Pickering PXI 4 145A Series User manual

pickeringtest.com
Issue 1.1 April 2023
4x-145A/146A/148A User Manual
PXI/PXIe High Density SPST, DPST & SPDT Relay Modules

Page (II) PXI/PXIe High Density Relay Modules 4x-145A/146A/148A
pickering
Page (II) REED RELAY MODULE 40-110/115/120/125
pickering
© 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.
ISO 9001
Reg No. FM38792

Page (III)
PXI/PXIe High Density Relay Modules 4x-145A/146A/148A
pickering
Page (III)
REED RELAY MODULE 40-110/115/120/125
pickering
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) PXI/PXIe High Density Relay Modules 4x-145A/146A/148A
pickering
Page (IV) REED RELAY MODULE 40-110/115/120/125
pickering
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)
PXI/PXIe High Density Relay Modules 4x-145A/146A/148A
pickering
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
40-145A - Guidance on Power Handling..............................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 Modules ............4.1
Module Architecture - 4x-145A-001/101/201........................4.2
Module Architecture - 4x-145A-001/101/201-NC .................4.3
Module Architecture - 4x-146A-002/202...............................4.4
Module Architecture - 4x-148A-001/101/201........................4.5
Programming The Module ....................................................4.6
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
Switching System Test Tools ...............................................7.1
Relay Lookup Table - 4x-145A-001/101/201.........................7.2
Relay Lookup Table - 4x-145A-001/101/201-NC ..................7.4
Relay Lookup Table - 4x-146A-002/202................................7.6
Relay Lookup Table - 4x-148A-001/101/201.........................7.8
CONTENTS

Page (VI) PXI/PXIe High Density Relay Modules 4x-145A/146A/148A
pickering
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY BLANK

Page (VII)
PXI/PXIe High Density Relay Modules 4x-145A/146A/148A
pickering
Page (VII)
2 AMP 1-POLE UHD MATRIX MODULES 40-575 / 576 / 577 / 578 / 579
pickering
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 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 host 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.
Not to be used in safety critical circuits, refer to the Pickering Interfaces’ terms & conditions of sale.
This module must not be used for the switching of Mains Circuits. For the switching of voltages up
to the module’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.
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.
PXI Switching
Module
Device
Under Test
Power
Supply
Power
Supply
Host Chassis
Secondary Circuit
Mains
Circuit
Mains
Circuit
Mains/Factory
Safety Ground

Page (VIII) PXI/PXIe High Density Relay Modules 4x-145A/146A/148A
pickering
Page (VIII) 2 AMP 1-POLE UHD MATRIX MODULES 40-575 / 576 / 577 / 578 / 579
pickering
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
PXI/PXIe High Density Relay Modules 4x-145A/146A/148A
pickering SECTION 1 - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
SECTION 1 - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
Updated Product Information
These products have been introduced as a “form & fit” update to the
40-145/146/148, the changes are to provide PXIe options. Otherwise,
the electrical performance is very similar and the software and
pinout are identical.
Supported by eBIRST
These 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
yAvailable as PXI or PXIe Modules
ySPST - 50, 75 or 100 Relays Per Module
yDPST - 25 or 50 Relays Per Module
ySPDT - 32, 48 or 64 Relays Per Module
yElectro-mechanical High Density Relays
yPin Compatible With 40-140A Series Reed Relay Modules
yOperating Speed 3 ms Typical
ySwitching up to 150 V/1 A/60 W
ySingle PCB Construction With Leaded Relays Allows Easy
Maintenance
yDrivers Supplied for Windows & Linux, Plus Support
for Real-time Systems
yPXI Versions Supported by PXI or LXI Chassis
ySupported by
eBIRST ™
y3 Year Warranty
The 40-145A/146A/148A (PXI) and 42-145A/146A/148A
(PXIe) range of high density switching modules are
available in Normally Open (SPST & DPST), Changeover
(SPDT) and Normally Closed (SPST) configurations.
Connections are made via a front panel 200-pin female
connector.
General purpose relay modules are suitable for the
construction of small switching networks, I/O port
switching, for controlling larger relays or for operating
external devices such as lamps and solenoids.
High Density 200-pin Connector
We have a range of connector solutions for the 200-pin connector
used on the 4x-145A, 4x-146A & 4x-148A, series of modules. These
include mating connectors, pre-made cables and cable assemblies
that break out the 200 conductors into more manageable 50-pin
transition connectors. Please refer to our web site for more details.
This product is based on the obsolete Molex LFH series connector
that has been superseded by a Pickering commissioned form, fit,
function equivalent. The new connector series is 100% compatible
with the Molex connectors allowing either gender of Pickering
connector to mate with the corresponding Molex part without issue.
Range Description
• 4x-145A 50, 75 or 100 x SPST Relays (NO or NC)
• 4x-146A 25 or 50 x DPST Relays
• 4x-148A 32, 48 or 64 x SPDT Relays
A1 C1
A2 C2
A3 C3
A4 C4
A5 C5
A6 C6
A7 C7
A8 C8
A99 C99
A100 C100
A1 C1
A2 C2
A3 C3
A4 C4
A5 C5
A6 C6
A74 C74
A75 C75
A1 C1
A2 C2
A3 C3
A4 C4
A49 C49
A50 C50
50xSPST NO 75xSPST NO 100xSPST NO
High Density Relay Module - 50xSPST
(Part Number 4x-145A-001)
pickeringtest.com
4x-145A/146A/148A
PXI/PXIe High Density Relay Module
Issue 1.0 April 2023

Page 1.2 PXI/PXIe High Density Relay Modules 4x-145A/146A/148A
pickering
SECTION 1 - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
Choice of Signal Relay Types
4x-145A/146A/148A series modules are fitted with Electro-mechanical Relays (Palladium-Ruthenium, Gold covered) offering
good general purpose performance, switching times of 3 ms and are lower cost than instrumentation grade reed relays.
Overall they offer a good general purpose choice.
Reed Relays (Sputtered Ruthenium Type) designed solely for high-end instrumentation applications are used in series
40-140A/141/142/143 modules, they offer very long life up to 1000 million operations, fast operate time of 0.25 ms and
exceptional low level switching performance. They are hermetically sealed ensuring consistent and stable contact resistance
with long life. All of the reed relays used in our products are manufactured by our Relay Division - www.pickeringrelay.com
Pin Compatibility
: 40-140A/141/142/143 & 4x-145A/146A/148A series of modules are 100% pin compatible (except shielded
types) allowing use of either module type in your test system. Exactly which type to select depends on your application, if in
doubt please contact the Pickering sales office.
A1 C1
A2 C2
A3 C3
A4 C4
A5 C5
A6 C6
A7 C7
A8 C8
A99 C99
A100 C100
A1 C1
A2 C2
A3 C3
A4 C4
A5 C5
A6 C6
A74 C74
A75 C75
A1 C1
A2 C2
A3 C3
A4 C4
A49 C49
A50 C50
50xSPST NO
75xSPST NO 100xSPST NO
B1 C1
B2 C2
B3 C3
B4 C4
B5 C5
B6 C6
B7 C7
B8 C8
B99 C99
B100 C100
B1 C1
B2 C2
B3 C3
B4 C4
B5 C5
B6 C6
B74 C74
B75 C75
B1 C1
B2 C2
B3 C3
B4 C4
B49 C49
B50 C50
50xSPST NC 75xSPST NC 100xSPST NC
A1.1 C1.1
A1.2 C1.2
A2.1 C2.1
A2.2 C2.2
A3.1 C3.1
A3.2 C3.2
A4.1 C4.1
A4.2 C4.2
A50.1 C50.1
A50.2 C50.2
A1.1 C1.1
A1.2 C1.2
A2.1 C2.1
A2.2 C2.2
A25.1 C25.1
A25.2 C25.2
25xDPST 50xDPST 32xSPDT 48xSPDT 64xSPDT
B32
A32 C32
B2
A2 C2
B1
A1 C1
B48
A48 C48
B2
A2 C2
B1
A1 C1
B3
A3 C3
B64
A64 C64
B2
A2 C2
B1
A1 C1
B3
A3 C3
B4
A4 C4
B31
A31 C31 B47 A47 C47 B63 A63 C63
4x-145A-101 4x-145A-201 4x-145A-001-NC 4x-145A-101-NC 4x-145A-201-NC
4x-146A-002 4x-146A-202 4x-148A-001 4x-148A-101 4x-148A-201
High Density Relay Module Switching Diagrams
4x-145A/146A/148A
pickeringtest.com Page 2
PXI/PXIe 8x2 RF Matrix Module

Page 1.3
PXI/PXIe High Density Relay Modules 4x-145A/146A/148A
pickering SECTION 1 - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
Power Requirements - 40-145A/146A/148A
Module +3.3 V +5 V +12 V -12 V Relays
Switched
40-145A
40-146A
40-148A
0.15 A
0.15 A
0.14 A
0.96 A
0.49 A
0.62 A
0
0
0
0
0
0
100 (max)
50 (max)
64 (max)
Relay Type
The 4x-145A/146A/148A are fitted with electro-mechanical
signal relays. The modules are single circuit board
construction and use leaded relays (not SMT) so in field
maintenance is greatly simplified. In addition a spare relay is
built onto the circuit board to allow easy maintenance with
minimum downtime.
Switching Specification
Switch Type: Electro-mechanical
Contact Type: Palladium-ruthenium, Gold
Covered Bifurcated contact
Max Switching Voltage: 150 VDC/100 VAC*
Max Power:
Max Switch Current:
Max Carry Current:
60 W/62.5 VA
1 A
1 A
Initial On Path Resistance:
Off Path Resistance:
Minimum Voltage:
Thermal Offset:
400mΩ typical (4x-145A)
400mΩ typical (4x-146A)
300mΩ typical (4x-148A)
>109 Ω
100 µV
<10 µV (4x-145A)
<5 µV (4x-146A)
<5 µV (4x-148A)
Operate Time: <3 ms
Expected Life (operations)
Very low power load:
Low power load (2W):
Med power load (30W):
Full power load (60W):
>1x108
>1.5x107 (0.1 A, 20 VDC)
>5x106 (1 A, 30 VDC)
>1x105 (1 A, 60 VDC)
* For full voltage rating, signal sources to be switched must
be fully isolated from mains supply and safety earth.
RF Specification - 4x-148A (In a 50 Ω System)
Bandwidth (-3 dB): 65 MHz typical
Crosstalk (typical): 10 kHz:
100 kHz:
1 MHz:
10 MHz
-65 dB
-60 dB
-45 dB
-30 dB
Isolation (typical): 10 kHz:
100 kHz:
1 MHz:
10 MHz:
65 dB
60 dB
50 dB
30 dB
RF Specification - 4x-146A (In a 50 Ω System)
Bandwidth (-3 dB): 95 MHz typical
Crosstalk (typical): 10 kHz:
100 kHz:
1 MHz:
10 MHz
-75 dB
-70 dB
-50 dB
-35 dB
Isolation (typical): 10 kHz:
100 kHz:
1 MHz:
10 MHz:
65 dB
60 dB
40 dB
20 dB
RF Specification - 4x-145A (In a 50 Ω System)
Bandwidth (-3 dB): 75 MHz typical
Crosstalk (typical): 10 kHz:
100 kHz:
1 MHz:
10 MHz
-75 dB
-70 dB
-40 dB
-20 dB
Isolation (typical): 10 kHz:
100 kHz:
1 MHz:
10 MHz:
65 dB
60 dB
50 dB
30 dB
Power Requirements - 42-145A/146A/148A
Module +3.3 V +12 V Relays Switched
42-145A
42-146A
42-148A
0.39 A
0.38 A
0.37 A
0.44 A
0.23 A
0.29 A
100 (max)
50 (max)
64 (max)
4x-145A/146A/148A
pickeringtest.com Page 3
Specifications

Page 1.4 PXI/PXIe High Density Relay Modules 4x-145A/146A/148A
pickering
SECTION 1 - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
PXI & CompactPCI Compliance - 40-145A/146A/148A
The module is compliant with the PXI Specification 2.2. Local
Bus, Trigger Bus & Star Trigger are not implemented.
Uses a 33 MHz 32-bit backplane interface.
PXIe Compliance - 42-145A/146A/148A
The module is compliant with the PXIe Specification 1.0. Local
Bus, Trigger Bus & Star Trigger are not implemented.
Safety & CE Compliance
All modules are fully CE compliant and meet applicable EU
directives:
Low-voltage safety EN61010-1:2010,
EMC Immunity EN61326-1:2013,
Emissions EN55011:2009+A1:2010.
Operating/Storage Conditions
Operating Temperature:
Humidity:
Altitude:
0 °C to +55 °C
Up to 90 % non-condensing
5000 m
Storage Temperature:
Humidity:
Altitude:
-20 °C to +75 °C
Up to 90 % non-condensing
15000 m
PXIe Version of 100xSPST
Relay Module
- Part Number 42-145A-201
PXI 50xSPDT
Relay Module
- Part Number 40-146A-202
PXI 64xDPST
Relay Module
- Part Number 40-148A-201
Mechanical Characteristics
40-145A/146A/148A - Single slot 3U PXI (CompactPCI card).
42-145A/146A/148A - Single slot 3U PXIe, compatible with PXIe
hybrid slot.
Module weight: 200g (4x-145A-201)
165g (4x-146A-202)
180g (4x-148A-201)
3D models for all versions in a variety of popular file formats
are available on request.
Connectors
40-145A/146A/148A - PXI bus via 32-bit P1/J1 backplane
connector.
42-145A/146A/148A - PXIe bus via XJ3 and XJ4 backplane
connectors.
Signals via front panel 200-pin female LFH* connector, for pin
outs please refer to the operating manual.
* LFH relates to the obsolete Molex connector series and is
retained for continuity, products will be fitted with a form, fit,
function Pickering equivalent connector that is intermateable
with the original Molex parts.
4x-145A/146A/148A
pickeringtest.com Page 4
Specifications

Page 1.5
PXI/PXIe High Density Relay Modules 4x-145A/146A/148A
pickering SECTION 1 - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
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 Adapter
4x-145A/146A/148A 93-002-001 Not Required
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
4x-145A/146A/148A 91-100-001
For further assistance, please contact your local Pickering
sales office.
Mating Connectors & Cabling
For connection accessories for the 4x-145A/146A/148A
series please refer to the 90-002D 200-pin LFH Connector
Accessories data sheet where a complete list and
documentation can be found for accessories.
Product Order Codes
PXI High Density Relay Module, Electro-mechanical Relays
50 x SPST, Normally Open
75 x SPST, Normally Open
100 x SPST, Normally Open
50 x SPST, Normally Closed
75 x SPST, Normally Closed
100 x SPST, Normally Closed
25 x DPST
50 x DPST
32 x SPDT
48 x SPDT
64 x SPDT
40-145A-001
40-145A-101
40-145A-201
40-145A-001-NC
40-145A-101-NC
40-145A-201-NC
40-146A-002
40-146A-202
40-148A-001
40-148A-101
40-148A-201
PXIe High Density Relay Module, Electro-mechanical Relays
50 x SPST, Normally Open
75 x SPST, Normally Open
100 x SPST, Normally Open
50 x SPST, Normally Closed
75 x SPST, Normally Closed
100 x SPST, Normally Closed
25 x DPST
50 x DPST
32 x SPDT
48 x SPDT
64 x SPDT
42-145A-001
42-145A-101
42-145A-201
42-145A-001-NC
42-145A-101-NC
42-145A-201-NC
42-146A-002
42-146A-202
42-148A-001
42-148A-101
42-148A-201
Product Customization
Pickering modules are designed and manufactured on our
own flexible manufacturing lines, giving complete product
control and enabling simple customization to meet very
specific requirements.
Customization can include:
• Alternative relay types
• Mixture of relay types
• Alternative number of relays
• Different performance specifications
All customized products are given a unique part number,
fully documented and may be ordered at any time in the
future. Please contact your local sales office to discuss.
Pickering can supply mating 200-pin connectors and cable
assemblies to enable easy integration of the 4x-145A,
4x-146A & 4x-148A series of relay modules
4x-145A/146A/148A
pickeringtest.com Page 5
Ordering Information

Page 1.6 PXI/PXIe High Density Relay Modules 4x-145A/146A/148A
pickering
SECTION 1 - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
4x-145A/146A/148A
pickeringtest.com Page 6
Supporting Products & Software
Chassis Compatibility
The PXI versions of this module are compatible with the following chassis types:
• All chassis conforming to the 3U PXI and 3U Compact PCI (cPCI) specification
• Legacy and Hybrid Peripheral slots in a 3U PXI Express (PXIe) chassis
• Pickering Interfaces LXI or LXI/USB Modular Chassis
The PXIe versions of this module are compatible with the following chassis types:
• All chassis conforming to the 3U PXIe specification
• PXIe and Hybrid Peripheral slots in a 3U PXI Express (PXIe) chassis
Chassis Selection Guide
Pickering LXI or LXI/USB Modular Chassis
Only accept our PXI Switching & Simulation Modules:
• Choose from 1000+ Pickering PXI Modules
• Ethernet or USB control enables remote
operation
• Low-cost control from practically any
controller
• LXI provides manual control via Web
browsers
• Driverless software support
• Power sequencing immunity
• Ethernet provides chassis/controller voltage isolation
• Independence from Windows operating system
PXI and PXIe (with PXIe and/or Hybrid slots)
Chassis from any Vendor:
• Mix our 1000+ PXI/PXIe switching &
simulation modules with any vendor’s
PXI/PXIe instrumentation
• Embedded or remote Windows
PC control
• Real-time Operating System Support
• High data bandwidths, especially with PXI Express
• Integrated module timing and synchronization

Page 1.7
PXI/PXIe High Density Relay Modules 4x-145A/146A/148A
pickering SECTION 1 - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
4x-145A/146A/148A
pickeringtest.com Page 7
Supporting Products & Software
Connectors
& Backshells
Multi-way
Cable Assemblies
RF Cable
Assemblies
Breakouts
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. These accessories are detailed in Connector Accessories data sheets, where a
complete list and documentation can be found for each accessory.
Connector
Blocks
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.
• Fully supported on modern browsers and tablet operating systems.
• Built-in tutorials and videos allow you to get quickly up to speed.
• Store cable assemblies in the Cloud and develop over time.
• Each cable design has a downloadable PDF documentation file
detailing all specifications
Start designing your custom cabling, go to pickeringtest.com/cdt
Mass Interconnect
We recommend the use of a mass interconnect solution when an Interchangeable Test Adapter (ITA) is required for PXI/LXI
based test systems. Our modules are fully supported by 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 go to pickeringrelay.com

Page 1.8 PXI/PXIe High Density Relay Modules 4x-145A/146A/148A
pickering
SECTION 1 - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
4x-145A/146A/148A
pickeringtest.com Page 8
Supporting Products & Software
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 more information go to pickeringtest.com/os
The VISA driver support is provided for LabVIEW Real Time Operating Systems (Pharlap and Linux-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++)
• Programming Languages C, C++, C#, Python
• Keysight VEE and OpenTAP
• Mathworks MATLAB, Simulink
• 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 go to pickeringtest.com/software
DMM+ R3a
S+ R3b
DMM- R3c
S- R3d
DMM
S+ S-
DMM+ DMM-
aX1 aX3
aX4
aX7 aX9 aX11 aX13 aX15 aX17 aX19 aX21 aX23 aX25 aX27 aX31
aY1
aY2
aY3
aY4
Switch 1
bY1
bY2
bY3
bY4
bY5
bY6
bY7
bY8
bX1 bX5 bX7 bX9 bX11 bX13 bX15 bX17 bX19 bX21 bX23
R3a R3b
R3c R3d
Switch 2 Device Under Test
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 go to pickeringtest.com/spm

Page 1.9
PXI/PXIe High Density Relay Modules 4x-145A/146A/148A
pickering SECTION 1 - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
4x-145A/146A/148A
pickeringtest.com Page 9
Supporting Products & Software
© Copyright (2023) 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.
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 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
three years from the date of delivery to the original purchaser. Extended warranty and service agreements are available with
various levels for 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 go to pickeringtest.com/support
Available Product Resources
We have a library of resources including success stories, product and support videos, articles and white papers as well as
application-specific brochures to assist you. We have also published reference books on switching technology and the PXI and
LXI standards.
To view, download or request any of our product resources go to pickeringtest.com/resources
B
B
IRST
IRST
e
e

Page 1.10 PXI/PXIe High Density Relay Modules 4x-145A/146A/148A
pickering
SECTION 1 - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY BLANK

Page 2.1
PXI/PXIe High Density Relay Modules 4x-145A/146A/148A
pickering SECTION 2 - TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
SECTION 2 - TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
A functional block diagram is provided in Figure 2.1. The High Density Relay Module is powered by +3.3V and +5V
(PXI) or +3.3V and +12V (PXIe) supplies via the backplane connectors. The interface to the user test equipment is
via the front panel mounted 200-pin LFH type connector, J2. The module comprises a PCB populated with electro-
mechanical relays arranged in SPST, DPST or SPDT congurations. The relays are energised via control signals
from relay driver devices, which are addressed by PCI bridge U1 to output the required signal. Module conguration
and PCI Bridge conguration is stored in memory devices.
Front Panel User Connector
200-pin Female LFH, J2
PXI/PXIe High Density
Relay Module 4x-145A/146A/148A
Relay
Drivers
Terminating
Buffers
U2-3
(PXI
Versions)
PCI Bridge U1
Module
Configuration
Memories
PCI Bridge
Configuration
& Auxiliaries
GND
Compact PCI Bus
Connector J1 (PXI Versions)
+5V
+3.3V
GND
PXIe Connectors
XJ3 & XJ4 (PXIe Versions)
+12V
+3.3V
Relays RL1-25, RL1-32,
RL1-48, RL1-50, RL1-64,
RL1-75 or RL1-100
One of Eleven Different
SPST, DPST or SPDT
Relay Configurations
Figure 2.1 - High Density Relay Modules 4x-145A/146A/148A: Functional Block Diagram

Page 2.2 PXI/PXIe High Density Relay Modules 4x-145A/146A/148A
pickering
SECTION 2 - TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
GUIDANCE ON POWER HANDLING (PXI CHASSIS)
The PXI standard recommends that each slot consumes less than 25 Watts to ensure that the chassis does not
overheat. Some chassis may be capable of handling more than 25W per slot.
There are three main contributing factors to the power consumption of the module:
• Fixed power from the PXI interface and relay controllers
• Relay coil power
• Power loss from the signal being switched due to path resistance.
Applications vary considerably as to how many relays may be closed and what current each contact carries. Users
should consider how much power the module is likely to dissipate from all sources.
For SPST, DPST or SPDT relays, Figure 2.2 below provides guidance. It assumes that all contacts carry the same
current and that every path has the resistance value shown on the data sheet. If your application is likely to load
large numbers of contacts with current over 0.7A you should consult the graph to nd the number of closures we
recommend. In most applications this is of no concern since many contacts may be unused or are relatively lightly
loaded.
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
Figure 2.2 Plots of recommended number of closures of SPST, DPST & SPDT relays (vertical) versus
carry current (horizontal, Amps). This assumes a contact resistance of 300mΩ and a chassis capable of
supporting the minimum 25W per slot recommended in the PXI standard.
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1
76
64
50
38
25
12
0
4x-145A
(SPST)
4x-146A
(DPST)
4x-148A
(SPDT)