Pickering 4 784B Series User manual

pickeringtest.com Issue 4.0, October 2023
PXI/PXIe Microwave Multiplexer Modules
4x-784B User Manual

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

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

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

Page (v)
Contents
Copyright Statement........................................................................................................................................................(ii)
Technical Support and Warranty...................................................................................................................................(iii)
Product Safety...................................................................................................................................................................(iv)
Contents (this page).........................................................................................................................................................(v)
Warnings and Cautions...................................................................................................................................................(vi)
Section 1
Technical Specification....................................................................................................................................................1.1
Section 2
Technical Description ......................................................................................................................................................2.1
Functional Description...............................................................................................................................................2.1
Section 3
Installation.........................................................................................................................................................................3.1
Pre Operation Checks ................................................................................................................................................3.1
Hardware Installation................................................................................................................................................3.2
Software Installation..................................................................................................................................................3.2
Testing Operation........................................................................................................................................................3.3
Section 4
Programming Guide.........................................................................................................................................................4.1
Programming Options for Pickering PXI/PXIe Modules......................................................................................4.1
Module Architecture...................................................................................................................................................4.2
Programming the Module.........................................................................................................................................4.3
Using Pickering Drivers in LabVIEW.......................................................................................................................4.6
Section 5
Connector Information ....................................................................................................................................................5.1
Section 6
Trouble Shooting..............................................................................................................................................................6.1
Section 7
Maintenance Information................................................................................................................................................7.1
Appendix A
Part Number List..............................................................................................................................................................A.1

Page (vi)
WARNING - Hazardous Environments Symbol
This product is not specifically designed for use in hazardous environments, for example in explosive
atmospheres. If the product is to be used in hazardous environments we recommend that the user ensures
suitable protective measures are taken.
!
CAUTION - Handling of Electrostatic-Sensitive Devices Symbol
Certain semiconductor devices used in this equipment are liable to damage due to static voltage. Observe the
following precautions when handling these devices in their unterminated state, or sub-assemblies containing
these devices:
• Persons removing sub-assemblies from equipment using these devices must be earthed by a wrist strap
and a resistor at the point provided on the equipment.
• Soldering irons used during the repair operations must be low voltage types with earthed tips and isolated
from the mains voltage by a double insulated transformer.
• Outer clothing worn must be unable to generate static charges.
• Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) fitted with these devices must be stored and transported in anti-static bags.
Warnings & Cautions
WARNING - Danger of Electric Shock Symbol
This module may contain hazardous voltages. Before removing the module from the rack remove all supplies
and disconnect user I/O signals.
Unused slots in the PXI/PXIe/LXI chassis are populated with blanking plates to prevent access to user I/O
signals that may be present. Blanking panels are available to order from Pickering in a variety of slot widths.
If the product is not used in this manner for example by using an extender card then additional care must be
taken to avoid contact with exposed signals.
CAUTION - Product Documentation Symbol
Suitably qualified & trained users should ensure that the accompanying documentation is fully read and
understood before attempting to install or operate the product.
!
Safety Instructions
Safety Instructions
All cleaning and servicing requires the equipment to be isolated and disconnected from the power source and user I/O signals
(refer to the Maintenance Section).
• Appropriate manual handling procedures should be followed as dictated by the weight of the individual module or the
combined weight of the modules & chassis.
• Should a fault occur with the module or chassis, immediately isolate and disconnect the incoming power to the chassis and
the user I/O signals.
• Ensure the equipment is installed, operated and maintained by trained and authorised personnel.
• For suitably equipped products in the event of an emergency press the red “emergency stop” button situated on the front of
the unit.

Page 1.1 pickeringtest.com
Section 1 - Technical Specification
The 40-784B (PXI) and 42-784B (PXIe) microwave multiplexer
modules have a characteristic impedance of 50 Ω and are
capable of switching signals up to 40 GHz. Available in single,
dual or triple, SP6T or SP4T formats, they are suitable for
constructing complex microwave switching. Connection is
by high performance SMA or SMA 2.9 connectors. Remote
versions are also available which can support up to three
multiplexers in a single slot.
The remote versions, as well as occupying less PXI panel
space, allow the microwave relays to be placed closer
to the UUT and RF test equipment. This can shorten the
yAvailable as PXI or PXIe Modules
ySingle or Dual SP4T or SP6T Panel Mounted
Multiplexer
yUp To 3 Remote SP4T or SP6T Multiplexers From
Single Slot Version
y50 Ω Versions With 3-67 GHz Bandwidth
y50 Ω Terminated and Unterminated Versions
y75 Ω Version With 2.5 GHz Bandwidth
yRelay Cycle Counting Included
yLED Indication
yVISA, IVI & Kernel Drivers Supplied for Windows
yPXI Version Supported by PXI or LXI Chassis
y3 Year Warranty
Microwave Multiplexer (Part No. 4x-784B)
in Single SP4T & SP6T Formats
3
4C
5
6
1
2
off
3C
4
1
2
off
Single SP6TSingle SP4T
Single slot version
controls 1, 2 or 3
remotely mounted
microwave
multiplexers via
interface cables
length of cables and improve system performance. Remote
multiplexers are supplied with a 1.5m interface cable.
The 4x-784B provides a high performance solution for
RF and microwave switching, the performance at low
frequencies providing superior isolation, insertion loss and
VSWR to EMR or solid state designs.
Product Compatibility
The 4x-784B range has been introduced as an update to
the existing 40-784A family. The existing family remains
orderable but the new 4x-784B is recommended as it
provides additional options such as the PXIe control
interface. The RF performance of the 4x-784B is identical to
the existing 40-784A.
pickeringtest.com
4x-784B
PXI/PXIe Microwave Multiplexer Modules
Issue 4.0 October 2023

Page 1.2 pickeringtest.com
Section 1 - Technical Specification
3C
4
1
2
off
3C
4
1
2
off
MUX Bank 1
MUX Bank 2
3
4C
MUX Bank 1
5
6
1
2
off
3
4C
5
6
1
2
off
MUX Bank 2
3C
4
1
2
off
3C
4
1
2
off
MUX Bank 1
MUX Bank 2
3C
4
1
2
off
MUX Bank 3
3
4C
MUX Bank 1
5
6
1
2
off
3
4C
5
6
1
2
off
MUX Bank 2
3
4C
5
6
1
2
off
MUX Bank 3
Dual SP6TDual SP4T Triple SP6TTriple SP4T
Relay Cycle Counting
To aid with module “health”
monitoring all versions are
provided with a relay cycle counting
cycle feature. The number of
operations per contact are stored
on the module and can be used to
determine if a relay is approaching
EOL. This information could allow
system connections to be revised
so that signals applied to heavily
used contacts are swapped with
lightly used contacts to prolong the
working life of the relay(s).
4x-784B Multiplexer in Dual & Triple SP4T & SP6T Formats
Remotely Mounted Microwave Multiplexer Versions
pickering
MUX BANK 1
Remotely Mounted Microwave Multiplexers
3 off Interface Cables 1.5m Length
4x-784B
Single Slot
Version
MUX BANK 2MUX BANK 3
6 45
123
6 4
5
123
6 4
5
123
Interconnection Between 4x-784B Single Slot Version
and Remotely Mounted Microwave Multiplexers
Remote Mount Microwave Multiplexers
- With and Without Optional Mounting Bracket
4x-784B
pickeringtest.com Page 2
PXI/PXIe Microwave Multiplexer Modules

Page 1.3 pickeringtest.com
Section 1 - Technical Specification
RF Specification - 6 GHz Versions
Characteristic Impedance: 50 Ω
Connectors: SMA
Bandwidth DC to 6 GHz
Maximum RF Carry Power: 220 W (0-3 GHz)
150 W (3-6 GHz)
Isolation: >80 dB (0-3 GHz)
>70 dB (3-6 GHz)
Insertion Loss: <0.2 dB (0-3 GHz)
<0.3 dB (3-6 GHz)
VSWR: <1:1.2 (0-3 GHz)
<1:1.3 (3-6 GHz)
Expected Life (low power): >10 million operations
per position guaranteed
(typically >25 million)
Insertion Loss Repeatability: Within 0.01 dB
Typical VSWR - 6 GHz Versions
Typical Isolation (dB) - 6 GHz Versions
Typical Insertion Loss (dB) - 6 GHz Versions
4x-784B
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Specifications

Page 1.4 pickeringtest.com
Section 1 - Technical Specification
RF Specification - 18 GHz Versions
Characteristic Impedance: 50 Ω
Connectors: SMA
Bandwidth DC to 18 GHz
Maximum RF Carry Power: 220 W (0-3 GHz)
150 W (3-8 GHz)
120 W (8-12.4 GHz)
100 W (12.4-18 GHz)
Isolation: >80 dB (0-3 GHz)
>70 dB (3-8 GHz)
>60 dB (8-12.4 GHz)
>60 dB (12.4-18 GHz)
Insertion Loss: <0.2 dB (0-3 GHz)
<0.3 dB (3-8 GHz)
<0.4 dB (8-12.4 GHz)
<0.5 dB (12.4-18 GHz)
VSWR: <1:1.2 (0-3 GHz)
<1:1.3 (3-8 GHz)
<1:1.4 (8-12.4 GHz)
<1:1.5 (12.4-18 GHz)
Expected Life (low power): >10 million operations
per position guaranteed
(typically >25 million)
Insertion Loss Repeatability: Within 0.025 dB
Propagation Delay Variation
(between channels): <1 ps
Typical VSWR - 18 GHz Versions
Typical Isolation (dB) - 18 GHz Versions
Typical Insertion Loss (dB) - 18 GHz Versions
4x-784B
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Specifications

Page 1.5 pickeringtest.com
Section 1 - Technical Specification
RF Specification - 26.5 GHz Versions
Characteristic Impedance: 50 Ω
Connectors: SMA
Bandwidth DC to 26.5 GHz
Maximum RF Carry Power: 220 W (0-3 GHz)
150 W (3-8 GHz)
120 W (8-12.4 GHz)
100 W (12.4-18 GHz)
40 W (18-26.5 GHz)
Isolation: >80 dB (0-3 GHz)
>70 dB (3-8 GHz)
>60 dB (8-12.4 GHz)
>60 dB (12.4-18 GHz)
>55 dB (18-26.5 GHz)
Insertion Loss: <0.2 dB (0-3 GHz)
<0.3 dB (3-8 GHz)
<0.4 dB (8-12.4 GHz)
<0.5 dB (12.4-18 GHz)
<0.6 dB (18-26.5 GHz)
VSWR: <1:1.2 (0-3 GHz)
<1:1.3 (3-8 GHz)
<1:1.4 (8-12.4 GHz)
<1:1.5 (12.4-18 GHz)
<1:1.6 (18-26.5 GHz)
Expected Life (low power): >10 million operations
per position guaranteed
(typically >25 million)
Insertion Loss Repeatability: Within 0.035 dB
Typical VSWR - 26.5 GHz Versions
Typical Isolation (dB) - 26.5 GHz Versions
Typical Insertion Loss (dB) - 26.5 GHz Versions
4x-784B
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Specifications

Page 1.6 pickeringtest.com
Section 1 - Technical Specification
Typical VSWR - 40 GHz Versions
Typical Isolation (dB) - 40 GHz Versions
Typical Insertion Loss (dB) - 40 GHz Versions
RF Specification - 40 GHz Versions
Characteristic Impedance: 50 Ω
Connectors: SMA 2.9
Bandwidth DC to 40 GHz
Maximum RF Carry Power: 60 W (0-3 GHz)
35 W (3-8 GHz)
30 W (8-12.4 GHz)
25 W (12.4-18 GHz)
15 W (18-26.5 GHz)
5 W (26.5-40 GHz)
Isolation: >80 dB (0-3 GHz)
>70 dB (3-8 GHz)
>60 dB (8-12.4 GHz)
>60 dB (12.4-18 GHz)
>55 dB (18-26.5 GHz)
>45 dB (26.5-40 GHz)
Insertion Loss: <0.2 dB (0-3 GHz)
<0.3 dB (3-8 GHz)
<0.4 dB (8-12.4 GHz)
<0.5 dB (12.4-18 GHz)
<0.7 dB (18-26.5 GHz)
<1.1 dB (26.5-40 GHz)
VSWR: <1:1.2 (0-3 GHz)
<1:1.3 (3-8 GHz)
<1:1.4 (8-12.4 GHz)
<1:1.5 (12.4-18 GHz)
<1:1.7 (18-26.5 GHz)
<1:2.2 (26.5-40 GHz)
Expected Life (low power): >2 million operations
per position guaranteed
(typically >5 million)
Insertion Loss Repeatability: Within 0.05 dB
4x-784B
pickeringtest.com Page 6
Specifications

Page 1.7 pickeringtest.com
Section 1 - Technical Specification
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
Mechanical Characteristics
Front panel mounted multiplexers:
• 40-784B single, dual and triple versions
- Dual slot 3U PXI (CompactPCI card)
• 42-784B single, dual and triple versions
- Dual slot 3U PXIe, compatible with PXIe hybrid slot
Remote mounted multiplexers:
• 42-784B remote mounted versions
- Single slot 3U PXIe, compatible with PXIe hybrid slot
• 40-784B remote mounted versions
- Single slot 3U PXI (CompactPCI card)
Remote mounted multiplexer versions are supplied with a
1.5 m interface cable for each of the supplied microwave
relays.
3D models for all versions in a variety of popular file
formats are available on request.
Power Requirements - 40-784B
+3.3 V +5 V +12 V -12 V
0.13 A 0.01 A 0.75 A 0
Power Requirements - 42-784B
+3.3 V +12 V
0.36 A 0.95 A
Connectors
40-784B - PXI bus via 32-bit P1/J1 backplane connector.
42-784B - PXIe bus via XJ3 and XJ4 backplane connectors.
Signals via front panel mounted coaxial connectors:
• 6 GHz versions - 50 Ω SMA connectors
• 18 GHz versions - 50 Ω SMA connectors
• 26.5 GHz versions - 50 Ω SMA connectors
• 40 GHz versions - 50 Ω SMA 2.9 connectors.
Switching Specification
Relay Manufacturer: Radiall
Configuration: SP6T or SP4T Microwave
Multiplexer with 1, 2 or 3
independent banks.
LED Indicators: Multiplexers have blue LEDs
to indicate a closed RF path.
Operate Time: Typically <10.5 ms
Maximum Cold Switch Voltage: 100 V
Maximum Carry Current: 1 A
4x-784B
pickeringtest.com Page 7
Specifications

Page 1.8 pickeringtest.com
Section 1 - Technical Specification
Product Order Codes
4[A]-784B-[B][C][D][E]
Interface
0 = PXI
2 = PXIe
Type
0 = SP6T 50 Ω
1 = SP4T 50 Ω
Options
[Blank] = Panel Mount
-E = Remote Mount
Frequency
0 = 6 GHz (SMA)
2 = 18 GHz (SMA)
3 = 26.5 GHz (SMA)
4 = 40 GHz (SMA 2.9)
Quantity
1, 2 or 3 for Panel Mount
1, 2 or 3 for Remote Mount
Example part numbers:
A PXI dual, SP6T 40 GHz, panel mounted module would require part number 40-784B-042
A PXIe triple, SP4T 18 GHz, remote mounted module would require part number 42-784B-123-E
Please refer to the user manual for all individually defined valid part numbers.
Accessories
Microwave relay bracket for remote mounting:
Bracket for 40-784B-xxx-E 40-784B-001-E-MB
Note: A single relay is mounted to each bracket, see user
manual for details. To mount more than one relay, order
multiples of the required part number.
Spare Relays:
Spare microwave relays are available for all the modules in
the 4x-784B range, for example:
Spare SP4T 40 GHz relay with
interface cable for 40-784B-143-E 40-784A-908-E
Please contact the sales office for more information.
Connection Accessories
For a complete list of connection accessories and
documentation for the 4x-784B module please refer to our
RF connectors datasheet (90-011D).
Custom Configurations
Pickering can also offer mixed configurations of SP4T and
SP6T multiplexers with a mix of bandwidths as outlined in
the table below. Please contact the sales office with your
requirements.
Frequency Configuration
MUX Position 1 6GHz, 18 GHz, 26.5 GHz
or 40 GHz SP4T or SP6T
MUX Position 2 6GHz, 18 GHz, 26.5 GHz
or 40 GHz SP4T or SP6T
MUX Position 3 6GHz, 18 GHz, 26.5 GHz
or 40 GHz SP4T or SP6T
Warranty
This module carries a 3 year warranty. The warranty
specifically applies to only the cold switching operations of
the relay within the stated lifetime.
4x-784B
pickeringtest.com Page 8
Ordering Information

Page 1.9 pickeringtest.com
Section 1 - Technical Specification
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.
Side View of the PXI Triple Panel Mounted Microwave Multiplexer
PXI & CompactPCI Compliance - 40-784B
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 - 42-784B
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.
42-784B-023 PXIe Triple SP6T
Microwave Multiplexer
4x-784B
pickeringtest.com Page 9
PXI/PXIe Microwave Multiplexer Modules

Page 1.10 pickeringtest.com
Section 1 - Technical Specification
The 4x-784B is part of a range of switching modules suitable for RF and microwave applications.
Pickering’s Range of PXI & PXIe Microwave Switching Modules
Switch Type Banks Frequency Range Model No.
SPDT
Unterminated
1, 2, 3 or 4 Panel Mount,
1, 2 or 3 Remote Mount
2.5 GHz (75Ω) or
12.4 - 67 GHz (50Ω) 4x-780B
SPDT
Terminated 1 or 2 Panel Mount 18 - 50 GHz (50Ω) 4x-781A
Transfer Switch 1 or 2 Panel Mount 18 - 50 GHz (50Ω) 4x-782B
SP4T or SP6T
Unterminated
1, 2 or 3 Panel Mount,
1, 2 or 3 Remote Mount 6 - 40 GHz (50Ω) 4x-784B
SP4T or SP6T
Terminated or
Unterminated
1 or 2 Panel Mount,
1, 2 or 3 Remote Mount
2.5 GHz (75Ω) or
3 - 67 GHz (50Ω) 4x-785C
SP8T, SP10T
or SP12T
Terminated or
Unterminated
1 or 2 Panel Mount,
1 or 2 Remote Mount 8 - 26.5 GHz (50Ω) 4x-788
4x-782B 4x-784B4x-780B 4x-781A 4x-785C 4x-788
4x-784B
pickeringtest.com Page 10
PXI/PXIe Microwave Multiplexer Modules

Page 2.1 pickeringtest.com
Section 2 - Technical Description
Functional Description
Figure 2.1 - PXI Microwave Multiplexer Module 40/42-784B: Functional Block Diagram
A functional block diagram is provided in Figure 2.1. The module is powered by +5V and +12V (PXI) or +3.3V and +12V
(PXIe) supplies via PCI Bus connectors mounted on the mother board. The interface to the user test equipment is via the
microwave relay’s SMA or SMA-2.9 connectors. The module comprises a PCB populated with control logic and and a front
panel which provides mounting for one, two or three SP6T or SP4T microwave relays and LED indicators. The remote -E
option controls one, two or three relays via a 1.5m screened cables. The relays and front panel LED indicators are energised
via control signals from the relay driver device. The relay driver is addressed by PCI bridge U1, to output the required
signal. Module configuration and setup information for the PCI bridge is stored in Serial EPROM devices.
SP6T or SP4T
Microwave Multiplexers
(1, 2 or 3 panel mounted
or remote mounted)
Relay
Drivers
PXI/PXIe Microwave Multiplexer Module 40/42-784B
Coaxial ConnectorsCoaxial Connectors
Front Panel
Mounted
LED
Indicators Failsafe
Versions Only
PCI Bridge
Configuration
U9-10
Level
Translators
U2-3
PCI Bridge U1
GND
Module
Configuration
U7-8
Compact PCI Bus Connector J1 (40-784B)
+5V
+3.3V
GND
PXIe Connectors XJ3 & XJ4 (42-784B)
+12V
+3.3V
+12V

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

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

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