Pickering 4 782B Series User manual

pickeringtest.com Issue 3.0, September 2023
PXI/PXIe Microwave Transfer Switch Module
4x-782B User Manual

Page (ii)
© Copyright (2023) Pickering Interfaces. All Rights Reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, translated or stored in any form, or by any
means without the written permission of Pickering Interfaces.
Technical details contained within this publication are subject to change without notice.
FM38792

Page (iii)
Worldwide Technical Support and Product Information
Pickering Interfaces Headquarters
Stephenson Road, Clacton-on-Sea, CO15 4NL United Kingdom
Tel: [phone]
e-mail: [email protected]
USA
Tel: (West) [phone]
Tel: (East) [phone]
e-mail: [e-mail]
France
Tel [phone]
e-mail: [email protected]
Germany
Tel: [phone]
e-mail: [email protected]
Sweden
Tel: [phone]
e-mail: [email protected]
Czech Republic
Tel: [phone]
e-mail: [email protected]
China
Tel: [phone]
e-mail: [email protected]
Technical Support
For Technical Support please contact Pickering Interfaces either by phone, the website or via e-mail.
Warranty
All products manufactured by Pickering Interfaces are warranted against defective materials and workmanship for a period
of three years, excluding programmable power supplies, from the date of delivery to the original purchaser. Any product
found to be defective within this period will, at the discretion of Pickering Interfaces be repaired or replaced.
Products serviced and repaired outside of the warranty period are warranted for ninety days.
Extended warranty and service are available. Please contact Pickering Interfaces by phone, the website or via e-mail.
Environmental Policy
Pickering Interfaces operates under an environmental management system similar to ISO 14001.
Pickering Interfaces strives to fulfil all relevant environmental laws and regulations and reduce wastes and releases to the
environment. Pickering Interfaces aims to design and operate products in a way that protects the environment and the health
and safety of its employees, customers and the public. Pickering Interfaces endeavours to develop and manufacture products
that can be produced, distributed, used and recycled, or disposed of, in a safe and environmentally friendly manner.

Page (iv)
Meaning/Description Symbol
PROTECTIVE EARTH (GROUND)
To identify any terminal which is intended for connection to an
external conductor for protection against electric shock in case of a
fault, or the terminal of a protective earth (ground) electrode.
DANGEROUS VOLTAGE
To indicate hazards arising from dangerous voltages.
WARNING/CAUTION
An appropriate safety instruction should be followed or caution to a
potential hazard exists.
Refer to the relevant instructions detailed within the product
manual.
HEAVY
If this product is heavy reference should be made to the safety
instructions for provisions of lifting and moving.
STATIC SENSITIVE
To indicate that static sensitive devices are present and handling
precautions should be followed.
!
kg
Safety Symbols
The following safety symbols may be used on the product and throughout the product documentation.
Product Safety

Page (v)
Contents
Copyright Statement........................................................................................................................................................(ii)
Technical Support and Warranty...................................................................................................................................(iii)
Product Safety...................................................................................................................................................................(iv)
Contents (this page).........................................................................................................................................................(v)
Warnings and Cautions...................................................................................................................................................(vi)
Section 1
Technical Specification....................................................................................................................................................1.1
Section 2
Technical Description ......................................................................................................................................................2.1
Functional Description...............................................................................................................................................2.1
Section 3
Installation.........................................................................................................................................................................3.1
Pre Operation Checks ................................................................................................................................................3.1
Hardware Installation................................................................................................................................................3.2
Software Installation..................................................................................................................................................3.2
Testing Operation........................................................................................................................................................3.3
Section 4
Programming Guide.........................................................................................................................................................4.1
Programming Options for Pickering PXI/PXIe Modules......................................................................................4.1
Module Architecture...................................................................................................................................................4.2
Programming the Module.........................................................................................................................................4.3
Using Pickering Drivers in LabVIEW.......................................................................................................................4.5
Section 5
Connector Information .....................................................................................................................................................5.1
Section 6
Trouble Shooting..............................................................................................................................................................6.1
Section 7
Maintenance Information................................................................................................................................................7.1
Appendix A
Part Number List......................................................................................................................................... A.1

Page (vi)
WARNING - Hazardous Environments Symbol
This product is not specifically designed for use in hazardous environments, for example in explosive
atmospheres. If the product is to be used in hazardous environments we recommend that the user ensures
suitable protective measures are taken.
!
CAUTION - Handling of Electrostatic-Sensitive Devices Symbol
Certain semiconductor devices used in this equipment are liable to damage due to static voltage. Observe the
following precautions when handling these devices in their unterminated state, or sub-assemblies containing
these devices:
• Persons removing sub-assemblies from equipment using these devices must be earthed by a wrist strap
and a resistor at the point provided on the equipment.
• Soldering irons used during the repair operations must be low voltage types with earthed tips and isolated
from the mains voltage by a double insulated transformer.
• Outer clothing worn must be unable to generate static charges.
• Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) fitted with these devices must be stored and transported in anti-static bags.
Warnings & Cautions
WARNING - Danger of Electric Shock Symbol
This module may contain hazardous voltages. Before removing the module from the rack remove all supplies
and disconnect user I/O signals.
Unused slots in the PXI/PXIe/LXI chassis are populated with blanking plates to prevent access to user I/O
signals that may be present. Blanking panels are available to order from Pickering in a variety of slot widths.
If the product is not used in this manner for example by using an extender card then additional care must be
taken to avoid contact with exposed signals.
CAUTION - Product Documentation Symbol
Suitably qualified & trained users should ensure that the accompanying documentation is fully read and
understood before attempting to install or operate the product.
!
Safety Instructions
Safety Instructions
All cleaning and servicing requires the equipment to be isolated and disconnected from the power source and user I/O signals
(refer to the Maintenance Section).
• Appropriate manual handling procedures should be followed as dictated by the weight of the individual module or the
combined weight of the modules & chassis.
• Should a fault occur with the module or chassis, immediately isolate and disconnect the incoming power to the chassis and
the user I/O signals.
• Ensure the equipment is installed, operated and maintained by trained and authorised personnel.
• For suitably equipped products in the event of an emergency press the red “emergency stop” button situated on the front of
the unit.

Page 1.1 pickeringtest.com
Section 1 - Technical Specification
The 40-782B (PXI) and 42-782B (PXIe) have one or two
microwave transfer switches with a characteristic impedance
of 50 Ω and are available in 18 GHz, 26.5 GHz, 40 GHz or 50 GHz
versions. Connections are made via front panel mounted high
quality SMA, SMA 2.9 or SMA 2.4 coaxial connectors, depending
upon the frequency range.
Transfer switches have four ports with two switch states. In
the default (de-energized) state, ports 1 to 2 and 3 to 4 have
signal paths between them. In the energized state the signal
paths are between ports 1 to 3 and 2 to 4 (see diagrams).
The 4x-782B gives you the highest RF and microwave
switching performance available within a Pickering switching
system. Although designed for microwave applications, they
yAvailable as PXI or PXIe Modules
y1 or 2 Transfer Switches Per Module
yRemote Mounted Version Available
y50 Ω Characteristic Impedance
y18 GHz, 26.5 GHz, 40 GHz & 50 GHz Options
yFailsafe & Latching Relay Options
yRelay Cycle Counting Included
yLED Indication (Failsafe Versions Only)
yDrivers Supplied for Windows & Linux,
Plus Support for Real-time Systems
yPXI Version Supported by PXI or LXI Chassis
y3 Year Warranty
Microwave Transfer Switch
(Part No. 4x-782B) in Single Format
have many uses in the RF spectrum where extremely low
insertion loss and ultra high isolation are critical. They may
also be used for lower frequency applications where power
handling to 240 W is required.
Remote Versions
The remote versions, as well as occupying less panel space,
allow the microwave transfer switches to be placed closer to
the UUT and RF test equipment. This can shorten the length of
cables and improve system performance. Remote switches are
supplied with a 1.5 m interface cable.
2
4
1
3
Transfer Switch 1
B B
A
A
Position A: 1 to 2, 3 to 4
Position B: 1 to 3, 2 to 4
Remote version controls 1 or 2
remotely mounted microwave transfer
switches via interface cables
pickeringtest.com
4x-782B
PXI/PXIe Microwave Transfer Switch Modules
Issue 4.0 September 2022

Page 1.2 pickeringtest.com
Section 1 - Technical Specification
Product Compatibility
The 4x-782B range has been introduced as an update to the
existing 40-782A family. The existing family remains orderable but
the new 4x-782B is recommended as it provides additional options
such as the PXIe control interface. The RF performance of the
4x-782B is identical to the existing 40-782A.
Relay Type
To provide maximum flexibility this range is available with either
failsafe or latching relays. For definition, the contacts of failsafe
relays return to the default state when the system power is
removed whereas latching relay contacts retain their last set state
when the power is removed.
Relay Cycle Counting
To aid with module “health” monitoring all versions are provided
with a relay cycle counting cycle feature. The number of operations
per contact are stored on the module and can be used to determine
if a relay is approaching EOL. This information could allow system
connections to be revised so that signals applied to heavily used
contacts are swapped with lightly used contacts to prolong the
working life of the relay(s).
Microwave Transfer Switch
(Part No. 4x-782B) in Dual Format
2
4
1
3
Transfer Switch 1
B B
A
A
Position A: 1 to 2, 3 to 4
Position B: 1 to 3, 2 to 4
2
4
1
3
Transfer Switch 2
B B
A
A
pickering
BANK 1
Remotely Mounted Microwave
Transfer Switches
2 off Interface Cables
1.5m Length
40/42-782B
Remote
Version
BANK 2
Remotely Mounted Microwave Transfer Switch Versions
Interconnection Between 4x-782B Remote Version and
Remotely Mounted Microwave Transfer Switches
Microwave Transfer Switch and Cable
for Remote Mounting
4x-782B
pickeringtest.com Page 2
PXI/PXIe Microwave Transfer Switch Modules

Page 1.3 pickeringtest.com
Section 1 - Technical Specification
Specifications - 18 GHz & 26.5 GHz Versions
Connectors: SMA
Insertion Loss: <0.2 dB to 3 GHz
<0.3 dB to 8 GHz
<0.4 dB to 12.4 GHz
<0.5 dB to 18 GHz
<0.7 dB to 26.5 GHz (26.5 GHz versions only)
Isolation: >80 dB to 3 GHz
>70 dB to 8 GHz
>65 dB to 12.4 GHz
>60 dB to 18 GHz
>50 dB to 26.5 GHz (26.5 GHz versions only)
VSWR: <1.2:1 to 3 GHz
<1.3:1 to 8 GHz
<1.4:1 to 12.4 GHz
<1.5:1 to 18 GHz
<1.7:1 to 26.5 GHz (26.5 GHz versions only)
RF Average Carry
Power at 25 °C:
240 W to 3 GHz
150 W to 8 GHz
120 W to 12.4 GHz
100 W to 18 GHz
40 W to 26.5 GHz (26.5 GHz versions only)
Typical Isolation - 26.5 GHz Versions
Typical VSWR - 26.5 GHz Versions
Typical Insertion Loss - 26.5 GHz Versions
Typical VSWR - 18 GHz Versions
Typical Isolation - 18 GHz Versions
Typical Insertion Loss - 18 GHz Versions
4x-782B
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Specifications

Page 1.4 pickeringtest.com
Section 1 - Technical Specification
Specifications - 40 GHz Versions
Connectors: SMA 2.9
Insertion Loss: <0.8 dB to 40 GHz
Isolation: >50 dB to 40 GHz
VSWR: <1.9:1 to 40 GHz
RF Average Carry Power at 25°C: 80 W to 6 GHz
60 W to 12.4 GHz
50 W to 18 GHz
20 W to 26.5 GHz
10 W to 40 GHz
Typical Isolation - 40 GHz Versions
Typical VSWR - 40 GHz Versions
Typical Insertion Loss - 40 GHz Versions
4x-782B
pickeringtest.com Page 4
Specifications

Page 1.5 pickeringtest.com
Section 1 - Technical Specification
Specifications - 50 GHz Versions
Connectors: SMA 2.4
Insertion Loss: <0.3 dB to 6 GHz
<0.4 dB to 12.4 GHz
<0.5 dB to 18 GHz
<0.7 dB to 26.5 GHz
<0.8 dB to 40 GHz
<1.1 dB to 50 GHz
Isolation: >70 dB to 6 GHz
>60 dB to 12.4 GHz
>60 dB to 18 GHz
>55 dB to 26.5 GHz
>50 dB to 40 GHz
>50 dB to 50 GHz
VSWR: <1.3:1 to 6 GHz
<1.4:1 to 12.4 GHz
<1.5:1 to 18 GHz
<1.7:1 to 26.5 GHz
<1.9:1 to 40 GHz
<2.0:1 to 50 GHz
RF Average Carry Power at 25°C: 80 W to 6 GHz
60 W to 12.4 GHz
50 W to 18 GHz
20 W to 26.5 GHz
10 W to 40 GHz
5 W to 50 GHz
Expected Life: 2 million operations
Typical Isolation - 50 GHz Versions
Typical VSWR - 50 GHz Versions
Typical Insertion Loss - 50 GHz Versions
4x-782B
pickeringtest.com Page 5
Specifications

Page 1.6 pickeringtest.com
Section 1 - Technical Specification
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
Mechanical Characteristics
Front panel mounted switches:
• 40-782B single & dual panel mounted versions
- Dual slot 3U PXI (CompactPCI card)
• 42-782B single & dual panel mounted versions
- Dual slot 3U PXIe, compatible with PXIe hybrid slot.
Remote mounted switches:
• 40-782B single & dual remote mounted versions
- Single slot 3U PXI (CompactPCI card)
• 42-782B single & dual remote mounted versions
- Single slot 3U PXIe, compatible with PXIe hybrid slot.
Remote mounted switch versions are supplied with a 1.5 m
interface cable for each of the supplied microwave relays.
Module weight: 200 g (40-782B-522).
3D models for all versions in a variety of popular file formats
are available on request.
Connectors
40-782B - PXI bus via 32-bit P1/J1 backplane connector.
42-782B - PXIe bus via XJ3 and XJ4 backplane connectors.
Signals via front panel mounted coaxial connectors:
• 18 GHz versions - 50 Ω SMA connectors
• 26.5 GHz versions - 50 Ω SMA connectors
• 40 GHz versions - 50 Ω SMA 2.9 connectors.
• 50 GHz versions - 50 Ω SMA 2.4 connectors.
Power Requirements - 40-782B Failsafe Versions
+3.3 V +5 V +12 V -12 V
0.13 A 0.01 A 0.68 A 0
Power Requirements - 42-782B Failsafe Versions
+3.3 V +12 V
0.36 A 0.88 A
Power Requirements - 40-782B Latching Versions
+3.3 V +5 V +12 V -12 V
TBD TBD TBD 0
Power Requirements - 42-782B Latching Versions
+3.3 V +12 V
TBD TBD
General Specification
Configuration: Microwave Transfer Switch,
1 or 2 independent banks
mounted on the module’s
front panel or remotely
mounted and controlled via
interface cables.
LED Indicators: Blue LEDs indicate activated
relays (failsafe versions only).
Operate Time: 15 ms
Characteristic Impedance: 50 Ω
Expected Life (18 GHz,
26.5 GHz & 40 GHz
versions): >2.5 million operations
4x-782B
pickeringtest.com Page 6
Specifications

Page 1.7 pickeringtest.com
Section 1 - Technical Specification
Connection Accessories
For a complete list of connection accessories and
documentation for the 4x-782B module please refer to our
RF connectors datasheet (90-011D).
Warranty
This module carries a 3 year warranty. The warranty
specifically applies to only the cold switching operations of
the relay within the stated lifetime.
Product Order Codes - Failsafe Versions - Panel Mount
18 GHz (SMA) 26.5 GHz (SMA) 40 GHz (SMA 2.9) 50 GHz (SMA 2.4)
Single
Failsafe
PXI Microwave Transfer Switch 40-782B-521 40-782B-531 40-782B-541 40-782B-551
PXIe Microwave Transfer Switch 42-782B-521 42-782B-531 42-782B-541 42-782B-551
Dual
Failsafe
PXI Microwave Transfer Switch 40-782B-522 40-782B-532 40-782B-542 40-782B-552
PXIe Microwave Transfer Switch 42-782B-522 42-782B-532 42-782B-542 42-782B-552
Product Order Codes - Latching Versions - Panel Mount
18 GHz (SMA) 26.5 GHz (SMA) 40 GHz (SMA 2.9) 50 GHz (SMA 2.4)
Single
Latching
PXI Microwave Transfer Switch 40-782B-521-LA 40-782B-531-LA 40-782B-541-LA 40-782B-551-LA
PXIe Microwave Transfer Switch 42-782B-521-LA 42-782B-531-LA 42-782B-541-LA 42-782B-551-LA
Dual
Latching
PXI Microwave Transfer Switch 40-782B-522-LA 40-782B-532-LA 40-782B-542-LA 40-782B-552-LA
PXIe Microwave Transfer Switch 42-782B-522-LA 42-782B-532-LA 42-782B-542-LA 42-782B-552-LA
Product Order Codes - Failsafe Versions - Remote Mount
18 GHz (SMA) 26.5 GHz (SMA) 40 GHz (SMA 2.9) 50 GHz (SMA 2.4)
Single
Failsafe
PXI Microwave Transfer Switch 40-782B-521-E 40-782B-531-E 40-782B-541-E 40-782B-551-E
PXIe Microwave Transfer Switch 42-782B-521-E 42-782B-531-E 42-782B-541-E 42-782B-551-E
Dual
Failsafe
PXI Microwave Transfer Switch 40-782B-522-E 40-782B-532-E 40-782B-542-E 40-782B-552-E
PXIe Microwave Transfer Switch 42-782B-522-E 42-782B-532-E 42-782B-542-E 42-782B-552-E
Product Order Codes - Latching Versions - Remote Mount
18 GHz (SMA) 26.5 GHz (SMA) 40 GHz (SMA 2.9) 50 GHz (SMA 2.4)
Single
Latching
PXI Microwave Transfer Switch 40-782B-521-E-LA 40-782B-531-E-LA 40-782B-541-E-LA 40-782B-551-E-LA
PXIe Microwave Transfer Switch 42-782B-521-E-LA 42-782B-531-E-LA 42-782B-541-E-LA 42-782B-551-E-LA
Dual
Latching
PXI Microwave Transfer Switch 40-782B-522-E-LA 40-782B-532-E-LA 40-782B-542-E-LA 40-782B-552-E-LA
PXIe Microwave Transfer Switch 42-782B-522-E-LA 42-782B-532-E-LA 42-782B-542-E-LA 42-782B-552-E-LA
4x-782B
pickeringtest.com Page 7
Ordering Information

Page 1.8 pickeringtest.com
Section 1 - Technical Specification
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.
Side View of the PXI Dual Microwave Transfer Switch
PXI & CompactPCI Compliance - 40-782B
The module is compliant with the PXI Specification
2.2. Local Bus, Trigger Bus and Star Trigger are not
implemented.
Uses a 33 MHz 32-bit backplane interface.
PXIe Compliance - 42-782B
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.
42-782B-542 PXIe Quad SPDT
Microwave Relay Module
4x-782B
pickeringtest.com Page 8
PXI/PXIe Microwave Transfer Switch Modules

Page 1.9 pickeringtest.com
Section 1 - Technical Specification
The 4x-782B is part of a range of switching modules suitable for RF and microwave applications.
Pickering’s Range of PXI & PXIe Microwave Switching Modules
Switch Type Banks Frequency Range Model No.
SPDT
Unterminated
1, 2, 3 or 4 Panel Mount,
1, 2 or 3 Remote Mount
2.5 GHz (75Ω) or
12.4 - 67 GHz (50Ω) 4x-780B
SPDT
Terminated
1 or 2 Panel Mount,
1 or 2 Remote Mount 18 - 50 GHz (50Ω) 4x-781A
Transfer Switch 1 or 2 Panel Mount,
1 or 2 Remote Mount 18 - 50 GHz (50Ω) 4x-782B
SP4T or SP6T
Unterminated
1, 2 or 3 Panel Mount,
1, 2 or 3 Remote Mount 6 - 40 GHz (50Ω) 4x-784B
SP4T or SP6T
Terminated or
Unterminated
1 or 2 Panel Mount,
1, 2 or 3 Remote Mount
2.5 GHz (75Ω) or
3 - 67 GHz (50Ω) 4x-785C
SP8T, SP10T
or SP12T
Terminated or
Unterminated
1 or 2 Panel Mount,
1 or 2 Remote Mount 8 - 26.5 GHz (50Ω) 4x-788
4x-782B 4x-784B4x-780B 4x-781A 4x-785C 4x-788
4x-782B
pickeringtest.com Page 9
PXI/PXIe Microwave Transfer Switch Modules

Page 2.1 pickeringtest.com
Section 2 - Technical Description
Functional Description
A functional block diagram is provided in Figure 2.1. The module is powered by +5V (PXI), +3.3V and +12V supplies via PCI
Bus connectors mounted on the mother board. The interface to the user test equipment is via the front panel mounted
SMA, SMA-2.9 or SMA-2.4 connectors. The module comprises a PCB populated with control logic and front panel mounted
failsafe or latching changeover microwave transfer switches (the remote -E option controls 1 or 2 relays via 1.5m screened
interface cables). The switches and front panel LED indicators (failsafe versions only) are energised via control signals from
the relay driver device. The relay driver is addressed by PCI bridge U1, to output the required signal. Module configuration
and setup information for the PCI bridge is stored in Serial EPROM devices.
Figure 2.1 - PXI Microwave Transfer Switch Module 4x-782B: Functional Block Diagram
PCI Bridge
Configuration
U9-10
Level
Translators
U2-3
PCI Bridge U1
GND
Module
Configuration
U7-8
Compact PCI Bus Connector J1 (40-782B)
PXI/PXIe Microwave Transfer Switch Module 4x-782B
+5V
+3.3V
GND
PXIe Connectors XJ3 & XJ4 (42-782B)
+12V
+3.3V
+12V
Relay
Drivers
Failsafe
Versions Only
Indicators
LED
1 or 2 Microwave Transfer Switches
- Panel Mountedor Remote
Mounted via Interface Cables
Front Panel Coaxial Connectors
B B
A
A
B B
A
A

Page 3.1 pickeringtest.com
Section 3 - Installation
kg
Pre-operation Checks (Unpacking)
1. Check the module 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 chassis relative to any other equipment the module(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 module is of flat and solid construction to withstand
and support the combined weight of the module(s) and chassis.
!
Refer to the Warnings and Cautions at the front of this manual
Modular products require installation in a suitable PXI/PXIe/LXI chassis. The module is designed for indoor use only.
Figure 3.1 - Installing the Module into a PXI/PXIe/cPCI/LXI Chassis
PXI/PXIe/LXI Chassis
PXI/PXIe Module
Injector/Ejector Handle
Injector/Ejector Rail

Page 3.2 pickeringtest.com
Section 3 - Installation
Software Installation
First install the appropriate Pickering PXI switch card drivers by running the installer program Setup.exe (provided in a compressed zip
file), 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 file containing additional installation information. A single installation covers all Pickering
switching and simulation PCI, PXI and PXIe products.
When installation completes, the installed drivers’ ReadMe file 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 (Chassis)
The chassis must be electrically installed in accordance with local regional electrical codes by a qualified engineer.
The chassis must be grounded.
Electrostatic discharge can damage the components on the module. To avoid such damage in handling the board refer to page vi.
Ensure that there is adequate ventilation.
The module 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 slot in the rack.
3. Remove the blanking plate for the chosen slot.
4. Ensure that the injector/ejector handle is in its downward position. Align the module with the card guides on the top and bottom of
the slot.
Do not raise the injector/ejector handle whilst inserting the module as the module will not insert properly.
5. Hold the handle whilst slowly sliding the module into the card guides until the handle catches on the injector/ejector rail (refer to
Figure 3.1).
6. Raise the injector/ejector handle until the module firmly seats into the backplane. The front panel of the module should be flush with
the front panel of the chassis.
7. Secure the front panel of the module using both screws to the chassis front panel mounting rails.
8. In a system employing a remote control interface to connect an external controller to a PXI chassis or to link multiple chassis,
power-up the system as follows:
a. For a system comprising an external controller and one chassis, power up the chassis before powering up the external controller.
b. For a system comprising more than one chassis, turn ON the last chassis in the system followed by the penultimate, etc, and
finally turn ON the external controller or chassis containing the system controller.
9. For Pickering Interfaces modular LXI installation there is no requirement to use any particular power up sequence.

Page 3.3 pickeringtest.com
Section 3 - Installation
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/PXIe 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 4.1 pickeringtest.com
Section 4 - Programming
Programming options for Pickering Interfaces PXI/PXIe Modules
For information on the installation and use of drivers and the programming of Pickering’s products in various software
environments, please refer to the Software User Manual.
This is available as a download from:
pickeringtest.com/support/software-drivers-and-downloads
Also, it can be accessed from the DVD supplied with the product:
<DVD_DRIVE>\downloads\Documentation\Software-Manual.pdf