Pickering PCI 50-725 User manual

pickeringtest.com
Issue 6.2 May 2021
50-725 User Manual
PCI 8x9 RF Coaxial Matrix Card

Page (II) 8x9 RF COAXIAL MATRIX CARD 50-725
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Page (II) REED RELAY MODULE 40-110/115/120/125
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© COPYRIGHT (2021) 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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8x9 RF COAXIAL MATRIX CARD 50-725
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Page (III)
REED RELAY MODULE 40-110/115/120/125
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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]

Page (IV) 8x9 RF COAXIAL MATRIX CARD 50-725
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Page (IV) REED RELAY MODULE 40-110/115/120/125
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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
Testing Operation ..................................................................3.3
Section 4
Programming Guide....................................................................4.1
Programming Options For Pickering PCI Cards ................4.1
Module Architecture 50-725.................................................4.2
Module Sub-Units..................................................................4.2
Programming The Card.........................................................4.4
Section 5
Connector Information................................................................5.1
Section 6
Trouble Shooting.........................................................................6.1
Section 7
Maintenance Information............................................................7.1
Switching System Test Tools ...............................................7.1
Relay Lookup Tables.............................................................7.1
Component Layout................................................................7.2
CONTENTS

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Page (VII)
8x9 RF COAXIAL MATRIX CARD 50-725
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Page (VII)
PCI REED RELAY CARD 50-110 / 115 / 120 / 125
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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 card may contain hazardous voltages. Before removing the card from the chassis remove all
supplies and disconnect user I/O signals.
Unused slots in the PC chassis are populated with blanking plates to prevent access to user I/O
signals that may be present. . 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
8x9 RF COAXIAL MATRIX CARD 50-725
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SECTION 1 - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
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PCI 8x9 RF Coaxial Matrix Card 50-725
ISSUE 5.2 MAY 2018
y8x9 RF Coaxial Matrix
yUp To 500 MHz Bandwidth
y50 Ω and 75 Ω Versions Available
yHigh Quality Ruthenium Reed Relays
yHigh Density SMB Coaxial Connectors
y75 Ω Version Suitable for Telecoms and High
Quality Video Switching
yVISA, IVI & Kernel Drivers Supplied for Windows
ySupported by eBIRST ™
y3 Year Warranty
Supported by eBIRST
eBIRST test tools simplify switching fault-finding by quickly
testing the system and graphically identifying the faulty
relay.
For more information go to: pickeringtest.com/ebirst
Y1
Y2
Y3
Y4
Y5
Y6
Y7
Y8
Y9
X1 X2 X3 X4 X5 X6 X7 X8
MATRIX
CROSSPOINT
ISOLATION
SWITCH
8x9 Coaxial Matrix Schematic Diagram
50-725 RF Matrix Card With Screening
Cover Removed
The 50-725 is an 8x9 RF Matrix Card suitable for switching
frequencies up to 500 MHz. It is available in either 50 Ω or
75 Ω versions with SMB coaxial connectors. It is intended
for the easy construction of high performance bidirectional
matrix switching systems.
Automatic Isolation Switches are located on all coaxial
connectors (refer to drawing), these disconnect the matrix
from the external test fixture. This maximizes isolation and
RF performance.
Matrix Operations
The 50-725 is a true 8x9 high density matrix, any
combination of crosspoints may be selected. Only the
signal is switched, all grounds are common.

Page 1.2 8x9 RF COAXIAL MATRIX CARD 50-725
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SECTION 1 - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
PCI 8x9 RF Coaxial Matrix, 50-725
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Specifications
50-725-511 (50 Ω Version) Insertion Loss to 500 MHz
50-725-511 (50 Ω Version) VSWR to 500 MHz50-725-511 (50 Ω Version) Crosstalk to 500 MHz
50-725-511 (50 Ω Version) Isolation to 500 MHz
RF Performance Plots for the 50-725-511 50 Ω RF Coaxial Matrix

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8x9 RF COAXIAL MATRIX CARD 50-725
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PCI 8x9 RF Coaxial Matrix, 50-725
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Specifications
50-725-751 (75 Ω Version) Insertion Loss to 300 MHz
50-725-751 (75 Ω Version) VSWR to 300 MHz50-725-751 (75 Ω Version) Crosstalk to 300 MHz
50-725-751 (75 Ω Version) Isolation to 300 MHz
RF Performance Plots for the 50-725-751 75 Ω RF Coaxial Matrix

Page 1.4 8x9 RF COAXIAL MATRIX CARD 50-725
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SECTION 1 - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
PCI 8x9 RF Coaxial Matrix, 50-725
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Specifications
General Switching Specification
Max Switching Voltage:
Max Power:
Max Switch Current:
Max Carry Current:
100 V
3 W
0.25 A
0.5 A
Characteristic Impedance: 50 Ω or 75 Ω
On Path Resistance:
Off Path Resistance:
Differential Thermal Offset:
<750 mΩ
>1x108 Ω
<40 µV
Operate Time: <1.0 ms, 0.5 ms typical.
Expected Life
Low power load:
Full power load:
>1x109 operations
>5x106 operations
Mechanical Characteristics
Single slot short PCI format.
3D models for all versions in a variety of popular file
formats are available on request.
Connectors
Signals via 17 off SMB coax connectors, for pin outs please
refer to the operating manual.
Operating/Storage Conditions
Operating Conditions
Operating Temperature:
Humidity:
Altitude:
0 °C to +55 °C
Up to 90 % non-condensing
5000 m
Storage and Transport Conditions
Storage Temperature:
Humidity:
Altitude:
-20 °C to +75 °C
Up to 90 % non-condensing
15000 m
PCI Compliance
The 50-725 complies with the PCI Specification 2.0 (issued
Aug 2000).
Signalling Environment: 33 MHz, 32-bit (+5V only).
Safety & CE Compliance
All cards are fully CE compliant and meet applicable
EU directives: Low-voltage safety EN61010-1:2001,
EMC Immunity EN61000-6-1:2001,
Emissions EN55011:1998.
Relay Type
The 50-725 is fitted with ruthenium sputtered reed relays,
these offer very stable switch contact resistance with
expected life of 109 operations when switching typical RF
signals. Spare RF relays are built onto the circuit board to
allow easy maintenance with minimum downtime.
All reed relays are manufactured by our Relay Division, for
more information please visit: pickeringrelay.com
Power Requirements
+3.3 V +5 V +12 V -12 V
0 320 mA (typ 240 mA) 0 0
RF Specification
Maximum Frequency - 50 Ω Version:
Maximum Frequency - 75 Ω Version:
500 MHz
150 MHz
Insertion Loss - 50 Ω Version:
Insertion Loss - 75 Ω Version:
VSWR - 50 Ω Version:
VSWR - 75 Ω Version:
Isolation - 50 Ω Version:
Crosstalk - 50 Ω Version:
Crosstalk - 75 Ω Version:
<4 dB to 500 MHz
<4 dB to 150 MHz
<3:1 at 400 MHz
<3:1 to 100 MHz
50 dB at 500 MHz
30 dB at 100 MHz
25 dB at 500 MHz
40 dB at 25 MHz
30 dB at 150 MHz
Note: Matrix RF Performance is entirely dependent upon
the combination of crosspoints currently selected, these
figures are for one selected crosspoint on any X or Y
channel only, refer to graphs.

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8x9 RF COAXIAL MATRIX CARD 50-725
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PCI 8x9 RF Coaxial Matrix, 50-725
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Ordering Information
Product Order Codes
PCI RF 8x9 Coaxial Matrix, 50 Ω SMB
PCI RF 8x9 Coaxial Matrix, 75 Ω SMB
50-725-511
50-725-751
Support Products
eBIRST Switching System Test Tool
This product is supported by the eBIRST test tools which
simplify the identification of failed relays, the required
eBIRST tools are below. For more information go to:
pickeringtest.com/ebirst
Product Test Tool Adaptor
50-725 93-005-001 93-005-202
Spare Relay Kits
Kits of replacement relays are available for the majority of
Pickering’s PXI switching products, simplifying servicing
and reducing down-time.
Product Relay Kit
50-725 91-100-004
For further assistance, please contact your local Pickering
sales office.
Mating Connectors & Cabling
For connection accessories for the 50-725 card range
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 Customization
Pickering PCI cards 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.

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SECTION 1 - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
PCI 8x9 RF Coaxial Matrix, 50-725
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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 Relay Division. These instrument grade reed relays feature
SoftCenter™ technology, ensuring long service life and repeatable contact
performance. To learn more, please go to: pickeringrelay.com
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
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 and OpenTAP
• 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 specific 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

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8x9 RF COAXIAL MATRIX CARD 50-725
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PCI 8x9 RF Coaxial Matrix, 50-725A
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Supporting Products & Software
© Copyright (2021) 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.
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
defining 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 specifically for our PXI,
PCI or LXI products, these tools simplify switching system fault-finding 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 and white
papers as well as application specific product brochures to assist when looking for the switching, simulation and
connection solutions you need. We have also published handy reference books on Switching Technology and 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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Page 2.1
8x9 RF COAXIAL MATRIX CARD 50-725
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SECTION 2 - TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
A functional block diagram is provided in Figure 2.1. The RF Matrix Card is powered by a +5V input via the edge
connector. The interface to the user test equipment is via the front panel mounted connectors. The module comprises
a PCB populated with single pole RF relays. The relays are energised via control signals from relay drivers U8 to
U15. The relay drivers are addressed by PCI bridge U1 to output the required signal. PCI Bridge U1 is congured
by EEPROM U2.
Figure 2.1 - 8 x 9 RF Coaxial Matrix Card 50-725: Functional Block Diagram
RELAY
DRIVERS
U8 TO U15
MODULE
CONFIGURATION
U5, U6 AND U7
PCI BRIDGE
U1
PCI BRIDGE
CONFIGURATION
U2
EDGE
CONNECTOR
+5V
0V
RELAY COILS
RELAY CONTACTS

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Page 3.1
8x9 RF COAXIAL MATRIX CARD 50-725
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Page 3.1
PCI REED RELAY CARD 50-110 / 115 / 120 / 125
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Figure 3.1 - Inserting a PCI Card into a PC Chassis
kg
PREOPERATION CHECKS (UNPACKING)
1. Check the card 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 PC chassis relative to any other equipment the card(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 card(s) is of at and solid construction to
withstand and support the total weight of the PC Chassis and cards.
SECTION 3 - INSTALLATION
!
Refer to the Warnings and Cautions at the front of this manual
Modular products require installation in a suitable chassis. The card is designed for indoor use only.

Page 3.2 8x9 RF COAXIAL MATRIX CARD 50-725
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SECTION 3 - INSTALLATION
Page 3.2 PCI REED RELAY CARD 50-110 / 115 / 120 / 125
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SECTION 3 - INSTALLATION
SOFTWARE INSTALLATION
First install the appropriate Pickering PCI 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 (PC CHASSIS)
1. The PCI card must be electrically installed in accordance with local regional electrical codes by a qualied
engineer.
2. The PC chassis must be grounded.
Electrostatic discharge can damage the components on the card and in the chassis. To avoid such damage
when handling the products refer to page VII.
Ensure that there is adequate ventilation.
The card 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 free PCI slot in the host system.
3. Remove the blanking plate for the chosen slot and retain the xing screw.
4. Carefully remove the card from its anti-static bag and insert the card’s edge connector into the free slot in
the host system (refer to Figure 3.1).
5. Ensure the card is fully inserted into the edge connector and the front panel is fully in contact with the back
of card aperture in the host chassis.
6. Use the xing screw to secure the front panel of the card to the host chassis’ mounting rail.
7. Replace the chassis cover(s).
8. Power-up the host system.