Pickering Pxi 41-182A User manual

Page (1)
50Ω 6GHz SOLID STATE ATTENUATOR 41-182A
pickering
Issue 1.1 February 2019
User Manual
50Ω 6GHz Solid State Attenuator
(Model No. 41-182A)
pickeringtest.com pickering

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© COPYRIGHT (2019) 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
Section 4
Programming Guide....................................................................4.1
Programming Options For Pickering PXI Cards.................4.1
Module Architecture..............................................................4.3
Programming The Module ....................................................4.4
Using Pickering Drivers in LabVIEW ...................................4.6
Programmable Attenuator Soft Front Panel .......................4.7
Section 5
Connector Information................................................................5.1
Section 6
Trouble Shooting.........................................................................6.1
Section 7
Maintenance Information............................................................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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Page 1.1
50Ω 6GHz SOLID STATE ATTENUATOR 41-182A
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SECTION 1 - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
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PXI 6GHz Triple Solid State Attenuator 41-182A
ISSUE 1.1 FEB 2019
• 10MHz To 6GHz Programmable Attenuator
• 0 to 31.75dB in 0.25dB Steps For Fine Level
Control
• Three or Six Channels Per Module
• Solid State Switching For Long Service Life
• Robust SMA Connectors
• VISA, IVI & Kernel Drivers Supplied for Windows
• Supported in PXI or LXI Chassis
• 3 Year Warranty
A
1dB 2dB 4dB 8dB0.5dB 16dB0.25dB
B
ATTENUATOR 1
A
1dB 2dB 4dB 8dB0.5dB 16dB0.25dB
B
ATTENUATOR 2
A
1dB 2dB 4dB 8dB0.5dB 16dB0.25dB
B
ATTENUATOR 3
41-182A Triple 6GHz Solid State Attenuator Functional Diagram
(Default Condition Shown - All Channels Set To 0dB Attenuation)
The 41-182A is a programmable RF attenuator module that has
3 (one slot) or 6 (two slots) channels each capable of inserting a
signal loss of 0 to 31.75dB in 0.25dB steps. The attenuator uses
solid state switches for a long service life and fast operation with
minimum settling time and no signal bounce. The inclusion of
DC blocking reduces the risk of damage to the switches by the
accidental application of DC sources from ampliers or other bias
devices.
The 41-182A is ideal for conditioning signal levels in RF test
systems to ensure equipment is used in its optimal signal level
range. Fast attenuator operating speed ensures minimal system
delays in setting up the required attenuation and a service life
which is independent of the number of operations allows the
sequence of RF tests to be arranged to optimize the life of other
switching components in the system.
The attenuators can be connected in series to increase the
attenuation range available and the high isolation minimizes signal
leakage.
The attenuators can be used for the back to back testing of
devices, providing the ability to condition the signal level between
the two devices. It is also ideal for the conditioning of special to
type signal sources which lack ne level control.
SMA connectors ensure that the attenuators can be used
with standard cabling and the input and output ports are fully
interchangeable.

Page 1.2 50Ω 6GHz SOLID STATE ATTENUATOR 41-182A
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SECTION 1 - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
6GHz Triple Solid State Attenuator – 41-182A
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Specifications
Insertion loss for every discrete attenuator setting
for all channels of 41-182A-003 (normalized to 0dB)
Insertion loss for 41-182A-003 with each
attenuator channel set to 0dB
VSWR for 41-182A-003
with all attenuator channels set to 0dB
Attenuation values for 41-182A-003
with three attenuator channels in series
(set to major step values)

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50Ω 6GHz SOLID STATE ATTENUATOR 41-182A
pickering SECTION 1 - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
6GHz Triple Solid State Attenuator – 41-182A
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Specifications & Ordering Information
General Specification
Frequency range: 10MHz to 6GHz, usable to 7GHz
Maximum Input Power
≥48MHz:
10MHz to <48MHz:
+23dBm CW
+28dBm Pulsed
+19dBm
Input Impedance: 50Ω, AC coupled
VSWR at 0dB: <1.4:1 to 4GHz
<1.6:1 to 5GHz
<1.7:1 to 6GHz
RF Connectors: SMA
Number of Attenuation
Channels: 3 or 6
Switch Lifetime: Indenite when used within range
Operating Time: 50µs
Power Requirements
+3.3V +5V +12V -12V
30mA 100mA 0 0
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 & CompactPCI Compliance
The module is compliant with the PXI Specication 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 EN61010-1:2010, EMC Immunity
EN61326-1:2013, Emissions EN55011:2009+A1:2010.*
Mechanical Characteristics
3 Channel Attenuator:
Single slot 3U PXI (CompactPCI) instrument module.
6 Channel Attenuator:
Two slot 3U PXI (CompactPCI) instrument module.
3D models for all versions in a variety of popular le formats are
available on request.
Connectors
PXI bus via 32-bit P1/J1 backplane connector.
Signals via front panel SMA connectors.
Attenuation Characteristics
Each attenuator is made from 0.25dB, 0.5dB, 1dB, 2dB, 4dB,
8dB and 16dB pads controlled by solid state switches to give an
attenuation range of 0 to 31.75dB relative to the straight thru path.
Insertion Loss (0dB set): <1.5dB @ 10MHz,
<2.5dB @ 3GHz,
<4.0dB @ 6GHz
Monotonicity: 0.25dB monotonic to 4GHz,
0.5dB monotonic to 5GHz,
1dB monotonic to 6GHz
Usable attenuation range
(3 in series): 84dB to 6GHz
Attenuator Change
Characteristics: Rise/fall time <10µs, bounce and
positive transient free.
Linearity
Two Tone Intermodulation:+57dBm @ 4GHz
+56dBm @ 6GHz
(20MHz tone separation, third
order intercept point).
1dB Compression:Typically +31dBm 48MHz to 6GHz
(pulsed operation type test, not a
usable user power).
Mating Connectors & Cabling
For connection accessories for the 41-182A module please
refer to the 90-011D RF Cable Assemblies data sheet where a
complete list and documentation can be found for accessories, or
refer to the Connection Solutions catalog.
Product Order Codes
6GHz Solid State Attenuator, Triple
6GHz Solid State Attenuator, Hex
41-182A-003
41-182A-006
Product Customization
Pickering PXI modules are designed and manufactured on our own
exible manufacturing lines, giving complete product control and
enabling simple customization to meet very specic 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 ofce to discuss.

Page 1.4 50Ω 6GHz SOLID STATE ATTENUATOR 41-182A
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SECTION 1 - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
6GHz Triple Solid State Attenuator – 41-182A
pickeringtest.com
Supporting Products & Software
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.
Visit: pickeringtest.com/cdt to start your design.
Mass Interconnect
We recommend the use of a mass interconnect solution when an Interchangeable
Test Adapter (ITA) is required for a PXI or LXI based test system. Our modules are
fully supported by both Virginia Panel and MacPanel.
Pickering Reed Relays
We are the only switch provider with in-house reed relay manufacturing capability
via our sister company, Pickering Electronics. These instrument grade reed relays
feature SoftCenter® technology, ensuring long service life and repeatable contact
performance
To learn more, please go to: pickeringrelay.com
Chassis Compatibility
This PXI module must be used in a suitable chassis. It is compatible with the following chassis types:
• All chassis conforming to the 3U PXI and 3U Compact PCI (cPCI) specication
• Legacy and Hybrid Peripheral slots in a 3U PXI Express (PXIe) chassis
• Pickering Interfaces LXI or LXI/USB Modular Chassis
Chassis Selection Guide
Standard PXI or hybrid PXIe Chassis from any Vendor:
• Mix our 1000+ PXI switching & simulation modules with any
vendor’s PXI instrumentation
• Embedded or remote Windows PC control
• Real-time Operating System Support
• High data bandwidths, especially with PXI Express
• Integrated module timing and synchronization
Pickering LXI or LXI/USB Modular Chassis—only accept
our 1000+ PXI Switching & Simulation 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
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.
Connectors & Backshells Multiway Cable Assemblies RF Cable Assemblies Connector Blocks

Page 1.5
50Ω 6GHz SOLID STATE ATTENUATOR 41-182A
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6GHz Triple Solid State Attenuator – 41-182A
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Supporting Products & Software
© Copyright (2019) 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.
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: 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
• Mathworks Matlab
• Marvin ATEasy
• MTQ Testsolutions Tecap Test & Measurement Suite
Drivers for popular Linux distributions are available, other environments are also supported, please contact Pickering with specic 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, please go to: pickeringtest.com/software
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 dening
test system endpoints to be connected together, greatly accelerating Test System software
development.
To learn more, please go to: pickeringtest.com/spm
Diagnostic Relay Test Tools
eBIRST Switching System Test Tools are designed specically for our PXI, PCI or LXI
products, these tools simplify switching system fault-nding by quickly testing the system
and graphically identifying the faulty relay.
To learn more, please 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 a period of three years from the date of delivery
to the original purchaser. Extended warranty and service agreements are available for all our modules and systems with various levels to
suit 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, please go to: pickeringtest.com/support
Available Product Resources
We have a large library of product resources including success stories, product and support videos, articles, as well as complete product
catalogs and product reference maps to assist when looking for the switching, simulation and cable and connector solutions you need.
We have also published handy reference books for the PXI and LXI standards.
To view, download or request any of our product resources, please visit: pickeringtest.com/resources

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SECTION 1 - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
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Page 2.1
50Ω 6GHz SOLID STATE ATTENUATOR 41-182A
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SECTION 2 - TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
A functional block diagram is provided in Figure 2.1. The Programmable Attenuator Module is powered by 3.3V and
5V inputs via Compact PCI connector J1. The interface to the user test equipment is via the front panel mounted
SMA coaxial connectors. The module comprises a PCB populated with solid-state switches that are used to enable a
chain of attenuator pads. Each channel comprises seven pads with values between 0.25dB and 16dB. The switches
are energised via control signals from drivers which are fed with serial data from PCI bridge U1 via isolators U59
and U60. Module conguration is determined by data stored in EEPROM U7, the PCI Bridge U1 is congured by
EEPROM U2.
6 OFF SMA
COAX CONNECTORS
MODULE
CONFIGURATION
U3
PCI
BRIDGE
U1
PCI BRIDGE
CONFIGURATION
U2
TERMINATING
RESISTORS
R1 TO R12
COMPACT PCI
BUS
CONNECTOR
J1
+3.3V
0V
RELAY
DRIVERS
RELAY CONTROLRELAY CONTACTS
SOLID STATE RELAYS
DIGITAL
ISOLATORS
U59, U60
+5V
TRIPLE RF ATTENUATOR
1dB 2dB 4dB 8dB0.5dB 16dB0.25dB
1dB 2dB 4dB 8dB0.5dB 16dB0.25dB
1dB 2dB 4dB 8dB0.5dB 16dB0.25dB
Figure 2.1 - Programmable Attenuator Module 41-182A: Functional Block Diagram

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SECTION 2 - TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
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Page 3.1
50Ω 6GHz SOLID STATE ATTENUATOR 41-182A
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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.

Page 4.1
50Ω 6GHz SOLID STATE ATTENUATOR 41-182A
pickering SECTION 4 - PROGRAMMING GUIDE
SECTION 4 - PROGRAMMING GUIDE
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.

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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.