
Page 3.4 SWITCHING MATRIX MODULE 20-517A/518A
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SECTION 3 - INSTALLATION
SELF-TEST FUNCTION
Self-Test is invoked at power on (taking up to 60 seconds) and may also be operated under software (*TST?) or via
a recessed push button. Self-Test pass is indicated on a front panel LED with a full pass/fail description available
using the DIAGNOSTIC? command.
Self-Test comprises 3 levels, see Figure 3.5:
1. Logic Test: Checks all logic including on-board microprocessor, relay drivers etc.
2. Relay Coil Test: All reed relay coils are checked for continuity.
3. Full Contact Test: Tests all the relay contacts in the matrix block
(i) On-state resistance failure test. Fails if switch has on-state > 2Ω.
(ii) Off-state resistance test. A switch fails if it’s isolation resistance is < 106Ω.
The threshold for contact resistance is preset to approximately 2Ω at the factory. However this threshold may set
to customers precise requirements (from 200mΩ to 10Ω). If a very low threshold is selected, the self test could be
used to detect switches which are not failing to operate but which have reached an end of life condition, where the
contact resistance is starting to rise, indicating that the relay is due for replacement.
NB. The contact self test will only check the relay contacts in the core matrix block, isolation switches and self test
switches are not tested, please refer below.
Note: Spare reed relays are mounted onto the relay circuit board for fast repair, additional reed relays are available
from Pickering Interfaces.
Self-Test Operation
Self Test is always run at power on, taking approximately 60 seconds.
If self test is run under software control it will rstly clear the whole matrix (Manual Test will only function when the
module is in a clear state). So it is very important to prepare your external instruments and U.U.T. for this! During
self-test all isolation switches are opened so your external circuitry will see only very high resistance inputs.
When the self-test has nished the matrix will be returned to an all clear state (i.e. the previous state will not be
remembered!).
Please note that because of the long self-test time that your computer may time out waiting for the test result (many
PC's have default timeouts set to low values).
Detailed Self Test Reporting using the DIAGNOSTIC? Query
The DIAGNOSTIC? query will give an ASCII string detailing any self test failures. These will include:-
Logic: Microprocessor, RAM, EPROM, Relay Drivers, Invalid Link Settings etc.
Relay Coils: Open Circuit Coil.
Switch Contacts: High On Resistance, Low Off Resistance.
This string is not intended to be processed by the user’s software, it is suitable for copying directly onto the screen
of your control computer. This information will then indicate maintenance required (please contact Pickering for
further help).
Self Test Limitations
Self Test covers all aspects of the Matrix Module which are liable to fail in normal use. The only exceptions to this
are the following:-
“Isolation Relays”: These switches are used to isolate the matrix from the users external circuitry, for this reason they
cannot be included in the contact self test routine. These relays always “cold switch” (i.e. they are always operated
without any load, as opposed to the matrix switches which always “hot switch”), therefore they should have an
expected life in excess of 108 operations. These switches will only fail if a very heavy current is passed through the
contacts (greater than around 3-4A for 10's of milliseconds), this may result in switch weld to either an isolation or
matrix switch. Please note that all relays including isolation and self test relays are included in the coil test, so an
open circuit coil or faulty driver IC will be picked up and reported.
“Self Test Relays”: There are self test relays on every x and y axis on the matrix board, if one of these contacts fails
(very unlikely) then all relays on that axis will appear to fail self test.