Pickering 4x-727A User manual

pickeringtest.com
Issue 1.1 July 2022
4x-727A/728A/729A User Manual
PXI/PXIe Expandable RF Matrix Module

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Page (II) REED RELAY MODULE 40-110/115/120/125
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© COPYRIGHT (2022) 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 Pickering PXI/PXIe Modules ...4.1
Matrix Module Architecture ..................................................4.2
Programming The Matrix Module.........................................4.4
Using Pickering Drivers in LabVIEW ...................................4.8
Section 5
Connector Information................................................................5.1
Section 6
Trouble Shooting .........................................................................6.1
Section 7
Maintenance Information............................................................7.1
Switching System Test Tools ...............................................7.1
Relay Lookup Tables.............................................................7.1
CONTENTS

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WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
WARNING - HAZARDOUS ENVIRONMENTS SYMBOL
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 host 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.
anti-static bags.
CAUTION - PRODUCT DOCUMENTATION SYMBOL
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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PXI/PXIe Expandable RF Matrix Module 4x-727A/728A/729A
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SECTION 1 - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
The 40-727A/728A/729A (PXI) and 42-727A/728A/729A
(PXIe) are high density RF matrix modules suitable for
switching up to 300 MHz in 50 Ω or 100 MHz in 75 Ω. They
are available in 50 Ω or 75 Ω versions with SMB connectors
or in 50 Ω versions with a multiway connector. They provide
a simple and scalable bidirectional matrix for RF signals
and are intended for the construction of high performance
switching systems. All X and Y connections have isolation
switches. These can be used to disconnect the matrix from
the test fixture to maximize isolation and RF performance.
Updated Product
These modules are based on the established 40-727/8/9. As
well as having PXIe options, they use Pickering reed relays
throughout giving improved operation speed and reliability.
yAvailable as PXI or PXIe Modules
y16x4, 16x2 & 8x4 RF Coaxial Matrices
y300 MHz Usable Bandwidth (50 Ω)
y50 Ω & 75 Ω Versions Available
yEasy to Use Loop Thru Option Allows Unlimited
X Axis Expansion
yHigh Density SMB & Multiway Connector Versions
y75 Ω Version Suitable for Telecoms & Video Switching
yVISA & IVI Drivers Supplied for Windows
yPXI Versions Supported by PXI or LXI Chassis
ySelected Builds Supported by
eBIRST ™
y3 Year Warranty
Microwave Multiplexer (Part No. 4x-729A)
in 8x4 Format without Loop-thru
40-727A-002-L
RF Matrix Module
with MS-M
Multi-way Coaxial
Connector
Y1
Y2
Y3
Y4
X1 X2 X3 X4 X5 X6 X7 X8
Y4-LT Y3-LT Y2-LT Y1-LT
Loop-Thru
Crosspoint
Isolation
Switches
Loop-Thru &
Isolation Switches
Y1
Y2
Y3
Y4
X1 X2 X3 X4 X5 X6 X7 X8
Crosspoint
Isolation
Switches
Microwave Multiplexer (Part No. 4x-729A)
in 8x4 Format with Loop-thru
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Issue 1.1 July 2022

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SECTION 1 - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
Matrix Operation
The 4x-727A/728A/729A are designed for X
to Y connections with maximum bandwidth.
They can also support X to X connections in
the same module or between multiple
modules (using loop-thru option) - see user
manual.
They are based on the same architecture
as the popular 40-725 RF matrix, but have
optional Y loop-thru allowing
easy expansion with minimum loss of
bandwidth.
Y1
Y2
X1 X2 X3 X4 X5 X6 X7 X8 X9
X10 X11 X12
X13 X14 X15 X16
Crosspoint
Isolation
Switches
Y1
Y2
Y3
Y4
X1 X2 X3 X4 X5 X6 X7 X8 X9 X10 X11 X12
X13 X14 X15 X16
Isolation
Switches
Crosspoint
Y1
Y2
Y3
Y4
X1 X2 X3 X4 X5 X6 X7 X8 X9 X10 X11 X12
Y4-LT Y3-LT Y2-LT Y1-LT
Loop-Thru
X13 X14 X15 X16
Isolation
Switches
Crosspoint
Loop-Thru &
Isolation Switches
Y1
Y2
X1 X2 X3 X4 X5 X6 X7 X8 X9 X10 X11 X12
Y2-LT Y1-LT
Loop-Thru
X13 X14 X15 X16
Crosspoint
Isolation
Switches
Loop-Thru &
Isolation Switches
40-727A-001-L
16x4 RF Matrix Module with
SMB Connectors and
Loop-thru on Flying Leads
Microwave Multiplexer (Part No. 4x-728A)
in 16x2 Format Without Loop-thru
Microwave Multiplexer (Part No. 4x-728A)
in 16x2 Format With Loop-thru
Microwave Multiplexer (Part No. 4x-729A)
in 16x4 Format Without Loop-thru
Microwave Multiplexer (Part No. 4x-729A)
in 16x4 Format With Loop-thru
4x-727A/728A/729A
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PXI/PXIe Expandable RF Matrix Module 4x-727A/728A/729A
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X33
X34
X35
X48
X17
X18
X19
X32
X1
X2
X3
X16
4x-727A (With Optional Loop-Thru)
Y1 Y2 Y3 Y4
X Connections
Y Connections
16 x 4 Matrix
X Isolation
Switches
4x-727A (With Optional Loop-Thru)
16 x 4 Matrix
4x-727A (With Optional Loop-Thru)
16 x 4 Matrix
Y1-LT Y2-LT Y3-LT Y4-LT
Y Isolation
Switches
Loop-Thru
& Isolation
Switches
Flying
Interconnection
Leads
3 off 4x-727A-001-L 16x4 RF Matrix Modules
Interconnected as a 48x4 Matrix
48x4 RF Matrix Created from
3-off 4x-727A-001-L
(Loop-Thru cables
interconnect each 16x4
Matrix module)
Y Axis Loop Thru Option
The easy to use loop thru option allows
4x-727A/728A/729A modules to be cascaded to
form larger matrices whilst minimizing impact on RF
performance.
The versions with SMB connectors have built in Y loop-
thru cables fitted to the front panel which are simply
plugged into the Y connectors of the adjacent matrix
module. Multiway connector versions include pins for
loop-thru on the front panel connector.
The loop thru system is designed to provide an
extended connection from Y to X, it also supports
an X to X connection where the X connections are in
different modules.
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SECTION 1 - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
4x-727A 50 Ω Crosstalk Between Signal Paths
4x-727A 50 Ω Insertion Loss For X to Y Signal Paths
4x-727A 50 Ω Insertion Loss For Y Loop-Thru Paths
4x-727A 50 Ω Loop-Thru Paths VSWR
4x-727A 50 Ω VSWR For X to Y Signal Paths
RF Performance Plots for 4x-727A 300 MHz RF Matrix
Typical curves are shown for matrix rows/columns with 1
crosspoint set. For optimum insertion loss and VSWR, ensure
only one crosspoint is set in any one row/column. Multiple
crosspoints can be set on one row or column but this will
seriously degrade RF performance. Performance is also
dependent upon the area of the matrix where the crosspoint is
set. Best performance is obtained at the corners (for example
X1-Y1), worse performance is obtained in the center (X8-Y2).
This is outlined in the insertion loss and VSWR plots which also
include the performance of a typical signal path between X4 and
Y2. For more information on how performance is distributed
throughout the matrix, please refer to the user manual.
4x-727A/728A/729A
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Specifications

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PXI/PXIe Expandable RF Matrix Module 4x-727A/728A/729A
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General Matrix Switching Specification
Maximum Switch Voltage:
Maximum Switch Current:
Maximum Switch Power:
100 V
0.5 A
10 W
Characteristic Impedance: 50 Ω or 75 Ω
On Path Resistance:
Off Path Resistance:
Thermal Offset:
<1000 mΩ
>108 Ω
<50 µV
Expected Life: 1x109 operations
Operate Time: <1 ms, 0.5 ms typical
Power Requirements - 40-727A/728A/729A
+3.3 V +5 V +12 V -12 V
140 mA 500 mA (72 Relays) 0 0
Power Requirements - 42-727A/728A/729A
+3.3 V +12 V
380 mA 250 mA
Mechanical Characteristics
40-727A/728A/729A - Single slot 3U PXI (CompactPCI card).
42-727A/728A/729A - Single 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
PXI bus via 32-bit P1/J1 backplane connector.
Signals via front panel connectors:
• 4x-727A SMB versions: X and Y Signals via 20 front
panel mounted coaxial connectors (Y loop-thru via 4 flying
leads).
• 4x-728A SMB versions: X and Y Signals via 18 front
panel mounted coaxial connectors (Y loop-thru via 2 flying
leads).
• 4x-729A SMB versions: X and Y Signals via 12 front
panel mounted coaxial connectors (Y loop-thru via 4 flying
leads).
• 4x-727A/728A/729A Multiway versions: X, Y and Y
loop-thru signals via one 26-pin high density MS-M RF
multiway coaxial connector.
RF Specification
Maximum Bandwidth (-3 dB): Usable to 300 MHz, 50 Ω
Usable to 100 MHz, 75 Ω
Insertion Loss (typical):
VSWR (typical):
Crosstalk (typical):
Isolation (typical):
3 dB for 50 Ω at 300 MHz†
3 dB for 75 Ω at 150 MHz†
1.8:1 for 50 Ω at 150 MHz†
1.8:1 for 75 Ω at 60 MHz†
>30 dB at 300 MHz
>60 dB
Loop Thru RF Specification
Maximum Bandwidth (-3 dB): Usable to 270 MHz, 50 Ω
Insertion Loss, X to Y path
(typical):
Insertion Loss, Y to Y-LT path
(typical):
Isolation (typical):
3 dB for 50 Ω at 270 MHz†
0.85 dB at 300 MHz
>60 dB
† RF performance is entirely dependent upon the combination
of crosspoints selected, the figures shown are for one
selected crosspoint on any X or Y channel only, refer
to graphs. For further assistance on getting maximum
performance from the 4x-727A/728A/729A please refer to the
operating manual.
Relay Type
The 4x-727A/728A/729A are fitted with ruthenium
sputtered reed relays. A spare reed relay is built onto the
circuit board to allow easy maintenance with minimum
downtime.
All reed relays are manufactured by our Relay Division.
For more information please vist: pickeringrelay.com
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
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Specifications

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SECTION 1 - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
Connection Accessories
For a complete list of connection accessories and
documentation for versions of the 4x-727A/728A/729A
module with SMB connectors, please refer to our
RF connectors datasheet (90-011D).
For versions of the module with a 26-pin MS-M RF multiway
coaxial connectors, please refer to our
MS-M RF connectors datasheet (90-017D).
Product Order Codes
PXI/PXIe 16x4 RF Coaxial Matrix:
SMB 50 Ω
SMB 50 Ω with loop-thru on Y axis
Multiway 50 Ω
Multiway with loop-thru on Y axis
SMB 75 Ω
SMB 75 Ω with loop-thru on Y axis
4x-727A-001
4x-727A-001-L
4x-727A-002
4x-727A-002-L
4x-727A-101
4x-727A-101-L
PXI/PXIe 16x2 RF Coaxial Matrix:
SMB 50 Ω
SMB 50 Ω with loop-thru on Y axis
Multiway 50 Ω
Multiway with loop-thru on Y axis
SMB 75 Ω
SMB 75 Ω with loop-thru on Y axis
4x-728A-001
4x-728A-001-L
4x-728A-002
4x-728A-002-L
4x-728A-101
4x-728A-101-L
PXI/PXIe 8x4 RF Coaxial Matrix:
SMB 50 Ω
SMB 50 Ω with loop-thru on Y axis
Multiway 50 Ω
Multiway with loop-thru on Y axis
SMB 75 Ω
SMB 75 Ω with loop-thru on Y axis
4x-729A-001
4x-729A-001-L
4x-729A-002
4x-729A-002-L
4x-729A-101
4x-729A-101-L
Where 4x specifies PXI or PXIe, for example:
40-727A-001 16x4 50Ω Matrix, SMB connectors in PXI format
42-727A-001 16x4 50Ω Matrix, SMB connectors in PXIe
format
Support Products
eBIRST Switching System Test Tool
The 50 Ω versions of this product with SMB connectors and
without loop-thru are supported by the eBIRST test tools, the
required eBIRST tools are detailed below.
Test Tool: 93-005-001
Adaptor: 93-005-202A
Termination: 93-005-101
For more information go to pickeringtest.com/ebirst
4x-727A/728A/729A
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Ordering Information

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PXI/PXIe Expandable RF Matrix Module 4x-727A/728A/729A
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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. Customization can include:
• Alternative relay types
• Mixture of relay types
• Alternative number of relays
• Different performance specifications
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.
Supported by eBIRST - Switching System Test Tools
The 50 Ω SMB versions of these modules without loop-thru are supported by our eBIRST test tools. These tools can quickly
determine if a switching system has faults, identifies the location of the fault at relay level and allows the user to take fast
corrective action. For more information go to pickeringtest.com/ebirst
Side View of the RF Matrix - 16x4 PXI Version With SMB Connectors and Loop-thru
PXI & CompactPCI Compliance - 40-727A/728A/729A
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 - 42-727A/728A/729A
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.
42-727A-001 PXIe RF Matrix
16x4 SMB Version Without Loop-thru
4x-727A/728A/729A
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SECTION 1 - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
The 4x-727A/728A/729A are part of a range of matrix modules suitable for RF applications.
Pickering’s Range of PXI & PXIe RF Matrix Modules
Configuration Frequency Range Connectors Model No.
32x8 - Loop-thru Option
32x4 - Loop-thru Option
16x8 - Loop-thru Option
16x4 - Loop-thru Option
300 MHz (50 Ω)
(150 MHz with
Loop-thru)
SMB 4x-724
16x4 - Loop-thru Option
300 MHz (50 Ω)
100 MHz (75 Ω)
SMB or
26-pin MS-M
mult-way
4x-727A
16x2 - Loop-thru Option 4x-728A
8x4 - Loop-thru Option 4x-729A
Single or Dual
2x2 with Loop-thru 2.5 GHz (75 Ω) SMB or MCX 4x-837A
Single or Dual
2x2 with Loop-thru 2.5 GHz (50 Ω) SMB or MCX 4x-877A
4x4 (solid state switching) 10 MHz - 8 GHz (50 Ω) SMA 4x-884B
4x-837A 4x-877A4x-724 4x-727A 4x-884B
4x-727A/728A/729A
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Supporting Products & Software
Chassis Compatibility
The PXI versions of this module are compatible with the following chassis types:
• All chassis conforming to the 3U PXI and 3U Compact PCI (cPCI) specification
• Legacy and Hybrid Peripheral slots in a 3U PXI Express (PXIe) chassis
• Pickering Interfaces LXI or LXI/USB Modular Chassis
The PXIe versions of this module are compatible with the following chassis types:
• All chassis conforming to the 3U PXIe specification
• PXIe and Hybrid Peripheral slots in a 3U PXI Express (PXIe) chassis
Chassis Selection Guide
Pickering LXI or LXI/USB Modular Chassis
Only accept our PXI Switching & Simulation Modules:
• Choose from 1000+ Pickering PXI Modules
• Ethernet or USB control enables remote
operation
• Low-cost control from practically any
controller
• LXI provides manual control via Web
browsers
• Driverless software support
• Power sequencing immunity
• Ethernet provides chassis/controller voltage isolation
• Independence from Windows operating system
PXI and PXIe (with PXIe and/or Hybrid slots)
Chassis from any Vendor:
• Mix our 1000+ PXI/PXIe switching &
simulation modules with any vendor’s
PXI/PXIe instrumentation
• Embedded or remote Windows
PC control
• Real-time Operating System Support
• High data bandwidths, especially with PXI Express
• Integrated module timing and synchronization

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SECTION 1 - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
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Supporting Products & Software
Connectors
& Backshells
Multi-way
Cable Assemblies
RF Cable
Assemblies
Breakouts
Connectivity Solutions
We provide a full range of supporting cable and connector solutions for all our switching
products—20 connector families with 1200+ products. We offer everything from simple
mating connectors to complex cables assemblies and terminal blocks. All assemblies are
manufactured by Pickering and are guaranteed to mechanically and electrically mate to our
modules. These accessories are detailed in Connector Accessories data sheets, where a
complete list and documentation can be found for each accessory.
Connector
Blocks
We also offer customized cabling and have a free online Cable Design Tool that can be used to create custom cable solutions for
many applications.
• Fully supported on modern browsers and tablet operating systems.
• Built-in tutorials and videos allow you to get quickly up to speed.
• Store cable assemblies in the Cloud and develop over time.
• Each cable design has a downloadable PDF documentation file
detailing all specifications
Start designing your custom cabling, go to pickeringtest.com/cdt
Mass Interconnect
We recommend the use of a mass interconnect solution when an Interchangeable Test Adapter (ITA) is required for PXI/LXI
based test systems. Our modules are fully supported by Virginia Panel and MacPanel.
Pickering Reed Relays
We are the only switch provider with in-house reed relay manufacturing capability
via our Relay Division. These instrument grade reed relays feature SoftCenter™
technology, ensuring long service life and repeatable contact performance.
To learn more go to pickeringrelay.com

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Supporting Products & Software
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 more information go to 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
• National Instruments products (LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, Switch Executive, MAX, TestStand,
VeriStand, etc.)
• Microsoft Visual Studio products (Visual Basic, Visual C++)
• Keysight VEE and OpenTAP
• Mathworks MATLAB, Simulink
• Marvin ATEasy
• MTQ Testsolutions Tecap Test & Measurement Suite
• Python
Drivers for popular Linux distributions are available, other environments are also supported, please contact Pickering
with specific enquiries. We provide Soft Front Panels (SFPs) for our products for familiarity and manual control, as well as
comprehensive documentation and example programs to help you develop test routines with ease.
To learn more about software drivers and development environments go to pickeringtest.com/software
DMM+ R3a
S+ R3b
DMM- R3c
S- R3d
DMM
S+ S-
DMM+ DMM-
aX1 aX3
aX4
aX7 aX9 aX11 aX13 aX15 aX17 aX19 aX21 aX23 aX25 aX27 aX31
aY1
aY2
aY3
aY4
Switch 1
bY1
bY2
bY3
bY4
bY5
bY6
bY7
bY8
bX1 bX5 bX7 bX9 bX11 bX13 bX15 bX17 bX19 bX21 bX23
R3a R3b
R3c R3d
Switch 2 Device Under Test
Signal Routing Software
Our signal routing software, Switch Path Manager,
automatically selects and energizes switch paths
through Pickering switching systems. Signal
routing is performed by simply defining test
system endpoints to be connected together, greatly
accelerating Test System software development.
To learn more go to pickeringtest.com/spm
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Supporting Products & Software
Connectors
& Backshells
Multi-way
Cable Assemblies
RF Cable
Assemblies
Breakouts
Connectivity Solutions
We provide a full range of supporting cable and connector solutions for all our switching
products—20 connector families with 1200+ products. We offer everything from simple
mating connectors to complex cables assemblies and terminal blocks. All assemblies are
manufactured by Pickering and are guaranteed to mechanically and electrically mate to our
modules. These accessories are detailed in Connector Accessories data sheets, where a
complete list and documentation can be found for each accessory.
Connector
Blocks
We also offer customized cabling and have a free online Cable Design Tool that can be used to create custom cable solutions for
many applications.
• Fully supported on modern browsers and tablet operating systems.
• Built-in tutorials and videos allow you to get quickly up to speed.
• Store cable assemblies in the Cloud and develop over time.
• Each cable design has a downloadable PDF documentation file
detailing all specifications
Start designing your custom cabling, go to pickeringtest.com/cdt
Mass Interconnect
We recommend the use of a mass interconnect solution when an Interchangeable Test Adapter (ITA) is required for PXI/LXI
based test systems. Our modules are fully supported by Virginia Panel and MacPanel.
Pickering Reed Relays
We are the only switch provider with in-house reed relay manufacturing capability
via our Relay Division. These instrument grade reed relays feature SoftCenter™
technology, ensuring long service life and repeatable contact performance.
To learn more go to pickeringrelay.com

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SECTION 1 - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
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Supporting Products & Software
© Copyright (2022) Pickering Interfaces. All Rights Reserved.
Pickering Interfaces maintains a commitment to continuous product development, consequently we reserve the right to vary from the description given in this data sheet.
Diagnostic Relay Test Tools
eBIRST Switching System Test Tools are designed
specifically for our PXI, PCI or LXI products, these tools
simplify switching system fault-finding by quickly testing
the system and graphically identifying the faulty relay.
To learn more go to pickeringtest.com/ebirst
Three Year Warranty & Guaranteed Long-Term Support
All standard products manufactured by Pickering Interfaces are warranted against defective materials and workmanship for
three years from the date of delivery to the original purchaser. Extended warranty and service agreements are available with
various levels for your requirements. Although we offer a 3-year warranty as standard, we also include guaranteed long-term
support—with a history of supporting our products for typically 15-20 years.
To learn more go to pickeringtest.com/support
Available Product Resources
We have a library of resources including success stories, product and support videos, articles and white papers as well as
application-specific brochures to assist you. We have also published reference books on switching technology and the PXI and
LXI standards.
To view, download or request any of our product resources go to pickeringtest.com/resources
B
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IRST
IRST
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