COM11
Bank 11
CH1
CH2
COM12
Bank 12
4x-755A-902/903 10 off SP4T + 4 off SPDT RF Switch Schematic Diagram (Default Switch Paths Shown)
The 40-755A-9xx (PXI) and 42-755A-9xx (PXIe) are high density RF
switches available in 50 Ω and 75 Ω variants with up to 8xSP4T &
4xSPDT switches in a single PXI module. They are available with two
connector options; SMB that provides a frequency range of 1.8 GHz
(50 Ω) / 1.3 GHz (75 Ω), or multiway which limits the bandwidth to
1.3 GHz but offers a high density solution occupying one PXI slot.
The connectors used are fully supported by the range of Pickering
Interfaces connection solutions.
The module offers low insertion loss and low VSWR through its
usable frequency range and each switch has been designed to have
path independent loss. The array of switches can be connected into
alternative configurations through the use of external cabling.
The 4x-755A is supplied with drivers that allow the user to support the
module in all popular PXI software environments. In addition, the PXI
version of the module can be supported in all Pickering’s LXI Modular
Chassis, allowing the use of a PXI or LAN controlled switching solution
with the same high levels of performance.
4x-755A RF Multiplexer Range:
• 8 off SP4T + 4 off SPDT, SMB Connectors, Dual Slot,
50 Ω (1.8 GHz) or 75 Ω (1.3 GHz)
• 8 off SP4T + 4 off SPDT, Multiway Connectors, Single Slot,
50 Ω (1.3 GHz) or 75 Ω (1.3 GHz)
• 4 off SP4T, + 2 off SPDT, Multiway Connector, Single Slot,
50 Ω (1.3 GHz) or 75 Ω (1.3 GHz)
• 3 off SP4T, + 1 off SPDT, SMB Connector, Single Slot,
50 Ω (1.8 GHz) or 75 Ω (1.3 GHz)
pickeringtest.com
4x-755A-9xx
PXI/PXIe SP4T+SPDT RF Switch
Issue 1.0 September 2023

Page 1.2 pickeringtest.com
Section 1 - Technical Specification
RF Specification - SP4T Switches
Impedance: 50 Ω
RF Frequency Range: DC to 1.3 GHz
Insertion Loss: <1 dB to 500 MHz (typical)
<2 dB to 1 GHz (typical)
<3.5 dB to 1.3 GHz (typical)
VSWR: <1.5:1 to 500 MHz (typical)
<2.4:1 to 1 GHz (typical)
<4:1 to 1.3 GHz (typical)
Isolation: >70 dB to 500 MHz (typical)
>60 dB to 1 GHz (typical)
>55 dB to 1.3 GHz (typical)
Crosstalk: <-60 dB to 500 MHz (typical)
<-55 dB to 1 GHz (typical)
<-55 dB to 1.3 GHz (typical)
Maximum RF Power: 10 W at 1.3 GHz
Other Switching Specification
Max Hot Switch Voltage: 200 VDC or AC peak
Max Hot Switch Current: 1 A
Max Cold Switch Current: 1 A
Max Hot Switch Power: 10 W
Operating Time: 3 ms typical
Life Expectancy: 10 million operations at <100 mW
4x-755A-902 Specification - 50 Ω with Multiway Connectors
SP4T Switches - Typical insertion loss plot (dB)
SP4T Switches - Typical VSWR plot
SP4T Switches - Typical channel to common isolation plot (dB)
RF Specification - SPDT Switches
Impedance: 50 Ω
RF Frequency Range: DC to 1.3 GHz
Insertion Loss: <1 dB to 500 MHz (typical)
<2 dB to 1 GHz (typical)
<2.5 dB to 1.3 GHz (typical)
VSWR: <1.3:1 to 500 MHz (typical)
<1.8:1 to 1 GHz (typical)
<3.1:1 to 1.3 GHz (typical)
Isolation: >70 dB to 500 MHz (typical)
>65 dB to 1 GHz (typical)
>55 dB to 1.3 GHz (typical)
Crosstalk: <-60 dB to 500 MHz (typical)
<-55 dB to 1 GHz (typical)
<-55 dB to 1.3 GHz (typical)
Maximum RF Power: 10 W at 1.3 GHz
4x-755A-9xx
pickeringtest.com Page 2
Specifications

Page 1.3 pickeringtest.com
Section 1 - Technical Specification
40-755A-902 8off SP4T + 4off SPDT RF Switch
with MS-M RF multiway connectors
Typical bank to bank crosstalk plot (dB) SPDT Switches - Typical insertion loss plot (dB)
SPDT Switches - Typical VSWR plot
SPDT Switches - Typical channel to common isolation plot (dB)
4x-755A-902 Specification - 50 Ω with Multiway Connectors - Continued
4x-755A-9xx
pickeringtest.com Page 3
Specifications

Page 1.4 pickeringtest.com
Section 1 - Technical Specification
Power Requirements - 40-755A-9xx
+3.3 V +5 V +12 V -12 V
1 A 0.65 A 0 0
Power Requirements - 42-755A-9xx
+3.3 V +12 V
0.4 A 0.1 A
Mechanical Characteristics
• 40-755A-902/912/913 Single slot 3U PXI
(CompactPCI card)
• 40-755A-903 Dual slot 3U PXI
(CompactPCI card)
• 40-755A-922/932/933 Single slot 3U PXI
(CompactPCI card)
• 40-755A-923 Dual slot 3U PXI
(CompactPCI card)
• 42-755A-902/912/913 Single slot 3U PXIe, compatible
with PXIe hybrid slot
• 42-755A-903 Dual slot 3U PXIe, compatible
with PXIe hybrid slot
• 42-755A-922/932/933 Single slot 3U PXIe, compatible
with PXIe hybrid slot
• 42-755A-923 Dual slot 3U PXIe, compatible
with PXIe hybrid slot
3D models for all versions in a variety of popular file formats
are available on request.
Connectors
40-755A - PXI bus via 32-bit P1/J1 backplane connector.
42-755A - PXIe bus via XJ3 and XJ4 backplane connectors.
Signals via front panel RF connectors:
• 4x-755A-912 1off high density male 26-pin MS-M RF
multi-way connector
• 4x-755A-902 2off high density male 26-pin MS-M RF
multi-way connector
• 4x-755A-913 18off SMB coaxial connectors
• 4x-755A-903 52off SMB coaxial connectors
• 4x-755A-932 1off high density male 26-pin MS-M RF
multi-way connector
• 4x-755A-922 2off high density male 26-pin MS-M RF
multi-way connector
• 4x-755A-933 18off SMB coaxial connectors
• 4x-755A-923 52off SMB coaxial connectors
For pin outs please refer to the operating manual.
Operating/Storage Conditions
Operating Temperature:
Humidity:
Altitude:
0 °C to +55 °C
Up to 90 % non-condensing
5000 m
Storage Temperature:
Humidity:
Altitude:
-20 °C to +75 °C
Up to 90 % non-condensing
15000 m
PXI & CompactPCI Compliance - 40-755A-9xx
The module is compliant with the PXI Specification 2.2. Local
Bus, Trigger Bus and Star Trigger are not implemented.
Uses a 33 MHz 32-bit backplane interface.
PXIe Compliance - 42-755A-9xx
The module is compliant with the PXIe Specification 1.0. Local
Bus, Trigger Bus & Star Trigger are not implemented.
Safety & CE Compliance
All modules are fully CE compliant and meet applicable EU
directives:
Low-voltage safety EN61010-1:2010,
EMC Immunity EN61326-1:2013,
Emissions EN55011:2009+A1:2010.
4x-755A-9xx
pickeringtest.com Page 4
Specifications

Page 1.5 pickeringtest.com
Section 1 - Technical Specification
Support Products
eBIRST Switching System Test Tool
SMB builds of this product is supported by the eBIRST test
tools which simplify the identification of failed relays, the
required eBIRST tools are below. For more information go to:
pickeringtest.com/ebirst
Product Test Tool Adaptor
4x-755A-903/913
4x-755A-902/912
4x-755A-923/933
4x-755A-922/932
93-005-001
Unsupported
93-005-001
Unsupported
93-005-202A
93-005-202A
Mating Connectors & Cabling
For connection accessories for the SMB version of
the 4x-755A-9xx please refer to the 90-011D RF Cable
Assemblies data sheet, or for the multiway MS-M connector
version please refer to the 90-017D Cable Assemblies
where a complete list and documentation can be found for
accessories, or refer to the Connection Solutions catalog.
Product Order Codes
PXI SP4T + SPDT RF Switch, 50 Ω:
8off SP4T + 4off SPDT, 1.3 GHz Multiway
4off SP4T + 2off SPDT, 1.3 GHz Multiway
8off SP4T + 4off SPDT, 1.8 GHz SMB
3off SP4T + 1off SPDT, 1.8 GHz SMB
40-755A-902
40-755A-912
40-755A-903
40-755A-913
PXI SP4T + SPDT RF Switch, 75 Ω:
8off SP4T + 4off SPDT, 1.3 GHz Multiway
4off SP4T + 2off SPDT, 1.3 GHz Multiway
8off SP4T + 4off SPDT, 1.3 GHz SMB
3off SP4T + 1off SPDT, 1.3 GHz SMB
40-755A-922
40-755A-932
40-755A-923
40-755A-933
PXIe SP4T + SPDT RF Switch, 50 Ω:
8off SP4T + 4off SPDT, 1.3 GHz Multiway
4off SP4T + 2off SPDT, 1.3 GHz Multiway
8off SP4T + 4off SPDT, 1.8 GHz SMB
3off SP4T + 1off SPDT, 1.8 GHz SMB
42-755A-902
42-755A-912
42-755A-903
42-755A-913
PXIe SP4T + SPDT RF Switch, 75 Ω:
8off SP4T + 4off SPDT, 1.3 GHz Multiway
4off SP4T + 2off SPDT, 1.3 GHz Multiway
8off SP4T + 4off SPDT, 1.3 GHz SMB
3off SP4T + 1off SPDT, 1.3 GHz SMB
42-755A-922
42-755A-932
42-755A-923
42-755A-933
Product Customization
Pickering modules are designed and manufactured on our
own flexible manufacturing lines, giving complete product
control and enabling simple customization to meet very
specific requirements.
All customized products are given a unique part number, fully
documented and may be ordered at any time in the future.
Please contact your local sales office to discuss. Pickering can supply cable assemblies for all its modules.
The cable shown (MS-M RF to unterminated coax) is suitable
for multiway connector versions of the 4x-755A-9xx.
42-755A-902 8off SP4T + 4off SPDT RF Switch
in PXIe Format
4x-755A-9xx
pickeringtest.com Page 5
Ordering Information

Page 2.1 pickeringtest.com
Section 2 - Technical Description
Functional Description
A functional block diagram is provided in Figure 2.1. The RF Switch Module is powered by +3.3V and +5V (PXI) or +3.3V
and +12V (PXIe) supplies via the backplane connectors. The interface to the user test equipment is via the front panel
mounted coaxial connectors which can be - depending upon the model number - 26-pin multiway or individual SMB coaxial
connectors. The module comprises a PCB populated with high quality electro-mechanical SPDT relays arranged as a
three, four or eight banks of 4-channel tree multiplexers, plus one, two or four separate SPDT switches. The relays are
energised via control signals from relay drivers U18 and U19. The relay drivers are fed with serial data from PCI bridge U1
via isolators U20 and U21. Module configuration and bridge configuration is determined by data stored in serial EEPROM
devices.
Figure 2.1 - SP4T RF Multiplexer Module 4x-755A: Functional Block Diagram
8, 4 or 3 RF Multiplexers
& 4, 2 or 1 SPDT Switches
Front Panel User Coaxial Connectors
MS-M Multi-pin or SMB
PXI/PXIe SP4T+SPDT RF Switch Module 4x-755A-9xx
Terminating
Buffers
U2-3
(40-755A-9xx)
PCI Bridge U1
Module
Configuration
Memories
PCI Bridge
Configuration
& Auxiliaries
GND
Compact PCI Bus
Connector J1 (40-755A-9xx)
+5V
+3.3V
GND
PXIe Connectors
XJ3 & XJ4 (42-755A-9xx)
+12V
+3.3V
1
2
C3
4
SP4T
1
2
C3
4
SP4T
Digital
Isolators
U20-21
Relay
Drivers
U18-19
1
2
C
SPDT
1
2
C
SPDT

Page 3.1 pickeringtest.com
Section 3 - Installation
kg
Pre-operation Checks (Unpacking)
1. Check the module for transport damage and report any damage immediately to Pickering Interfaces.
Do not attempt to install the product if any damage is evident.
2. Position the chassis relative to any other equipment the module(s) will connect with. Ensure the chassis is not
connected to the electrical supply.
3. Ensure that the designated area for the chassis containing the module is of flat and solid construction to withstand
and support the combined weight of the module(s) and chassis.
!
Refer to the Warnings and Cautions at the front of this manual
Modular products require installation in a suitable PXI/PXIe/LXI chassis. The module is designed for indoor use only.
Figure 3.1 - Installing the Module into a PXI/PXIe/cPCI/LXI Chassis
PXI/PXIe/LXI Chassis
PXI/PXIe Module
Injector/Ejector Handle
Injector/Ejector Rail

Page 3.2 pickeringtest.com
Section 3 - Installation
Software Installation
First install the appropriate Pickering PXI switch card drivers by running the installer program Setup.exe (provided in a compressed zip
file), either from the CD-ROM supplied, or by downloading the latest version from our website: pickeringtest.com - the recommended
method. Setup is accompanied by a ReadMe file containing additional installation information. A single installation covers all Pickering
switching and simulation PCI, PXI and PXIe products.
When installation completes, the installed drivers’ ReadMe file is offered for display. It can also be displayed later using a shortcut on
the Programs>>Pickering menu.
If you are not a LabVIEW user you should choose the “full” version, and once that has been installed run the LabVIEW Runtime Engine
installer via the shortcut on the Programs>>Pickering menu. In the absence of LabVIEW the Runtime Engine is required to support the
Pickering Test Panels application.
!
Hardware Installation Electrical Connection (Chassis)
The chassis must be electrically installed in accordance with local regional electrical codes by a qualified engineer.
The chassis must be grounded.
Electrostatic discharge can damage the components on the module. To avoid such damage in handling the board refer to page vi.
Ensure that there is adequate ventilation.
The module should be installed in accordance with the following procedure:
1. Ensure that the system is turned OFF but still connected to mains so that it remains grounded.
2. Choose an appropriate slot in the rack.
3. Remove the blanking plate for the chosen slot.
4. Ensure that the injector/ejector handle is in its downward position. Align the module with the card guides on the top and bottom of
the slot.
Do not raise the injector/ejector handle whilst inserting the module as the module will not insert properly.
5. Hold the handle whilst slowly sliding the module into the card guides until the handle catches on the injector/ejector rail (refer to
Figure 3.1).
6. Raise the injector/ejector handle until the module firmly seats into the backplane. The front panel of the module should be flush with
the front panel of the chassis.
7. Secure the front panel of the module using both screws to the chassis front panel mounting rails.
8. In a system employing a remote control interface to connect an external controller to a PXI chassis or to link multiple chassis,
power-up the system as follows:
a. For a system comprising an external controller and one chassis, power up the chassis before powering up the external controller.
b. For a system comprising more than one chassis, turn ON the last chassis in the system followed by the penultimate, etc, and
finally turn ON the external controller or chassis containing the system controller.
9. For Pickering Interfaces modular LXI installation there is no requirement to use any particular power up sequence.

Page 3.3 pickeringtest.com
Section 3 - Installation
Figure 3.3 - General Soft Front Panel Selector
Testing Operation
After installation of the hardware and Pickering PXI Driver software package start the General Soft Front Panel (GSFP) using the
desktop icon or via the Start menu (Start Menu-> Pickering Interfaces Ltd -> General Soft Front Panel).
A selector panel will appear, listing all installed Pickering PCI, PXI/PXIe or LXI switch cards and resistor cards. Click on the card you
wish to control, and a graphical control panel is presented allowing operation of the card. Panels can be opened simultaneously for
all the installed cards.
More details how to use the GSFP can be found in the manual, via menu Help\Manual.
Figure 3.2 - General Soft Front Panel Icon

Page 4.1 pickeringtest.com
Section 4 - Programming
Programming options for Pickering Interfaces PXI/PXIe Modules
For information on the installation and use of drivers and the programming of Pickering’s products in various software
environments, please refer to the Software User Manual.
This is available as a download from:
pickeringtest.com/support/software-drivers-and-downloads
Also, it can be accessed from the DVD supplied with the product:
<DVD_DRIVE>\downloads\Documentation\Software-Manual.pdf

Page 4.2 pickeringtest.com
Section 4 - Programming
Module Architecture
The 4x-755A is a single pole RF switch available with three, four or eight banks of 4 channel (SP4T) switches plus one,
two or four banks of 2 channel (SPDT) switches. Connections are made by activating a channel to make a connection
between the common terminal and the corresponding channel terminal. The default (un-powered) state of all banks is
with a connection between the common and channel 1. The architecture and programming sub-unit allocations for the
multiplexers is shown in the diagrams below:
Module Types Sub Unit Number Sub Unit Type Description
4x-755A-902,
4x-755A-903,
4x-755A-922,
4x-755A-923,
1 MUX(4x1) RF Switch Bank 1
2 MUX(4x1) RF Switch Bank 2
3 MUX(4x1) RF Switch Bank 3
4 MUX(4x1) RF Switch Bank 4
5 MUX(4x1) RF Switch Bank 5
6 MUX(4x1) RF Switch Bank 6
7 MUX(4x1) RF Switch Bank 7
8 MUX(4x1) RF Switch Bank 8
9 SWITCH RF Switch Bank 9
10 SWITCH RF Switch Bank 10
11 SWITCH RF Switch Bank 11
12 SWITCH RF Switch Bank 12
Bank 1
Bank 2
CH1
CH2
CH3
CH4
CH1
CH2
CH3
CH4
COM1
COM2
Bank 3 CH1
CH2
CH3
CH4
COM3
Bank 4 CH1
CH2
CH3
CH4
COM4
Bank 5 CH1
CH2
CH3
CH4
COM5
Bank 6 CH1
CH2
CH3
CH4
COM6
Bit 1
Bit 2
Bit 3
Bit 4Sub-
unit 1
Bit 1
Bit 2
Bit 3
Bit 4Sub-
unit 2
Bit 1
Bit 2
Bit 3
Bit 4Sub-
unit 3
Bit 1
Bit 2
Bit 3
Bit 4Sub-
unit 4
Bit 1
Bit 2
Bit 3
Bit 4Sub-
unit 5
Bit 1
Bit 2
Bit 3
Bit 4Sub-
unit 6
Bank 7 CH1
CH2
CH3
CH4
COM7
Bank 8 CH1
CH2
CH3
CH4
COM8
CH1
CH2
COM9
CH1
CH2
COM10
CH1
CH2
COM11
CH1
CH2
COM12
Bank 9
Bank 10
Bank 11
Bank 12
Bit 1
Bit 2
Bit 3
Bit 4Sub-
unit 7
Bit 1
Bit 2
Bit 3
Bit 4Sub-
unit 8
Bit 1
Sub-unit 9
Bit 1
Sub-unit 10
Bit 1
Sub-unit 11
Bit 1
Sub-unit 12
Figure 4.1 - 4x-755A-902/903/922/923 Switch Architecture (default signal paths shown)

Page 4.3 pickeringtest.com
Section 4 - Programming
Depending upon the variant, the multiplexer is treated as four, five or ten programming sub-unit as shown in the tables.
Enabling a particular bit within a sub-unit breaks the current COM to CH signal path and creates a new path between
COM and the channel number corresponding to the active bit. The following page gives some simple examples using the
provided drivers: the Direct IO driver, VISA driver and the IVI driver.
Module Types Sub Unit Number Sub Unit Type Description
4x-755A-912,
4x-755A-932
1 MUX(4x1) RF Switch Bank 1
2 MUX(4x1) RF Switch Bank 2
3 MUX(4x1) RF Switch Bank 3
4 MUX(4x1) RF Switch Bank 4
5 SWITCH RF Switch Bank 5
6 SWITCH RF Switch Bank 6
Bank 1
Bank 2
CH1
CH2
CH3
CH4
CH1
CH2
CH3
CH4
COM1
COM2
Bank 3 CH1
CH2
CH3
CH4
COM3
Bank 4 CH1
CH2
CH3
CH4
COM4
CH1
CH2
COM5
CH1
CH2
COM6
Bank 5
Bank 6
Bit 1
Bit 2
Bit 3
Bit 4Sub-
unit 1
Bit 1
Bit 2
Bit 3
Bit 4Sub-
unit 2
Bit 1
Bit 2
Bit 3
Bit 4Sub-
unit 3
Bit 1
Bit 2
Bit 3
Bit 4Sub-
unit 4
Bit 1
Sub-unit 5
Bit 1
Sub-unit 6
Figure 4.2 - 4x-755A-912/932 Switch Architecture (default signal paths shown)
Module Types Sub Unit Number Sub Unit Type Description
4x-755A-913,
4x-755A-933
1 MUX(4x1) RF Switch Bank 1
2 MUX(4x1) RF Switch Bank 2
3 MUX(4x1) RF Switch Bank 3
4 SWITCH RF Switch Bank 4
Bank 1
Bank 2
CH1
CH2
CH3
CH4
CH1
CH2
CH3
CH4
COM1
COM2
Bank 3 CH1
CH2
CH3
CH4
COM3
CH1
CH2
COM4
Bank 4
Bit 1
Bit 2
Bit 3
Bit 4Sub-
unit 1
Bit 1
Bit 2
Bit 3
Bit 4Sub-
unit 2
Bit 1
Bit 2
Bit 3
Bit 4Sub-
unit 3
Bit 1
Sub-unit 4
Figure 4.3 - 4x-755A-913/933 Switch Architecture (default signal paths shown)

Page 4.4 pickeringtest.com
Section 4 - Programming
Programming the Module
Using The Direct I/O Driver, VISA Driver or IVI Driver
This section provides some code fragments which show how to control the RF Multiplexer using the Direct I/O Driver, VISA
Driver or IVI Driver.
Once the drivers are installed the manual “Sys40Prg.pdf” and driver help files which fully describes these functions can be
found in the Pickering folder(s) or the Pickering entries on your Start Menu.
The card must be opened before use and closed after using the following function calls:
Direct I/O Driver - Open with PIL_OpenCards or PIL_OpenSpeciedCard and close with PIL_CloseCards or
PIL_CloseSpeciedCards respectively.
VISA Driver - Open with pipx40_init, and close with, pipx40_close.
Setting a Multiplexer Channel:
Using the Pickering Direct I/O driver:
DWORD SubUnit = 1; //address rst MUX bank
PIL_ClearSub(CardNo, SubUnit); //clear MUX to default path (COM1 to CH1)
PIL_OpBit(CardNo, SubUnit, 2, 1); //disconnect COM1 from CH1 and
//connect COM1 to CH2
PIL_OpBit(CardNo, SubUnit, 2, 0); //disconnect COM1 from CH2 and
//reconnect default path
Using the VISA driver:
ViUInt32 SubUnit = 1; //address rst MUX bank
pipx40_clearSub(vi, SubUnit); //clear MUX to default path (COM1 to CH1)
pipx40_setChannelState (vi, SubUnit, 2, 1); //disconnect COM1 from CH1 and
//connect COM1 to CH2
pipx40_setChannelState (vi, SubUnit, 2, 0); //disconnect COM1 from CH2 and
//reconnect default path
Using the IVI driver:
pi40iv_Connect(vi, “comA”, “chA1”); //connect bank 1, channel 1 to common connection
pi40iv_Disonnect(vi, “comA”, “chA1”); //disconnect bank 1, channel 1 from common
pi40iv_Connect(vi, “comA”, “chA2”); //connect bank 1, channel 2 to common connection
pi40iv_Disonnect(vi, “comA”, “chA2”); //disconnect bank 1, channel 2 from common