Pickering 50-411A User manual

pickeringtest.com
Issue 1.1 May 2021
50-411A User Manual
PCI Relay Driver Card

Page (II) RELAY DRIVER CARD 50-411A
pickering
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)
RELAY DRIVER CARD 50-411A
pickering
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) RELAY DRIVER CARD 50-411A
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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)
RELAY DRIVER CARD 50-411A
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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
Module Architecture..............................................................4.2
Programming The Card.........................................................4.3
Section 5
Connector Information................................................................5.1
Section 6
Trouble Shooting.........................................................................6.1
Section 7
Maintenance Information............................................................7.1
Relay Lookup Tables.............................................................7.1
Component Layout................................................................7.3
CONTENTS

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Page (VII)
RELAY DRIVER CARD 50-411A
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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) RELAY DRIVER CARD 50-411A
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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
RELAY DRIVER CARD 50-411A
pickering SECTION 1 - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
SECTION 1 - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
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PCI Relay Driver Card 50-411A
ISSUE 1.0 OCT 2018
y64-Channel Relay Driver
y60 V Drive Capability, Up to 1 A Per Channel
yShort Circuit and Thermal Protection
yOver Voltage Clamp
yHigh Current Capacity
ySwitch With External Relay Power
yVISA & Kernel Drivers Supplied for Windows
y3 Year Warranty
RELAY
DRIVE
PCI
INTERFACE
PCI
BUS
OUTPUT
CONTROL
64
CHANNEL
OUTPUTS
OUTPUT
CONNECTOR
64 Channels
11 GND Returns
50-411A Relay Driver Functional Diagram
The 50-411A is the perfect solution for driving external
relays from a PCI slot.
The card provides 64 channels of low side switching for
external relays. Users need to simply connect a positive
voltage source to one terminal of a relay coil and the
other terminal to an output of the 50-411A. Each output is
capable of sinking up to 1 A of continuous current.
Outputs have current, thermal and overvoltage protection.
The thermal and current limit circuits protect the output
from failure even when directly connected to voltages up to
30 V. When switching relays, spikes from the inductive load
are clamped at 80 V and relay coil energy of up to
550 m Joule can be dumped without the use of additional
diode clamps.
Relay coil current is prevented from flowing back into the
PCI slot by the use of an isolation barrier.

Page 1.2 RELAY DRIVER CARD 50-411A
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SECTION 1 - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
PCI Relay Driver Card, 50-411A
pickeringtest.com
Specifications
Specification
Number of Channels: 64 Outputs
Typical Output Resistance: 0.6 Ω (on state)
Off State Leakage Current: 3 µA maximum at 12 V (start
up condition is open circuit).
Maximum Output Current: 1 A on any channel, up to
12 channels (Please refer
to de-rating curve for lower
channel currents).
Note: for full load conditions,
adequate cooling is assumed.
Maximum Output Voltage: 60 V* (recommended max
continuous voltage).
Output Protection: Limits at 1.3 A nominal
Thermal limit activates at
typically 1.5 W in o/p device.
Overvoltage clamp operates
at 80 V.
* For full voltage rating, signal sources must be fully
isolated from mains supply and safety earth.
Power Requirements
+3.3 V +5 V +12 V -12 V
0.1 A 0 0.1 A 0
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 a 78-pin male D-type connector, 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
PXI & CompactPCI Compliance
The 50-411A card complies with the PCI Specification 2.0
(issued Feb 2004).
Signalling Environment: 33 MHz, 32-bit Universal
(+3.3 V & +5 V).
Safety & CE Compliance
All modules are fully CE compliant and meet applicable
EU directives: Low-voltage safety EN61010-1:2001,
EMC Immunity EN61000-6-1:2001,
Emissions EN55011:1998.
50-411A Derating Curve - Current per Channel
12 29
External
Relay
Power (+)
Local
Power
Supply
Decoupling
Signal
Connection
50-411A
Local Coil
Suppression
Ground Return
Using the 50-411A to drive an external relay. Local power
supply decoupling for the relay and coil suppression
circuits are recommended for best EMC characteristics
with high current relays, but are not essential for safe
operation due to the built in protection system.

Page 1.3
RELAY DRIVER CARD 50-411A
pickering SECTION 1 - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
PCI Relay Driver Card, 50-411A
pickeringtest.com
Ordering Information
Product Order Codes
64-Channel Relay Driver Card 50-411A-001
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.
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 50-411A card please
refer to the 90-006D 78-pin D-type Connector Accessories
data sheet where a complete list and documentation
can be found for accessories, or refer to the Connection
Solutions catalog.

Page 1.4 RELAY DRIVER CARD 50-411A
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SECTION 1 - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
PCI Relay Driver Card, 50-411A
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
RELAY DRIVER CARD 50-411A
pickering SECTION 1 - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
PCI Relay Driver Card, 50-411A
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 1.6 RELAY DRIVER CARD 50-411A
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SECTION 1 - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
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Page 2.1
RELAY DRIVER CARD 50-411A
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 and +12V supplies from the
PCI host slot via the PCI bus edge connector. The interface to the user test equipment is via the front panel mounted
78-pin D-type connector, J2. The module comprises Solid State Switches U101 to U164, Shift Registers U7 to U14,
Level Translator U5, conguration EEPROMS U2 and U3, and PCI Bridge U1. The module conguration, is stored
in EEPROM U3. U7 to U14 are loaded with serial data from PCI bridge U1 via U5. The bit pattern that appears on
the outputs of the shift registers is used to activate the required solid state switches, U101 to U164. When activated,
the solid state switches sink current enabling the user to drive external relays via connector J2. The PCI Bridge U1
is congured by EEPROM U2.
78-PIN D-TYPE
CONNECTOR
J2
MODULE
CONFIGURATION
U3
PCI
BRIDGE
FPGA
U1
PCI BRIDGE
CONFIGURATION
U2
TERMINATING
RESISTORS
R1 TO R12
PCI BUS
EDGE
CONNECTOR
0V
SOLID STATE
SWITCHES
U101 to U164
SHIFT
REGISTER
U7 to U14
LEVEL
TRANSLATOR
U5
+3.3V
+12V
VOLTAGE
REGULATOR
U4
+2.5V
Figure 2.1 - Relay Driver Card 50-411A: Functional Block Diagram

Page 2.2 RELAY DRIVER CARD 50-411A
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SECTION 2 - TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
GUIDANCE ON USING THE CARD
External
Relay
Power (+)
Local
Power
Supply
Decoupling
Signal
Connection
50-411A
Local Coil
Suppression
Ground Return
A typical application for the 50-411A is shown in Figure 2.2. where a single external relay is driven from one of the 64
outputs. Local power supply decoupling for the relay and coil suppression circuits are recommended for best EMC
characteristics with high current relays, but are not essential for safe operation due to the built in protection system.
Ground Return Pins
When powering relays with an external supply, the return path is provided by a total of 11 ground pins on the card’s
front panel connector. Multiple pins should be utilized to distribute the current loading. Pickering’s mating connectors
are rated at 3A per pin, consult manufacturer’s specications if alternatives are used.
Figure 2.2 - Relay Driver Card 50-411A: Typical Application

Page 3.1
RELAY DRIVER CARD 50-411A
pickering SECTION 3 - INSTALLATION
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 RELAY DRIVER CARD 50-411A
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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.

Page 3.3
RELAY DRIVER CARD 50-411A
pickering SECTION 3 - INSTALLATION
Page 3.3
REED RELAY MODULE 40-110/115/120/125
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Figure 3.3 - General Soft Front Panel Selector
TESTING OPERATION
After installation of the hardware and Pickering PXI Driver software package start the General Soft Front
Panel (GSFP) using the desktop icon or via the Start menu (Start Menu-> Pickering Interfaces Ltd ->
General Soft Front Panel).
A selector panel will appear, listing all installed Pickering PCI, PXI or LXI switch cards and resistor cards. Click
on the card you wish to control, and a graphical control panel is presented allowing operation of the card.
Panels can be opened simultaneously for all the installed cards.
More details how to use the GSFP can be found in the manual, via menu Help\Manual
Figure 3.2 - General Soft Front Panel Icon

Page 3.4 RELAY DRIVER CARD 50-411A
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SECTION 3 - INSTALLATION
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