Pickering 50-265 User manual

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Issue 3.2 May 2021
50-265 User Manual
PCI Strain Gauge Simulator Card

Page (II) PCI STRAIN GAUGE SIMULATOR CARD 50-265
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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

Page (III)
PCI STRAIN GAUGE SIMULATOR CARD 50-265
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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
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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) PCI STRAIN GAUGE SIMULATOR CARD 50-265
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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.

Page (V)
PCI STRAIN GAUGE SIMULATOR CARD 50-265
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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
Guidance on Using the Card ................................................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 PCI Cards ................4.1
Card Architecture ..................................................................4.2
Programming The Card.........................................................4.2
Using The Soft Front Panel ..................................................4.7
Section 5
Connector Information................................................................5.1
Section 6
Trouble Shooting.........................................................................6.1
Section 7
Maintenance Information............................................................7.1
Verication & Calibration......................................................7.2
Verication Test Results .......................................................7.4
CONTENTS

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Page (VII)
PCI STRAIN GAUGE SIMULATOR CARD 50-265
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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.
!
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.
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.
Not to be used in safety critical circuits, refer to the Pickering Interfaces’ terms & conditions of sale.
This card must not be used for the switching of Mains Circuits. For the switching of voltages up to
the card’s full specication, Secondary Circuit power supplies and the Device Under Test must be
fully isolated from the Mains Circuit and the safety earth.
The host chassis must be correctly installed and be connected to mains or factory safety ground,
please refer to your chassis installation manual.
Diagram Showing Separation Between The Mains Circuit and Secondary Circuit / DUT
For the purposes of this document, a Mains Circuit is an installation classied as Overvoltage
Category II up to 300V. Separation between the Secondary Circuit and Mains Circuit is achieved
by a transformer in which the primary windings are separated from the secondary windings by
reinforced insulation, double insulation, or a screen connected to the protective conductor terminal.
PCI Switching
Card
Device
Under Test
Power
Supply
Power
Supply
Host Chassis
Secondary Circuit
Mains
Circuit
Mains
Circuit
Mains/Factory
Safety Ground

Page (VIII) PCI STRAIN GAUGE SIMULATOR CARD 50-265
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Page (VIII) PCI REED RELAY CARD 50-110 / 115 / 120 / 125
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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.

Page 1.1
PCI STRAIN GAUGE SIMULATOR CARD 50-265
pickering SECTION 1 - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
SECTION 1 - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
pickeringtest.com
PCI Strain Gauge Simulator 50-265
ISSUE 2.2 MAY 2018
ySimulates Resistive Strain Gauge Bridge Circuits
y6, 4 or 2 Simulators Per Card
ySimple Software Operation
yFine Resistance Adjustment Over Full Operating Range
yVISA & Kernel Drivers Supplied for Windows
y3 Year Warranty
Functional Diagram for a single channel of the 50-265 Strain Gauge Simulator Card
CALIBRATION PORT
CONNECTOR
CALIBRATION
MUX
PROGRAMMABLE
RESISTOR
EXCITATION PORTBRIDGE OUTPUT
FROM OTHER STRAIN
GAUGE CHANNELS
INTERNAL
EXCITATION
SOURCE
CH1 Excite1
CH1 Excite2
CH1 Out2
CH1 Out1
RESISTIVE STRAIN GAUGE SIMULATOR CHANNEL 1
2 3 4 5 6
The 50-265 card has 6, 4 or 2 simulation channels and
is ideal for testing strain gauge meters in a wide variety
of industrial control systems. It provides a simple way
of replacing in house developed sensors with a low cost
simulator that has excellent performance. The card uses
the same resistor bridge techniques that real life strain
gauges are based on, ensuring accurate emulation under
all conditions.
Each channel includes an independent input for excitation
voltage and a bridge output strain gauge simulation The
excitation voltage port can be driven by an AC or DC
source. The bridge circuit includes three fixed resistors and
a fourth programmable resistor that can be adjusted over
a narrow range with fine setting capability and excellent
accuracy. The adjustment range is sufficient to simulate
quarter, half or full bridge circuits. The standard bridge
impedances are 350 Ω, 1 kΩ, 1.5 kΩ, 2 kΩ and 3 kΩ.
The simulator is extremely easy to use, the variable
resistor element of each channel can be programmed
using a simple resistance call. The resistance required to
balance the bridge can be read by the user, and the value
sent to the simulator can be varied above and below the
balance point to simulate extension and compression of a
strain gauge.
The 50-265 has a simple means of user verification using
a DMM connected to the calibration port. Any of the
channels can be selected and their functionality checked
without disconnecting the card from the test system. The
calibration port can also be used to find the bridge balance
setting using the internal DC excitation source.
Adjustment is not routinely required thanks to the factory
calibration information and the excellent long term stability
of the bridge.
We can offer other models of strain gauge simulator and
have a wide range of precision resistance modules that
are suitable for simulating individual strain gauges. Please
contact your local sales office for more information.

Page 1.2 PCI STRAIN GAUGE SIMULATOR CARD 50-265
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SECTION 1 - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
PCI Strain Gauge Simulator, 50-265
pickeringtest.com
Specifications
PCI Compliance
The 50-265 complies with the PCI Specification 2.0 (issued
Feb 2004).
Signalling Environment: 33 MHz, 32-bit Universal
(+3.3 V or +5 V).
For advance information about a PCI Express version of
this card please contact your local Pickering sales office
Supplied soft front panels and driver software are fully
compatible with Windows operating systems.
Safety & CE Compliance
All cards 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.
The 50-265 uses innovative techniques which are the
subject of protected Pickering Interfaces intellectual
property rights.
Mechanical Characteristics
Single slot short PCI format.
3D models for all versions in a variety of popular file
formats are available on request.
Connectors
Strain gauge channel signals via a 26-pin male High
Density D-Type connector. Calibration connection via a
9-pin male D-Type connector. For pin outs please refer to
the operating manual.
Power Requirements
+3.3 V +5 V +12 V -12 V
0.2 A 0.2 A
(0.55 A Max)
0.1 A
(0.2 A Max)
0.1 A
Calibration Port
Function: Allows connection to any of the strain
gauge bridges. Provides a simple means of
checking the operation of any of the strain
gauges and finding bridge balance points
when internal excitation source is selected.
Can be used for module verification.
Also used by Pickering Interfaces for
module adjustment.
Software Support
Supplied with software that accepts a simple resistance
instruction.
Specifications
Strain Gauge Channels
50-265
-01x
50-265
-20x
50-265
-40x
50-265
-30x
50-265
-10x
Number of
channels: 6, 4 or 2 per card
Channel
Configuration:
Independent excitation ports and
bridge output.
Resistor
Values: 350 Ω 1 kΩ 1.5 kΩ 2 kΩ 3 kΩ
Variable
Resistor: ±2 % ±5.3 %
Resolution: <2 mΩ <10 mΩ <12.5
mΩ <20 mΩ <25 mΩ
Variable
Resistor
Accuracy:
0.03 % 0.06 %
Excitation
Voltage*:
Up to ±10 V
peak (relative
to ground)
20
V peak-to-
peak, DC or
AC
†
Up to ±12 V peak
(relative to ground)
24
V peak-to-peak,
DC or AC
†
Bridge Output:
> ±0.45 % of
excitation
voltage ‡
> ±1.25 % of excitation
voltage ‡
† Internal ±5 V DC source can be used. Excitation port is
disconnected when card power is off.
‡ Bridge Output disconnected when card power is off.
* For full voltage rating, signal sources must be fully
isolated from mains supply and safety earth.
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

Page 1.3
PCI STRAIN GAUGE SIMULATOR CARD 50-265
pickering SECTION 1 - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
PCI Strain Gauge Simulator, 50-265
pickeringtest.com
Ordering Information
Product Order Codes
6 Channel Strain Gauge Simulator:
350 Ω
1 kΩ
1.5 kΩ
2 kΩ
3 kΩ
50-265-016
50-265-206
50-265-406
50-265-306
50-265-106
4 Channel Strain Gauge Simulator:
350 Ω
1 kΩ
1.5 kΩ
2 kΩ
3 kΩ
50-265-014
50-265-204
50-265-404
50-265-304
50-265-104
2 Channel Strain Gauge Simulator:
350 Ω
1 kΩ
1.5 kΩ
2 kΩ
3 kΩ
50-265-012
50-265-202
50-265-402
50-265-302
50-265-102
Accessories:
Calibration port to DMM lead (shrouded 4mm bayonet plug):
for single module (1x9 pin D-type)
for two modules (2x9 pin D-types)
for three modules (3x9 pin D-types)
40-975-009-SL1
40-975-009-SL2
40-975-009-SL3
(calibration leads capable of supporting a greater number
of cards are available, please contact sales office)
Other Resistor Modules
Pickering Interfaces manufacture a range of variable
resistor cards in the PCI format. If you have a requirement
for a variable resistor module please contact your local
sales office with the information below and we will advise
you on the best solution for your application.
Lowest Resistance †
Highest Resistance
Resistance Resolution
Overall Accuracy
Maximum Power/Current
Number of Channels (variable resistors)
† Resistance is as measured across the user connector
terminals, minimum resistance must have a non-zero value.
Product Customization
Pickering PCI modules are designed and manufactured
on our own flexible manufacturing lines, giving complete
product control and enabling simple customization to meet
very specific requirements.
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.
Mating Connectors & Cabling
For connection accessories for the 50-265 please refer
to the 90-009D 26-pin D-type and 90-003D 9-pin D-type
Connector Accessories data sheets where a complete list
and documentation can be found for accessories, or refer
to the Connection Solutions catalog.
Soft Front Panel for the 50-265 Strain Gauge Simulator Module

Page 1.4 PCI STRAIN GAUGE SIMULATOR CARD 50-265
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SECTION 1 - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
PCI RTD Simulator, 50-262
pickeringtest.com
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

Page 1.5
PCI STRAIN GAUGE SIMULATOR CARD 50-265
pickering SECTION 1 - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
PCI RTD Simulator, 50-262
pickeringtest.com
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

Page 1.6 PCI STRAIN GAUGE SIMULATOR CARD 50-265
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SECTION 1 - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
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Page 2.1
PCI STRAIN GAUGE SIMULATOR CARD 50-265
pickering SECTION 2 - TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
SECTION 2 - TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
A functional block diagram is provided in Figure 2.1. The card is powered by the 3.3V, 5V, 12V & -12V supply via
PCI edge connector J1. The interface to the 6 strain gauge simulator channels is via a front panel mounted 26-pin
high density D-type plug, connection to the Calibration Port is via a front panel mounted 9-pin D-type plug. The card
comprises a mother and daughter PCB populated with 6, 4 or 2 separate precision bridge networks. Each bridge
has xed resistors on three arms, the fourth arm consists of a precision programmable resistor network, electro-
mechanical relays are used for isolation. Also there is a multiplexer arrangement to allow a selected channel to be
routed to the Calibration Port for connection to a DMM. The control coils of the electro-mechanical relays are enabled
via control signals from relay drivers U1 to U5 on the card’s daughter board. The relay drivers are addressed by the
PLX device U1 to output the required signal.
RELAY
DRIVERS
PLX
U1
PCI BRIDGE
CONFIGURATION
EPROM
U2
PCI BUS
EDGE
CONNECTOR
J1
+3.3V
0V
CONTROL
SWITCHES
6-CHANNEL STRAIN GAUGE
SIMULATOR & CALIBRATION
MULTIPLEXER
CALIBRATION PORT
CONNECTOR
CALIBRATION
MUX
PROGRAMMABLE
RESISTOR
EXCITATION PORTBRIDGE OUTPUT
FROM OTHER STRAIN
GAUGE CHANNELS
INTERNAL
EXCITATION
SOURCE
CH1 Excite1
CH1 Excite2
CH1 Out2
CH1 Out1
2 3 4 5 6
-12V
+5V
+12V
CARD
CONFIGURATION
EPROM
U11
CONTROL
LOGIC
Figure 2.1 - Strain Gauge Simulator Module 50-265: Functional Block Diagram

Page 2.2 PCI STRAIN GAUGE SIMULATOR CARD 50-265
pickering
SECTION 2 - TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
GUIDANCE ON USING THE CARD
The 50-265-01x strain gauge simulator consists of 6, 4 or 2 bridge networks with a resistance of 350Ω in each arm.
One arm is a precise but adjustable resistor, the value of which can be varied ±2% of 350Ω with a resolution of
2mΩ. It can be used to simulate the extension or compression of the typical types of strain gauge found in many
control systems. The 50-265-10x, 50-265-20x, 50-265-30x and 50-265-40x versions of this card operate in exactly
the same way, but the 50-265-10x has a bridge resistance of 3kΩ and a resolution of 25mΩ, the 50-265-20x has a
bridge resistance of 1kΩ and a resolution of 10mΩ, the 50-265-30x has a bridge resistance of 2kΩ and a resolution
of 20mΩ, and the 50-265-40x has a bridge resistance of 1.5kΩ and a resolution of 12.5mΩ, each with adjustment
of +/-5.3%.
The 50-265 responds directly to a request for a particular value of resistance and is therefore very easy to use in
a system. Applications programs are easily generated to convert mechanical stimulus data to resistance values for
different types of strain gauges that are to be simulated.
Each simulator channel has two “Bridge Output” connections and two “Excitation Port” connections. The excitation
connection is fed from a voltage source in the range ±10V (-01x) or ±12V (-10x, -20x, -30x and -40x) and the bridge
output connects to the UUT. Each of the 6, 4 or 2 channels is a separate bridge circuit with an individually adjustable
resistance element and it’s own external connections as shown in Figure 2.2.
Quarter, Half and Full Bridges
Strain gauge resistors are usually deployed in a bridge circuit with either, one, two or four stressed strain gauge
resistors present. Where quarter and half bridges are used the remaining resistors in the bridge are usually strain
gauge resistors that are not under load so that any temperature effects in the resistor cancel out – strain resistors
often have a high but consistent temperature coefcient because of their construction and the bridge remains
balanced.
In a half bridge system the bridge will use two xed resistors and two strain resistors under load. If both strain
resistors have the same response (both increase or decrease resistance when under the same load) then the strain
resistors are placed in diagonally opposite arms of the bridge. If their reaction is opposite (one increases while the
other decreases, for example when one is on the underside of a beam and the other is on top) they are placed on
the same side of the bridge.
In a full bridge system all four resistors are stressed resistors, two being arranged to be under compression while
the other two are under tension for the same load. This increases the output voltage variation from the system. The
50-265 is highly stable with temperature and has an output range that is adequate to simulate the characteristics of
a full bridge even though just one arm is adjustable. Because the ne resistance control range is adequately large
and the bridge output voltage impact is equivalent, the 50-265 is capable of simulating quarter, half or full bridges.
Figure 2.2 - Each strain gauge channel is a separate bridge with one adjustable arm and
channel output and excitation input connections.
CHANNEL 1
BRIDGE OUTPUT
CHANNEL n
EXCITATION PORT BRIDGE OUTPUT EXCITATION PORT
CH1 Out1CH1 Out2 CHn Out2 CHn Out1CH1 Excite1CH1 Excite2 CHn Excite1CHn Excite2
“BRIDGE CONNECTIONS” CONNECTOR

Page 2.3
PCI STRAIN GAUGE SIMULATOR CARD 50-265
pickering SECTION 2 - TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
Strain gauge resistors also come with different values of non stressed resistance. In many cases the 50-265 is
suited to simulating other values since the resistor value only inuences the bridge in two ways:
• Bridge output resistance, which can be increased by adding equal resistors on each output
• Excitation voltage load current, which is usually something that most sources can cope with.
Using The Bridge
In normal use the bridge monitoring system will provide the Excitation Voltage to the bridge and then measure
the bridge output voltage as a differential voltage. The output voltage from the bridge is a function of how far from
balance the bridge is and the voltage applied to the Excitation Port (the more voltage applied the greater the change
of voltage).
The 50-265 calibration data includes the resistance value at which the bridge is balanced. This will not be precisely
350Ω in the case of 50-265-01x, it could for example be 350.05Ω. If the variable resistor is set to 350.05Ω in this
example the bridge is simulating a balanced condition.
If the variable resistor is changed to 350.1Ω it will simulate the condition where a quarter bridge has a resistor under
a stress equivalent to 0.05Ω change. In the case of half bridge it is the equivalent of stress arising from 0.025Ω
change in each of the two resistors. In the case of a full bridge it is equivalent to the stress arising from 0.0125Ω
change.
The bridge balanced value is set using the internal excitation source of ±5V at a xed temperature. In working test
systems users will nd it may be advantageous to establish their bridge balance value that reects the excitation
voltage and temperature the module is being used. The 50-265 is very stable, much more so than strain gauge
resistors achieve, so for most applications this will not be necessary.
Strain gauge resistors typically have a maximum range of 0.1% from the non stressed value, so the range of the
50-265 is adequate to simulate a full bridge.
Simulating A Single Resistor
Pickering Interfaces also manufacture a range of precision resistor modules with ne resistance control that can
simulate a wide range of resistors. Please visit pickeringtest.com for details.
Calibration Port
The calibration port is primarily used when the module is calibrated in the factory for the purpose of generating a le
of correction data that ensures each channel can be set to the requested value. However, it can be used to monitor
a channel’s output voltage as well as determine its balance point.
Customer connection to the calibration port in most cases will not be required.
The 50-265 accuracy is specied over a range of temperatures and is stable with time. Please refer to Section 7.2,
“Verication & Calibration”.
The details that follow are documented in this manual to allow maximum customer exibility. Adjustment to the
internal calibration values in normal operation should not be required please also refer to the “Verication &
Calibration” section.

Page 2.4 PCI STRAIN GAUGE SIMULATOR CARD 50-265
pickering
SECTION 2 - TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
The calibration port is designed so that it can be daisy chained with other resistor cards (for example multiple 50-
265 cards). A cable assembly can be purchased as an accessory for this purpose or the user can make their own
as shown in Figure 2.3.
This feature is particularly useful when in system monitoring or verication is needed since one DMM can sequentially
access all the channels in a system without any additional switching.
Figure 2.3 - The calibration port can be daisy chained between modules to allow one DMM to
support multiple modules for verication or measurement purposes.
50-265 50-265 6½ Digit DMM
V,Ω+ I+ V,Ω- I-
1
2
3
4
6
7
8
9
1
2
3
4
6
7
8
9
TO OTHER
CARDS
Calibration Cable:
40-975-009-SL1 (for single module),
40-975-009-SL2 (for two modules) or
40-975-009-SL3 (for three modules).
Source+
Sense+
Source-
Sense-
Source+
Sense+
Source-
Sense-
Source+
Sense+
Source-
Sense-
Bridge Connections
Bridge Connections

Page 3.1
PCI STRAIN GAUGE SIMULATOR CARD 50-265
pickering SECTION 3 - INSTALLATION
Page 3.1
PCI REED RELAY CARD 50-110 / 115 / 120 / 125
pickering SECTION 3 - INSTALLATION
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 PCI STRAIN GAUGE SIMULATOR CARD 50-265
pickering
SECTION 3 - INSTALLATION
Page 3.2 PCI REED RELAY CARD 50-110 / 115 / 120 / 125
pickering
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.