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