Pickering 4-788 Series User manual

pickeringtest.com Issue 2.0, October 2023
PXI/PXIe Microwave Multiplexer Modules
4x-788 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
Mechanical Description .............................................................................................................................................2.2
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.........................................................................................................................................4.4
Using Pickering Drivers in LabVIEW.......................................................................................................................4.7
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 40-788 (PXI) and 42-788 (PXIe) range of PXI microwave
multiplexer modules are suitable for switching 50 Ω signals
up to 26.5 GHz. They are available in single or dual SP8T,
SP10T or SP12T configurations with relays mounted on the
front panel. Remote versions are also available which can
support one or two multiplexers in a dual slot module.
The remote multiplexer 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 length of cables and improve system performance.
Remote versions are supplied with a 1.5m interface cable.
yAvailable as PXI or PXIe Modules
ySingle or Dual SP8T, SP10T or SP12T Panel
Mounted Multiplexer
y1 or 2 Remote SP8T, SP10T or SP12T
Multiplexers From Dual Slot Version
y50 Ω Versions With 8-26.5 GHz Bandwidth
y50 Ω Terminated and Unterminated Versions
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-788)
in Single SP8T Format
Dual slot version
controls 1 or 2
remotely mounted
microwave
multiplexers via
interface cables
The panel mounted terminated and unterminated
multiplexers occupy 3 slots (SP8T versions), 4 slots (single
SP10T & SP12T versions) or 6 slots (all dual versions).
The 4x-788 range is suitable for constructing complex
microwave switching networks and includes switching
configurations to suit most applications. Connection is by
high performance SMA or N-type connectors.
These modules give you the highest RF and microwave
switching performance available within a Pickering switching
system. Although designed for microwave applications, they
have many uses in the RF spectrum where extremely low
insertion loss and ultra high isolation are critical.
Single SP8T
Off
3
4
5
6
1
2
7
8
C
3
4
5
6
1
2
7
8
off
C
Off
3
4
5
6
1
2
7
8
C
MUX Bank 1
Off
3
4
5
6
1
2
7
8
C
MUX Bank 2
MUX Bank 1
3
4
5
6
1
2
7
8
off
C
MUX Bank 2
3
4
5
6
1
2
7
8
off
C
Single Terminated SP8T
Dual SP8T Dual Terminated SP8T
pickeringtest.com
4x-788
PXI/PXIe Microwave Multiplexer
Issue 1.0 October 2022

Page 1.2 pickeringtest.com
Section 1 - Technical Specification
4x-788 SP8T Multiplexer Range
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).
Single SP8T
Off
3
4
5
6
1
2
7
8
C
3
4
5
6
1
2
7
8
off
C
Off
3
4
5
6
1
2
7
8
C
MUX Bank 1
Off
3
4
5
6
1
2
7
8
C
MUX Bank 2
MUX Bank 1
3
4
5
6
1
2
7
8
off
C
MUX Bank 2
3
4
5
6
1
2
7
8
off
C
Single Terminated SP8T
Dual SP8T Dual Terminated SP8T
Single SP8T
Off
3
4
5
6
1
2
7
8
C
3
4
5
6
1
2
7
8
off
C
Off
3
4
5
6
1
2
7
8
C
MUX Bank 1
Off
3
4
5
6
1
2
7
8
C
MUX Bank 2
MUX Bank 1
3
4
5
6
1
2
7
8
off
C
MUX Bank 2
3
4
5
6
1
2
7
8
off
C
Single Terminated SP8T
Dual SP8T Dual Terminated SP8T
Single SP10T Single Terminated SP10T
Dual SP10T Dual Terminated SP10T
MUX Bank 1
3
4
5
6
1
2
7
8
9
10
C
off
MUX Bank 2
3
4
5
6
1
2
7
8
9
10
C
off
Off
3
4
5
6
1
2
9
10
7
8
C
MUX Bank 1
Off
3
4
5
6
1
2
9
10
7
8
C
MUX Bank 2
3
4
5
6
1
2
7
8
9
10
C
off
Off
3
4
5
6
1
2
9
10
7
8
C
Single SP10T Single Terminated SP10T
Dual SP10T Dual Terminated SP10T
MUX Bank 1
3
4
5
6
1
2
7
8
9
10
C
off
MUX Bank 2
3
4
5
6
1
2
7
8
9
10
C
off
Off
3
4
5
6
1
2
9
10
7
8
C
MUX Bank 1
Off
3
4
5
6
1
2
9
10
7
8
C
MUX Bank 2
3
4
5
6
1
2
7
8
9
10
C
off
Off
3
4
5
6
1
2
9
10
7
8
C
4x-788 SP10T Multiplexer Range
4x-788
pickeringtest.com Page 2
PXI/PXIe Microwave Multiplexer

Page 1.3 pickeringtest.com
Section 1 - Technical Specification
4x-788 SP12T Multiplexer Range
Single SP12T Single Terminated SP12T Dual SP12T Dual Terminated SP12T
MUX Bank 1
3
4
5
6
1
2
7
8
9
10
11
12
C
off
MUX Bank 2
3
4
5
6
1
2
7
8
9
10
11
12
C
off
Off
4
5
6
7
2
3
10
11
8
9
C
MUX Bank 1
1
12
Off
4
5
6
7
2
3
10
11
8
9
C
MUX Bank 2
1
12
3
4
5
6
1
2
7
8
9
10
11
12
C
off
Off
4
5
6
7
2
3
10
11
8
9
C
1
12
pickering
MUX BANK 1
Remotely Mounted
Microwave Multiplexers
Interface Cables 1.5m Length
40x-788
Dual Slot
PXI/PXIe Module
MUX BANK 2
6 45
123
6 4
5
123
10 9
78
10 9
78
Interconnection Between 4x-788 Dual Slot Version
and Remotely Mounted Microwave Multiplexers
Remotely Mounted Microwave
Multiplexer Versions
4x-788
pickeringtest.com Page 3
PXI/PXIe Microwave Multiplexer

Page 1.4 pickeringtest.com
Section 1 - Technical Specification
General Multiplexer Information
Relay Manufacturer: Radiall
Configuration: SP8T, SP10T or SP12T
Microwave MUX with 1 or 2
independent banks.
LED Indicators: Multiplexers have blue LEDs
to indicate a closed RF path.
Operate Time: Typically 15 ms
Maximum Cold Switch
Voltage: 100 V
Maximum Carry Current: 1 A
Specification - 8 GHz SP8T, SP10T & SP12T Versions
Characteristic Impedance: 50 Ω
Connectors: N-type
Bandwidth DC to 8 GHz
Isolation: 80 dB (0-3 GHz)
70 dB (3-8 GHz)
Insertion Loss: 0.3 dB (0-3 GHz)
0.5 dB (3-8 GHz)
VSWR: 1.3:1 (0-3 GHz)
1.5:1 (0-3 GHz)
Maximum RF Carry
Power:
400 W (0-3 GHz)
250 W (3-8 GHz)
Expected Life (operations): >2 million
Specification - 18 GHz SP8T Versions
Characteristic Impedance: 50 Ω
Connectors: SMA
Bandwidth DC to 18 GHz
Isolation: 80 dB (0-3 GHz)
70 dB (3-8 GHz)
60 dB (8-12.4 GHz)
60 dB (12.4-16 GHz)
60 dB (16-18 GHz)
Insertion Loss: 0.2 dB (0-3 GHz)
0.3 dB (3-8 GHz)
0.4 dB (8-12.4 GHz)
0.55 dB (12.4-16 GHz)
0.6 dB (16-18 GHz)
VSWR: 1.2:1 (0-3 GHz)
1.3:1 (3-8 GHz)
1.4:1 (8-12.4 GHz)
1.5:1 (12.4-16 GHz)
1.6:1 (16-18 GHz)
Maximum RF Carry
Power:
240 W (0-3 GHz)
150 W (3-8 GHz)
120 W (8-12.4 GHz)
110 W (12.4-16 GHz)
100 W (16-18 GHz)
Termination Power Rating
(terminated versions): 1 W per termination,
3 W total per multiplexer.
Expected Life (operations): >2 million
Specification - 18 GHz SP10T Versions
Characteristic Impedance: 50 Ω
Connectors: SMA
Bandwidth DC to 18 GHz
Isolation: 80 dB (0-3 GHz)
70 dB (3-8 GHz)
60 dB (8-12.4 GHz)
60 dB (12.4-16 GHz)
55 dB (16-18 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 (12.4-16 GHz)
0.7 dB (16-18 GHz)
VSWR: 1.2:1 (0-3 GHz)
1.3:1 (3-8 GHz)
1.4:1 (8-12.4 GHz)
1.5:1 (12.4-16 GHz)
1.7:1 (16-18 GHz)
Maximum RF Carry
Power:
240 W (0-3 GHz)
150 W (3-8 GHz)
120 W (8-12.4 GHz)
110 W (12.4-16 GHz)
100 W (16-18 GHz)
Termination Power Rating
(terminated versions): 1 W per termination,
3 W total per multiplexer.
Expected Life (operations): >2 million
4x-788
pickeringtest.com Page 4
Specifications

Page 1.5 pickeringtest.com
Section 1 - Technical Specification
Specification - 18 GHz SP12T Versions
Characteristic Impedance: 50 Ω
Connectors: SMA
Bandwidth DC to 18 GHz
Isolation: 80 dB (0-3 GHz)
70 dB (3-8 GHz)
60 dB (8-12.4 GHz)
60 dB (12.4-16 GHz)
50 dB (16-18 GHz)
Insertion Loss: 0.2 dB (0-3 GHz)
0.4 dB (3-8 GHz)
0.6 dB (8-12.4 GHz)
0.7 dB (12.4-16 GHz)
0.8 dB (16-18 GHz)
VSWR: 1.2:1 (0-3 GHz)
1.4:1 (3-8 GHz)
1.6:1 (8-12.4 GHz)
1.7:1 (12.4-16 GHz)
1.8:1 (16-18 GHz)
Maximum RF Carry
Power:
240 W (0-3 GHz)
150 W (3-8 GHz)
120 W (8-12.4 GHz)
110 W (12.4-16 GHz)
100 W (16-18 GHz)
Termination Power Rating
(terminated versions): 1 W per termination,
3 W total per multiplexer.
Expected Life (operations): >2 million
Specification - 22 GHz SP10T Versions
Characteristic Impedance: 50 Ω
Connectors: SMA
Bandwidth DC to 22 GHz
Isolation: 80 dB (0-3 GHz)
70 dB (3-8 GHz)
60 dB (8-12.4 GHz)
60 dB (12.4-16 GHz)
55 dB (16-18 GHz)
55 dB (18-22 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 (12.4-16 GHz)
0.7 dB (16-18 GHz)
0.8 dB (18-22 GHz)
VSWR: 1.2:1 (0-3 GHz)
1.3:1 (3-8 GHz)
1.4:1 (8-12.4 GHz)
1.5:1 (12.4-16 GHz)
1.7:1 (16-18 GHz)
1.8:1 (18-22 GHz)
Maximum RF Carry
Power:
240 W (0-3 GHz)
150 W (3-8 GHz)
120 W (8-12.4 GHz)
110 W (12.4-16 GHz)
100 W (16-18 GHz)
90 W (18-22 GHz)
Termination Power Rating
(terminated versions): 1 W per termination,
3 W total per multiplexer.
Expected Life (operations): >2 million
4x-788
pickeringtest.com Page 5
Specifications

Page 1.6 pickeringtest.com
Section 1 - Technical Specification
Specification - 26.5 GHz SP8T Versions
Characteristic Impedance: 50 Ω
Connectors: SMA
Bandwidth DC to 26.5 GHz
Isolation: 80 dB (0-3 GHz)
70 dB (3-8 GHz)
60 dB (8-12.4 GHz)
60 dB (12.4-16 GHz)
60 dB (16-18 GHz)
60 dB (18-22 GHz)
55 dB (22-26.5 GHz)
Insertion Loss: 0.2 dB (0-3 GHz)
0.3 dB (3-8 GHz)
0.4 dB (8-12.4 GHz)
0.55 dB (12.4-16 GHz)
0.6 dB (16-18 GHz)
0.7 dB (18-22 GHz)
1.1 dB (22-26.5 GHz)
VSWR: 1.2:1 (0-3 GHz)
1.3:1 (3-8 GHz)
1.4:1 (8-12.4 GHz)
1.5:1 (12.4-16 GHz)
1.6:1 (16-18 GHz)
1.7:1 (18-22 GHz)
2.0:1 (22-26.5 GHz)
Maximum RF Carry
Power:
240 W (0-3 GHz)
150 W (3-8 GHz)
120 W (8-12.4 GHz)
110 W (12.4-16 GHz)
100 W (16-18 GHz)
90 W (18-22 GHz)
40 W (22-26.5 GHz)
Termination Power Rating
(terminated versions): 1 W per termination,
3 W total per multiplexer.
Expected Life (operations): >2 million
4x-788
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
Power Requirements - 40-788
+3.3 V +5 V +12 V -12 V
0.13 A 0.01 A 0.75 A 0
Power Requirements - 42-788
+3.3 V +12 V
0.36 A 0.95 A
Mechanical Characteristics
Front panel mounted multiplexers:
• 40-788 Single SP8T multiplexer versions, SMA
connectors - 3 slot 3U PXI (CompactPCI card)
• 40-788 Single SP8T multiplexer versions, N-type
connectors - 4 slot 3U PXI (CompactPCI card)
• 40-788 Single SP10T & SP12T multiplexer versions
- 4 slot 3U PXI (CompactPCI card)
• 40-788 Dual multiplexer versions
- 6 slot 3U PXI (CompactPCI card)
• 42-788 Single multiplexer versions
- 4 slot 3U PXIe, compatible with PXIe hybrid slot
• 42-788 Dual multiplexer versions
- 6 slot 3U PXIe, compatible with PXIe hybrid slot
Remote mounted multiplexers:
• 40-788 Remote mounted versions
- Dual slot 3U PXI (CompactPCI card)
• 42-788 Remote mounted versions
- Dual slot 3U PXIe, compatible with PXIe hybrid slot
Remote mounted multiplexers are supplied with 1.5 m
interface cables for each of the supplied microwave relays.
3D models for all versions in a variety of popular file
formats are available on request.
Connectors
40-788 - PXI bus via 32-bit P1/J1 backplane connector.
42-788 - PXIe bus via XJ3 and XJ4 backplane connectors.
Signals via front panel mounted coaxial connectors:
• 8 GHz, 50 Ω versions - N-type
• 18 GHz, 50 Ω versions - SMA
• 22 GHz, 50 Ω versions - SMA
• 26.5 GHz, 50 Ω versions - SMA
4x-788
pickeringtest.com Page 7
Specifications

Page 1.8 pickeringtest.com
Section 1 - Technical Specification
Connection Accessories
For a complete list of connection accessories and
documentation for the 4x-788 module please refer to our
RF connectors datasheet (90-011D).
Accessories
Microwave relay bracket for remote mounting:
Bracket for SP8T unterminated
or terminated, SMA 40-788-001-TE-MB
Bracket for SP10T unterminated
or terminated, SMA 40-788-101-TE-MB
Bracket for SP12T unterminated
or terminated, SMA 40-788-201-TE-MB
Bracket for SP8T unterminated,
N-type 40-788-011-E-MB
Bracket for SP10T unterminated,
N-type 40-788-111-E-MB
Bracket for SP12T unterminated,
N-type 40-788-211-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.
Product Order Codes
4[A]-788-[B][C][D][E]
Interface
0 = PXI
2 = PXIe
Type
0 = SP8T 50 Ω
1 = SP10T 50 Ω, not N-type Panel
Mounted
2 = SP12T 50 Ω, not N-type Panel
Mounted
Options
[Blank] = Panel Mount
-T = Terminated & Panel Mount
-E = Remote Mount
-TE = Terminated & Remote Mount
Quantity
1 or 2 (SMA only) for Panel Mount
1 or 2 for Remote Mount
Frequency
1 = 8 GHz, N-type only
2 = 18 GHz, SMA
3 = 22 GHz, SMA, SP10T only
4 = 26.5 GHz, SMA, SP8T only
Example part numbers:
A PXI dual, SP10T 22 GHz, terminated, panel mounted module would require part number 40-788-132-T
A PXIe single, SP8T 18 GHz, unterminated, remote mounted module would require part number 42-788-021-E
Please refer to the user manual for all individually defined valid part numbers.
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-788
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 Microwave Multiplexer
PXI & CompactPCI Compliance - 40-788
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 - 42-788
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.
42-788 PXIe Dual SP10T Microwave Multiplexer
4x-788
pickeringtest.com Page 9
PXI/PXIe Microwave Multiplexer

Page 1.10 pickeringtest.com
Section 1 - Technical Specification
The 4x-788 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-788
pickeringtest.com Page 10
PXI/PXIe Microwave Multiplexer

Page 2.1 pickeringtest.com
Section 2 - Technical Description
Functional Description
Figure 2.1 - PXI Microwave Multiplexer Module 40/42-788: Functional Block Diagram
SP8T, SP10T or SP12T
Microwave Multiplexers
(1 or 2 panel mounted or
1 or 2 remotely mounted
controlled via cables)
Relay
Drivers
PXI/PXIe Microwave Multiplexer Module 40/42-788
Memory
U9-10
Level
Shifters
U2-3
PCI Bridge U1
+3.3V
GND
Configuration
Memories
U7-8
Compact PCI Bus Connector or PXIe Connectors
+5V (PXI)
+12V
Coaxial ConnectorsCoaxial Connectors
Front Panel
Mounted
LED
Indicators Failsafe
Versions Only
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 N-type connectors. The module comprises a PCB populated with control logic and and a front
panel which provides mounting for one or two SP8T, SP10T or SP12T microwave relays and LED indicators. The remote -E
option controls one two or three relays via a 1.5m screened cable. 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.

Page 2.2 pickeringtest.com
Section 2 - Technical Description
Mechanical Description
The Microwave Multiplexer Module conforms to the 3U height (128mm) Eurocard standard and comprises the following:
• CPCI Ejector Handle
• Three, four or six slot width front panel (two slot for the remote -E option)
• 1 or 2 front panel mounted SP8T, SP10T or SP12T microwave MUXs (1 or 2 remotely mounted via cables)
• 50Ω SMA or N-type signal connectors
• Compact PCI backplane connector
• PCI Bridge (U1)
• Control Logic
Figure 2.2 - 40-788 PXI
Microwave Multiplexer Module in
Single Bank SP8T Format
Figure 2.3 - 42-788 PXIe Microwave
Multiplexer Module in Dual Bank
SP10T Format
Figure 2.4 - 40-788 PXI
Microwave Multiplexer Module
in Dual Bank Remotely Mounted
Format

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.