Pickering 40-582 User manual

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2 AMP 2-POLE HIGH DENSITY MATRIX 40-582
pickering
Issue 4.2 April 2017
User Manual
2 Amp 2-Pole High Density
Matrix Module With BIRST™
(Model No. 40-582)
pickeringtest.com pickering

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© COPYRIGHT (2017) 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.
ISO 9001
Reg No. FM38792

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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 full 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.
Worldwide Technical Support and Product Information
pickeringtest.com
Germany
Tel: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Sweden
Tel: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
USA
Tel: (West) [phone]
Tel: (East) [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Czech Republic
Tel: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
France
Tel [phone]
E-mail [email protected]
Pickering Interfaces Headquarters
Stephenson Road Clacton-on-Sea CO15 4NL United Kingdom
Tel: [phone]
E-Mail: [email protected]
China
Tel: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]

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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
PRODUCT SAFETY
The following safety symbols may be used on the product and throughout the product documentation.

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Copyright Statement ...................................................................II
Technical Support and Warranty................................................III
Product Safety .............................................................................IV
Contents (this page)....................................................................V
Warnings and Cautions ..............................................................VII
Section 1
Technical Specication...............................................................1.1
Section 2
Technical Description .................................................................2.1
Functional Description..........................................................2.1
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 PXI Cards...................................4.1
Programming The Matrix ......................................................4.3
Using IVI Driver, Direct I/O Driver or VISA Driver ...............4.4
Section 5
Connector Information................................................................5.1
Section 6
Troubleshooting ..........................................................................6.1
Section 7
Maintenance Information............................................................7.1
Switching System Test Tools ...............................................7.1
Relay Look-Up Tables ...........................................................7.1
CONTENTS

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WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
WARNING - HAZARDOUS ENVIRONMENTS SYMBOL
This product is not specically 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.
!
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/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.
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:
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Outer clothing worn must be unable to generate static charges.
4. Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) tted with these devices must be stored and transported in
anti-static bags.
CAUTION - PRODUCT DOCUMENTATION SYMBOL
Suitably qualied & 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.

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2 AMP 2-POLE HIGH DENSITY MATRIX 40-582
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SECTION 1 - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
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40-582
2-Pole 16x16 Matrix Module
●High Density Single-Slot 3U PXI 2-Pole
Matrix With 256 Crosspoints
●Configured as a 16x16 Matrix
●Maximum Current 2A Hot or Cold Switching
●Switch up to 150VDC/100VAC and up to
60W Max Power
●Uses Gold-Plated Contact Electro-mechanical
2-Pole Relays
●VISA/IVI Drivers Supplied for Windows
●Supported by PXI or LXI Chassis
●Built-In Diagnostics - BIRST TM
●Supported by eBIRST
●3 Year Warranty
The 40-582 is a 256 crosspoint PXI matrix with dual pole
switching. The module consists of a 16x16 matrix of 2-pole
electro-mechanical relays with 2A current handling.
The module is designed for switching medium voltage and power
signals, typical applications include signal routing in ATE and data
acquisition systems. The user signal connection is via a robust
78-pin D-type connector that is fully supported by the wide range
of Pickering Interfaces cable and connector accessories.
X2 X4 X8 X1 X3 X5 X6 X7
Y2
Y4
Y8
Y1
Y3
Y5
Y6
Y7
X10 X12 X16 X9 X11 X13 X14 X15
Y10
Y12
Y16
Y9
Y11
Y13
Y14
Y15
2-POLE
CROSSPOINT
Switching Diagram for 40-582-001
2-Pole 16x16 Matrix
(each line represents a 2-pole connection)
The 40-582 is part of Pickering’s family of Very
High Density, 256 crosspoint, BIRST enabled PXI
matrices, the range is as follows:
•40-584-001 - 128x2 1-Pole, 2 Amp Matrix
•40-585-001 - 64x4 1-Pole, 2 Amp Matrix
•40-586-001 - 32x8 1-Pole, 2 Amp Matrix
•40-587-001 - 16x16 1-Pole, 2 Amp Matrix
Also available from Pickering is a range of High
Density, 128 crosspoint PXI matrices, also fitted
with BIRST:
•40-527-001 - 64x2 1-Pole, 2 Amp Matrix
•40-528-001 - 32x4 1-Pole, 2 Amp Matrix
•40-529-001 - 16x8 1-Pole, 2 Amp Matrix
ISSUE 2.2 APR 2017
Built-In-Relay-Self-Test ™
The BIRST facility provides a quick and simple way of finding
relay failures within the module. No supporting test equipment is
required to run a BIRST test, simply disconnect the UUT from the
module’s user connector, launch the supplied BIRST application
software and the tool will run a diagnostic test that will find all
relays with contacts welded closed or with high (open) contact
resistance. It makes it simple for systems integrators to diagnose
the cause of switching failures in a system.
The BIRST tool compliments any self test diagnostic test tools built
into the system since a switch path failure can be caused by switch
or by cabling failures. If a system self test identifies a system failure
and the BIRST indicates there are no relay failures, chances are the
user needs to look for a cabling or programming errors.
If a relay failure is detected by BIRST the user can quickly identify
the failed relay, locate the cause of the failure and replace the
failed device. More information on the use of the BIRST tool is
contained within the module’s operating manual. For general
information see BIRST.
Supported by eBIRST
This product is supported by eBIRST which tests the switching
system using an external tool. eBIRST provides a graphical output
of its tests which includes an image showing the location of any
defective relay. For more information on eBIRST see 93-000D.pdf

Page 1.2 2 AMP 2-POLE HIGH DENSITY MATRIX 40-582
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SECTION 1 - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
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Mechanical Characteristics
Single slot 3U PXI (CompactPCI card).
3D models in a variety of popular file formats are available on
request.
Connectors
PXI bus: 32-bit P1/J1 backplane connector
Front panel connector: 78-pin male D-type
Product Order Codes
16x16 Matrix Module, 2-pole (2A, 60W) 40-582-001
Mating Connectors & Cabling
For connection accessories for the 40-582 module please
refer to the 90-006D 78-pin D-type Connector Accessories
data sheet where a complete list and documentation can be
found for accessories, or refer to the Connection Solutions
catalog.
Switching Specification
Switch Type: Electro-mechanical
Contact Type: Palladium-Ruthenium,
Gold plated, bifurcated
Max Switch Voltage: 150VDC/100VAC
Max Power:
Max Switch Current:
Max Continuous Carry Current:
Max Pulsed Carry Current Example
(for a single switch path):
60W/62.5VA
2A
2A
6A for 100ms
(up to 10% duty cycle)
Initial On Path Resistance:
Off Path Resistance:
Differential Thermal Offset:
500mΩ
>109Ω
<5µV
Max Number of Simultaneously
Closed Crosspoints: 100
Operate Time: 3ms
Expected Life (Operations)
Very low power load:
Low power load:
Medium power load:
Full power load:
>1x108
>1.5x107 (0.1A 20VDC)
>5x106 (1A 30VDC)
>1x105 (2A 30VDC)
Bandwidth
Typical Bandwidth 10 MHz
Power Requirements
+3.3V +5V +12V -12V
130mA (typical) 500mA (typical)
1A (max) 70mA (typical) 0
Support Products
eBIRST Switching System Test Tool
This product is supported by the eBIRST test tools which sim-
plify the identification of failed relays, the required eBIRST
tools are below. For more information see eBIRST.
Product Test Tool Adapter
All Types 93-006-001 Not Required
Spare Relay Kits
Kits of replacement relays are available for the majority of
Pickering’s PXI switching products, simplifying servicing and
reducing down-time.
Product Relay Kit
All Types 91-100-001
For further assistance, please contact your local Pickering
sales office.

Page 1.3
2 AMP 2-POLE HIGH DENSITY MATRIX 40-582
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Programming
Pickering provide kernel, IVI and VISA (NI & Keysight) drivers
which are compatible with all Microsoft supported versions of
Windows and popular older versions. For a list of all supporting
operating systems, please see: www.pickeringtest.com/os
The VISA driver is also compatible with Real-Time Operating
Systems such as LabVIEW RT. For other RTOS support
contact Pickering. These drivers may be used with a variety of
programming environments and applications including:
Pickering Interfaces Switch Path Manager
MTQ Testsolutions Tecap Test & Measurement Suite
National Instruments products (LabVIEW, LabWindows/
CVI, Switch Executive, MAX, TestStand, VeriStand, etc.)
Microsoft Visual Studio products (Visual Basic, Visual C+)
Keysight VEE Mathworks Matlab Marvin ATEasy
Drivers for popular Linux distributions are available, other
environments are also supported, please contact Pickering
with specific enquiries.
Operating/Storage Conditions
Operating Conditions
Operating Temperature:
Humidity:
Altitude:
0°C to +55°C
Up to 90% non-condensing
5000m
Storage and Transport Conditions
Storage Temperature:
Humidity:
Altitude:
-20°C to +75°C
Up to 90% non-condensing
15000m
PXI & LXI Chassis Compatibility
Compatible with all chassis conforming to the 3U PXI and
3U cPCI specification. Compatible with Legacy and Hybrid
peripheral slots in a 3U PXI Express chassis.
Compatible with Pickering Interfaces LXI Modular Chassis.
For information on driving your switching solution in an LXI
environment refer to the LXI Product Guide.
PXI & CompactPCI Compliance
The module is compliant with the PXI Specification 2.2. Local
Bus, Trigger Bus and Star Trigger are not implemented.
Uses a 33MHz 32-bit backplane interface.
Safety & CE Compliance
All modules are fully CE compliant and meet applicable EU
directives: Low-voltage safety EN61010-1:2001,
EMC Immunity EN61000-6-1:2001, Emissions EN55011:1998.
Please refer to the 200 page
Pickering Interfaces “Connection
Solutions” catalog for the full list
of connector/cabling options,
including drawings, photos and
specifications. Available in either
print or as a download.
Alternatively our web site has
dynamically linked connector/
cabling options, including pricing,
for all Pickering PXI modules.
Ever wondered what PXI is all
about?
Pickering Interfaces’ “PXImate”
explains the basics of PXI
and provides useful data for
engineers working on switch
based test systems.
The PXImate is available free
on request from the Pickering
website.
“The Big PXI Catalog” gives
full details of Pickering’s entire
range of PXI switch modules,
instrument modules and
support products.
At over 500 pages, the Big
PXI Catalog is available on
request or can be downloaded
from the Pickering website.
The “PXI
Module Map”
- a simple fold-
out selection
guide to all
Pickering’s
1000+ PXI
Modules.
The “Cables &
Connectors
Map” - outlines
the cable and
connector
options
available
for all PXI
Modules.
Latest Details
Please refer to our Web Site for Latest Product Details.
www.pickeringtest.com

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SECTION 1 - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
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Page 2.1
2 AMP 2-POLE HIGH DENSITY MATRIX 40-582
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SECTION 2 - TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
A functional block diagram is provided in Figure 2.1. The Module is powered by the +5V and +3.3V supplies from the
PXI backplane via Compact PCI connector J1. The interface to the user’s equipment is via the front panel mounted
78-pin D-type male connector, J2.
The module comprises a mother board and a daughter board populated with 2-pole electro-mechanical relays
congured as a 16x16 matrix. The relays are energised via control signals from relay drivers U11 to U26. Each relay
driver is loaded with serial data from PCI bridge U1 to operate the required matrix crosspoint.The main PCI interface
circuitry and the drivers and relays that make up one half of the matrix are built onto the mother board. The daughter
board is tted on top of the mother board and is populated with the drivers and relays that make up the other half of
the matrix. Signals are sent between the two halves of the matrix via an inter-PCB connector. Module conguration
is determined by data stored in Serial EPROM U3. PCI Bridge U1 is congured by Flash EPROM U2.
MODULE
CONFIGURATION
U3
PCI
BRIDGE
U1
PCI BRIDGE
CONFIGURATION
U2
TERMINATING
RESISTORS
R1 TO R12
COMPACT PCI
BUS
CONNECTOR
J1
+5V
0V
+3.3V
VOLTAGE
REGULATOR
U4
+2.5V
78-PIN
D-TYPE
CONNECTOR
RELAY
DRIVERS
U11 to U18
RELAY
COILS
RL1 to RL128
RELAY
CONTACTS
RL1 to RL128
RELAY
DRIVERS
U19 to U26
DAUGHTERBOARD
RELAY
COILS
RL129 to RL256
RELAY
CONTACTS
RL129 to RL256
X2 X4 X8 X1 X3 X5 X6 X7
Y2
Y4
Y8
Y1
Y3
Y5
Y6
Y7
X10 X12 X16 X9 X11 X13 X14 X15
Y10
Y12
Y16
Y9
Y11
Y13
Y14
Y15
2-POLE
CROSSPOINT
Figure 2.1 - 2 Amp 2-Pole
Matrix Module 40-582:
Functional Block Diagram

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SECTION 2 - TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
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kg
PREOPERATION 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 at and solid construction to
withstand and support the combined weight of the module(s) and chassis.
SECTION 3 - INSTALLATION
!
Refer to the Warnings and Cautions at the front of this manual
Modular products require installation in a suitable PXI/LXI chassis. The module is designed for indoor use only.
Figure 3.1 - Installing the Module into a PXI/cPCI/LXI Chassis
PXI / LXI Chassis

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SECTION 3 - INSTALLATION
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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 le), 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 le containing
additional installation information. A single installation covers all cards in the System 40, System 45 and System
50 ranges.
When installation completes, the installed drivers’ ReadMe le 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)
1. The chassis must be electrically installed in accordance with local regional electrical codes by a qualied
engineer.
2. 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 VII.
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 rmly seats into the backplane. The front panel of the
module should be ush 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 nally 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.

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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 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

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SECTION 3 - INSTALLATION
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Page 4.1
2 AMP 2-POLE HIGH DENSITY MATRIX 40-582
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SECTION 4 - PROGRAMMING
Programming options for Pickering Interfaces PXI Cards
Software drivers are supplied for Microsoft Windows operating systems, with specic support for the following
development environments:
●Microsoft Visual Studio (VB, C++, C#)
●Borland C++
●National Instruments LabWindows/CVI
●National Instruments LabVIEW and LabVIEW RT
Windows drivers are supplied in the form of Dynamic Link Libraries, which should also be usable in any other
development environment that supports them.
Some recent drivers developed for the LXI platform are capable of addressing both PXI and LXI domains. Such
duality may be of help to users considering future migration from PXI based systems to LXI based systems, or
indeed systems containing both PXI and LXI components.
Programming for PXI
A number of different Windows drivers are available to meet particular system requirements, and should none of
these be suitable there is also the option of register-level programming. Drivers are generally ‘universal’, handling all
models in the System 40, 45 and 50 ranges; however some models that are not compliant with the Ivi Swtch class
cannot be used with the pi40iv IVI driver. The pipx40 and Pilpxi drivers are also applicable to certain models in the
System 41 (PXI Instruments) range - see these drivers’ System 41 support list.
Please note that this documentation is available in its most up-to-date form as HTML help les, fully hyperlinked for
easy access - both pipx40 and Pilpxi documents are included in the Pipx40vpp software installation.
IVI Driver for Windows - pi40iv
The pi40iv IVI (Interchangeable Virtual Instrument) driver supports all Pickering Interfaces PXI switch cards that
are consistent with the Iviswtch class model - as are the great majority of cards in the System 40/45/50 ranges. It
integrates well with LabWindows/CVI and LabVIEW, and is fully compatible with Switch Executive. It is also usable
in general-purpose programming environments such as Visual C++ and Visual Basic.
Prior installation of the VISA and IviEngine from National Instruments are required for the correct installation and
operation of this driver.
VISA Driver for Windows - pipx40
The pipx40 driver conforms to the VISA (Virtual Instrument Software Architecture) standard for programmable
instrumentation. Instrument control environments such as LabVIEW and LabWindows/CVI are based on VISA, and
pipx40 support libraries are provided for them.
Prior installation of VISA from National Instruments is required for the operation of this driver.
Where VISA is available, pipx40 can also be used in general-purpose programming environments such as Visual
C++ and Visual Basic. When IVI is not a system requirement this driver will often yield faster operation than the
pi40iv driver.
Direct I/O Driver for Windows - Pilpxi
The Pilpxi driver accesses cards directly, without using the VISA software layer, while offering similar overall
functionality to pipx40. It is most commonly used in general-purpose programming environments such as Visual
C++ and Visual Basic. Operating speed of the VISA and Direct I/O drivers is generally comparable.

Page 4.2 2 AMP 2-POLE HIGH DENSITY MATRIX 40-582
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SECTION 4 - PROGRAMMING GUIDE
Register-level Programming
Where the supplied drivers are not suitable, register-level programming can be employed - for example:
●If the functionality of the supplied drivers does not meet the application requirements
●If security considerations demand full source-code for the application
●In development environments that have alternate mechanisms for accessing PCI bus
●For operating systems other than Windows
Programming for LXI
When Pickering PXI cards are inserted into an LXI Modular Chassis a different set of drivers is available.
IVI Driver for Windows - pi40iv
The pi40iv IVI also supports LXI inserted cards simply by changing the resource string to address string to the
appropriate address.
Direct I/O Driver for Windows - Piplx
The piplx driver is based on the PXI Direct I/O driver pilpxi, but with added functionality to deal with the added need
to address the chassis using an IP address. It integrates well with LabWindows/CVI and LabVIEW, and is fully
compatible with Switch Executive. It is also usable in general-purpose programming environments such as Visual
C++ and Visual Basic.
Please note that this driver may also be used in the PXI domain. If the addressed card is in the local computer PCI/
PXI system, commands will be passed through to the PXI Direct I/O driver. This mechanism allows the piplx driver
to be used for both PXI and LXI cards.
The LXI format offers additional interface options not available in PXI :
.NET
A .NET native driver is also available. Once again this may be used for both LXI and PXI card control.
SOAP
Pickering LXI products include a SOAP interface which is usable from a wide variety of platforms and languages.
SSH
Pickering LXI products include an SSH interface which allows remote command line access to control cards, or,
using a suitable package, programmatic control.
The user is advised to visit the Pickering web site for further details of all the above drivers, where documentation,
example programs, and further help with driver choice are available.
LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI and Switch Executive are trademarks of National Instruments Corporation.
General Pickering Card Architecture
With most drivers, before programming a Pickering card it is important to understand the basic architecture of
Pickering cards.
The switches on a Pickering card are organized into logical sub-units, each sub-unit containing a set of objects of
similar type and use. These objects may be switches, digital outputs, digital inputs, resistors, power supplies etc,
depending on the nature of the specic card.
For example a simple matrix card will usually contain a single sub-unit containing the switches arranged in a
2-dimensional array. However a similar card with additional isolating relays connected to the matrix will contain
additional sub-units containing those isolation relays.
Low level drivers include functions to allow the programmer to query the card to ascertain the number of sub-units,
and the size and type of each sub-unit.
For full details of the driver functions available the programmer should refer to the documentation provided.