pickering 60-106 6 Slot LXI USB Modular Chassis User Manual

60-106 6 Slot LXI USB Modular Chassis

60-106 User Manual
LXI/USB 6-Slot Modular Chassis

Issue 2.3 February 2023

pickeringtest.com

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

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6-SLOT LXI/USB MODULAR CHASSIS 60-106

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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 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.

Worldwide Technical Support and Product Information pickeringtest.com

Pickering Interfaces Headquarters

Stephenson Road Clacton-on-Sea CO15 4NL United Kingdom

Tel:

+44 (0)1255-687900

E-Mail: [email protected]

USA Tel: (West) +1 541 471 0700 Tel: (East) +1 781 897 1710 E-mail: [email protected]
France Tel +33 9 72 58 77 00 E-mail [email protected]
Germany Tel: +49 89 125 953 160 E-mail: [email protected]
Sweden Tel: +46 340-69 06 69 E-mail: [email protected]
Czech Republic Tel: +420 558 987 613 E-mail: [email protected]
China Tel: +86 4008 799 765 E-mail: [email protected]

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PRODUCT SAFETY
SAFETY SYMBOLS
The following safety symbols may be used on the product and throughout the product documentation.

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.

kg

STATIC SENSITIVE To indicate that static sensitive devices are present and handling precautions should be followed.

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CONTENTS
Copyright Statement ………………………………………………………….II
Technical Support and Warranty…………………………………………III
Product Safety …………………………………………………………………..IV
Contents (this page)…………………………………………………………..V
Warnings and Cautions ……………………………………………………..VII
Section 1 Technical Specification………………………………………………………1.1
Section 2 Technical Description ………………………………………………………..2.1
Mechanical Description ………………………………………………..2.1 Functional Description………………………………………………….2.2 PXI Module Support ……………………………………………………..2.3
Section 3 Installation…………………………………………………………………………3.1
Installing The Chassis…………………………………………………..3.1 Connecting The Chassis……… ………………………………………3.2 Installation of Individual Modules………………………………….3.3
Section 4 Configuration And Set-Up ………………………………………………….4.1
Default Configuration……………………………………………………4.1 USB Configuration ……………………………………………………….4.2 LXI LAN Configuration ………………………………………………….4.3 Chassis Status Indicators……………………………………………..4.4
Section 5 Programming …………………………………………………………………….5.1
Programming Options for LXI Units ………………………………5.1 Unit Architecture ………………………………………………………….5.2 Installing Drivers ………………………………………………………….5.4 Command Line Control of LXI Instruments ……………………5.9
Section 6 Sequence Service & Triggering…………………………………………..6.1
Section 7 Trouble Shooting ……………………………………………………………….7.1
LXI Status Indicators…………………………………………………….7.1 Unit Reset…………………………………………………………………….7.2

6-SLOT LXI/USB MODULAR CHASSIS 60-106

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6-SLOT LXI/USB MODULAR CHASSIS 60-106

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WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS

WARNING – HAZARDOUS ENVIRONMENTS
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.

SYMBOL
!

WARNING – DANGER OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
This chassis may be populated with modules that contain hazardous voltages. Before removing any module from the rack remove all supplies and disconnect user I/O signals.
Unused slots in this chassis are populated with blanking panels to prevent access to user I/O signals that may be present. Blanking panels are available to order from Pickering. 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.
Installed modules must not be used for the switching of Mains Circuits. For the switching of voltages up to the module’s full specification, Secondary Circuit power supplies and the Device Under Test must be fully isolated from the Mains Circuit and the safety earth.
This chassis must be correctly installed and be connected to mains or factory safety ground, please refer to the Installation section of this manual.

SYMBOL

Mains Circuit

Power Supply
Device Under Test

Secondary Circuit Host Chassis

Switching Module

Power Supply

Mains Circuit
Mains/Factory Safety Ground

Diagram Showing Separation Between The Mains Circuit and Secondary Circuit / DUT

For the purposes of this document, a Mains Circuit is an installation classified 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
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) fitted with these devices must be stored and transported in anti-static bags.

SYMBOL

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CAUTION – PRODUCT DOCUMENTATION
Suitably qualified & trained users should ensure that the accompanying documentation is fully read and understood before attempting to install or operate the product.

SYMBOL
!

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
All cleaning and servicing requires the equipment to be isolated and disconnected from the power source and user I/O signals (refer to the Maintenance Section). · Appropriate manual handling procedures should be followed as dictated by the weight of the individual module or
the combined weight of the modules & chassis. · Should a fault occur with the module or chassis, immediately isolate and disconnect the incoming power to the
chassis and the user I/O signals. · Ensure the equipment is installed, operated and maintained by trained and authorised personnel. · For suitably equipped products in the event of an emergency press the red “emergency stop” button situated on
the front of the unit.

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SECTION 1 – TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

SECTION 1 – TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

y Fully Compliant LXI Interface (1.5) y Ethernet 1000baseT Interface y USB 3 Compatible y Supports 1000+ Pickering
PXI 3U Modules Including: y Programmable Resistors y Matrices y Multiplexers y General Purpose Relays y RF Switches y Fault Insertion
y Supports Six User Slots y Built-In Scan List Sequence Stores With
Triggering Capability y Compact Full Rack Width 1U Form Factor y 3 Year Warranty
Pickering Interfaces’ 60-106 modular chassis occupies only a small, 1U rack- height form factor, making it suitable for portable and space-restricted rack- mount applications. This chassis is also available with built-in scan list sequencing and triggering (model 60-106-002), see page three for more information.
The chassis supports from one to six Pickering PXI 3U modules; choose from over 1,000 module types including programmable resistors, matrices, multiplexers, general purpose relays, RF switches and fault insertion units.
Possible systems include switching matrices up to 4608 crosspoints (three 40-558 BRIC2 occupying three pairs of slots) or up to 108 channels of programmable resistor/ sensor emulation (six 40-295 18-channel resistor modules occupying six slots).
Optional Wi-Fi Dongle

Pickering’s Range of PXI & PXIe Chassis

Chassis Type

Slots Chassis Size Model No.

PXI

8 4U Full Rack 40-908

PXI

14 4U Full Rack 40-914

PXI

19 4U Full Rack 40-923A

PXI

8 4U Half Rack 40-924

PXIe Hybrid (Gen 3)

8 4U Half Rack 42-924

PXIe Hybrid (Gen 3)

18 4U Full Rack 42-925

PXIe Hybrid (Gen 2)

18 4U Full Rack 42-926

PXI with LXI Control*

7 4U Half Rack 60-102D

PXI with LXI Control*

18 4U Full Rack 60-103D

PXI with LXI/USB Control 2 1U Half Rack 60-104

PXI with LXI/USB Control 4 2U Half Rack 60-105

PXI with LXI/USB Control* 6 1U Full Rack 60-106

*Includes Scan List Sequencing and optional Triggering function.

For a list of compatible PXI modules, please refer to the 60-106 user manual.
The USB compatible and LXI compliant interfaces enable the chassis to be controlled directly through standard interfaces found on most personal computers, allowing for a very cost effective route into the modular test and measurement market.
The option of a Wi-Fi dongle is useful for control from mobile devices via HTML5 SFP.
The chassis can be controlled through built in software drivers. Chassis configuration and module control is possible through the W3C web page interface.
The 60-106 is powered from an internal AC mains supply.

Control via USB or
Ethernet
Control Computer
Triggering I/O (60-106-002 only)
60-106 Modular Chassis Block Diagram

USB Interface

LAN Interface
Scan List Sequencing & Triggering (60-106-002
only)

Embedded Controller
PCI Interface

3U PXI Modules

1

2

3

4

5

6

60-106 Chassis

cPCI Backplane

Internal Power Supply

Mains Supply

6-SLOT LXI/USB MODULAR CHASSIS 60-106

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1 ¡ ¢£¤¥£¢ ¦§ ¨©t of a family of LXI/USB chassis capable of supporting Pickering’s range of 3U PXI modules. Shown here, along with the 6-slot 60-106, are
the 4-slot 60-105 and the 2-slot 60-104.

The 60-106 LXI/USB chassis can be controlled via cable using the Ethernet or USB 3 interface.
Alternatively, it can be controlled wirelessly using the optional WiFi dongle.

The 60-106 6-slot LXI/USB chassis with the top cover removed showing
internal construction.

Rear view of the 60-106 LXI/USB chassis – the 60-106 is suitable for fitting into a 19 inch rack using the supplied front and rear mounting ears.

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SECTION 1 – TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

Sequencing Service and Triggering
The Sequencing service provides the user with the ability to set a series of pre-determined sequences on an LXI instrument. These sequences can be triggered by software or – for the 60-106-002 – by one of the sixteen software configurable open drain triggers.
As the operations are grouped together, it will minimize the number of control transactions required to achieve a composite change of target switch state, condensing multiple operations in a single sub unit into a single operation, thus reducing the overall system switch settling time. For example, if a user wants to operate X1-Y1, X4-Y1, X2-Y2, in the first sequence, only one operation, and one delay, will be used.
Additionally, as the switch state sequences are stored within the LXI controller itself, the burden on the Host CPU and Ethernet traffic is greatly reduced, so the overall system latency is reduced.
The 60-106-002 version features a software reset line which provides the ability for a user supplied reset to be applied to the unit, triggering a software reset of the relays, returning all relays in the unit to their default state.
The 60-106-002 also has a software fault line available that will be triggered if there is any error detected within the unit. Please note that while these reset and fault lines use dedicated physical connections to the unit, they are software control lines and as such should not be used for safety interlocks etc.

Specifications

Chassis Backplane: 32-bit cPCI backplane, compatible with PXI.
Chassis Capacity: 6 off 3U user slots available.

PXI Module compatibility
The chassis is supplied with drivers for Pickering PXI modules.

Switching Support:

All of Pickering’s 1 & 2 slot 3U PXI switching modules. Includes (but not limited to): All 2-slot 3U BRIC matrices, featuring up to 3312 crosspoints.

Simulation support:

All programmable resistor & potentiometers offering up to 108 channels, RF attenuators, digital I/O and other simulation modules.

Power Supply
Input Voltage Range: Input Voltage Frequency: Max Input Current Rating:

100 – 240 Vrms 50 – 60 Hz 6.5 A at 120 Vrms

Cooling
Airflow: Per-slot Cooling Capacity: Fans:

Crossflow 25 W at 40 °C ambient 8 off 7.7 cfm fans

Acoustic Noise Emissions With fans on maximum: 53 dBA typical

Slot Capacity (Per Slot)

+3.3 V

+5 V

+12 V

-12 V

6 A

6 A

1 A

1 A

NOTE: +3.3 V and +5 V can provide 6 A simultaneously to a maximum of 4 slots or 24 A distributed over all slots.

LAN Interface

Designed to comply with the LXI Standard Version 1.5

Connector:

RJ45 Connector.

Connection Speed:

1000BaseT interface.

USB Interface

Designed to be compatible with USB3 (backwardly

compatible with USB/USB2)

Connector:

USB3 type B

Connection Speed:

400 MBps

Mechanical Specification

Dimensions:

Width: 440 mm (17.32″) Height: 44.3 mm (1.74″) Depth: 400 mm (15.75″)

Weight:

5.6 kg without PXI modules

Scan List Sequencing
Capable of storing 5000 predefined test sequences, loaded from the host Controller to the LXI unit at process initialization, with the ability to be triggered through software or from any of the sixteen software configurable triggers.
For more information on the Pickering Sequence Manager, please go to: pickering-sequence-manager

Triggering (60-106-002)
· 16x Software Configurable Bidirectional Open Drain Triggers
· 1x Dedicated Software Reset Line · 1x Dedicated Software Fault Line · 1x Dedicated Interlock Line Sequencing/Triggering port connector: 25-pin male micro-D connector

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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:

-20 °C to +75 °C

Humidity:

Up to 90 % non-condensing

Altitude:

15000 m

Safety, CE & RoHS Compliance
All products are fully CE compliant and meet applicable EU directives: Low- voltage safety EN610101:2010, EMC Immunity EN61326-1:2013, Emissions EN55011:2009+A1:2010.
The 60-106 Chassis also complies with the European Restriction of Hazardous Substances directive (RoHS).

Product Order Codes

LXI/USB Modular Switching Chassis, 6-Slot 60-106-001

LXI/USB Modular Switching Chassis, 6-Slot

with Triggering

60-106-002

Accessories Optional Wi-Fi Dongle

63-104-002

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SECTION 1 – TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

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

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 SoftCenterTM technology, ensuring long service life and repeatable contact performance. To learn more, please go to: pickeringrelay.com

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 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 · Marvin ATEasy · MTQ Testsolutions Tecap Test & Measurement Suite As well as various open source environments such as:
· Sharp Develop · Dev-C++ To learn more about software drivers and development environments, please go to: pickeringtest.com/software

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Signal Routing Software
Our signal routing software, Switch Path Manager, automatically selects and energizes switch paths through Pickering switching systems. Signal routing is performed by simply defining test system endpoints to be connected together, greatly accelerating Test System software development. To learn more, please go to: pickeringtest.com/spm
Diagnostic Relay Test Tools
eBIRST Switching System Test Tools are designed specifically for our PXI, PCI or LXI products, these tools simplify switching system fault-finding by quickly testing the system and graphically identifying the faulty relay. To learn more, please go to: pickeringtest.com/ebirst
Three Year Warranty & Guaranteed Long-Term Support
All standard products manufactured by Pickering Interfaces are warranted against defective materials and workmanship for a period of three years from the date of delivery to the original purchaser. Extended warranty and service agreements are available for all our modules and systems with various levels to suit your requirements. Although we offer a 3-year warranty as standard, we also include guaranteed long-term support–with a history of supporting our products for typically 15-20 years. To learn more, please go to: pickeringtest.com/support
Available Product Resources
We have a large library of product resources including success stories, product and support videos, articles and white papers as well as application specific product brochures to assist when looking for the switching, simulation and connection solutions you need. We have also published handy reference books on Switching Technology and for the PXI and LXI standards.

To view, download or request any of our product resources, please visit: pickeringtest.com/resources

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SECTION 2 – TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION

SECTION 2 – TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
MECHANICAL DESCRIPTION
The 60-106 Chassis comprises the following:
· 440mm x 44mm x 400mm chassis suitable for desk top operation. · 6-slot cPCI backplane, PXI compatible. Does not implement PXI Trigger Bus or 10MHz clock. · Built-in microcontroller providing the interface between the backplane and the control ports. · Power supply assembly for powering the Microcontroller, backplane and peripheral cards. · Rear panel mounted LCD IP address display. · Front panel mounted status LEDs. · Rear panel mounted RJ45 1000baseT LAN connection for LXI control of the unit over Ethernet. · Rear panel mounted USB type B connection for control of the unit over USB. · Rear panel mounted IEC plug for connection to the mains supply. · Rear panel mounted micro-D connector for sequencing / triggering functions (60-106-002).

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FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
The 60-106 LXI/USB Chassis is capable of supporting a wide range of Pickering PXI switching modules in a selfcontained unit, the only connections required are power and an Ethernet or USB lead. The chassis consists of a 6-slot cPCI backplane (compatible with PXI) and a controller assembly with power being supplied from an internal mains power unit. Control and programming information for the PXI modules installed in the chassis is sent to the backplane via a PCI bridge device on the controller assembly. Programming information for the controller is sent to the chassis via the USB interface or the LAN interface from a remote computer using the chassis’ unique Ethernet address. Programming documentation for the chassis as well as data for Pickering’s compatible switching products is stored in the embedded processor on the controller assembly and can be downloaded via the USB or LAN interface. LEDs on the front and rear of the unit indicate condition of the LAN interface and an LCD display on the rear panel provides an indication of the unit’s IP address.

Sequencing /Triggering Connector (60-106-002 only)
RJ45 Socket
USB Socket
Status Indicators 100 1000 PWR RDY ERR LAN ACT

Scan List Sequencing & Triggering (60-106-002 only)
LAN Interface
USB Interface

Embedded Processor

Controller Assembly

PCI Bridge
cPCI Backplane

Power Supply

1

2

3

4

5

6

3U PXI Module Slots
Figure 2.1 – Block Diagram for the 60-106 6-slot LXI/USB Chassis

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SECTION 2 – TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION

PXI MODULE SUPPORT
The 60-106 supports a wide variety of Pickering Interfaces 3U PXI modules, the backplane of the chassis conforms with the PXI standard. The chassis’ LXI interface conforms with the stated version of the LXI standard.
All Pickering Interfaces’ 3U single and dual slot PXI switching modules and resistor modules are supported with the exception of the following:
41-610 – Arbitrary Waveform Generator 41-620 – Function Generator 41-740 – Programmable Power Supply 40-738 – USB 2.0 HUB With Programmable Connect/Disconnect
No third party PXI modules are supported.
The PXI modules are provided with a variety of drivers and this includes an IVI driver as required by the LXI standard, the drivers supported are described in the software section of this manual. Where PXI modules state an operating speed the specification refers to the speed when supported in a PXI chassis which is lightly loaded and not subject to operating system delays, the latency in an Ethernet connected system will increase the operate time under the same conditions (for more information consult you local Pickering Interfaces sales office).
Where speed is important to an application we generally recommend that the IVI driver is not used since IVI imposes additional delays and prevents more efficient operation of the switches by bulk changes (adding more than one path connection in a single operation) ­ the IVI software model has no facility for this function.

6-SLOT LXI/USB MODULAR CHASSIS 60-106

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SECTION 3 – INSTALLATION

SECTION 3 – INSTALLATION

Refer to the Warnings and Cautions at the front of this manual

!

The chassis is designed for indoor use only.

INSTALLING THE CHASSIS
Site Considerations
The 60-106 is primarily designed to be installed in a 19 inch equipment rack but can also be operated on a bench or desk top. In these cases, it should be positioned horizontally so the cooling air vents are not restricted.
Cooling Considerations
The unit is cooled by eight internal fans which expel air via a single vent in the rear of the chassis and draw air through vents on the chassis sides and front panel. The left side panel has air intakes for PXI slots 1 & 2 and the controller assembly, the right side panel has air intakes for PXI slots 5 & 6 and the power supply, and the front panel has an air intake for PXI slots 3 & 4. To maintain the correct internal air flow, ensure blanking panels are fitted to any of the PXI slots if they are unused. It is important for the correct functioning of the unit that all cooling air inlets and outlets are unrestricted and objects such as cabling are kept clear.

Cooling Air Outlet

Cooling Air Intakes for PXI Slots 1 & 2
Cooling Air Intake for Controller Assembly

Cooling Air Intake for PXI Slots 3 & 4

Cooling Air Intake for Power Supply
Cooling Air Intakes for PXI Slots 5 & 6

Figure 3.1 – 60-106 LXI/USB Chassis Cooling Vents

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CONNECTING THE CHASSIS
The only connections required to use the 60-106 Chassis are power and a control cable. Power is supplied to the chassis via a standard IEC power lead, control can be via the USB3 type-B socket or the RJ45 Ethernet port on the rear panel. The positions of these connectors are shown in the figure below:

Power Switch

Ethernet Port
Sequencing /Triggering Connector (60-106-002 only)
LAN Reset Button

Mains Power
Input

Auxiliary Connector

USB Port

Figure 3.2 – Rear Panel of 60-106 Chassis Showing Positions of Connectors and Switches

Slot 1

Slot 3

Slot 5

Slot 2

Slot 4

Slot 6

Figure 3.3 – Front Panel of 60-106 Chassis Showing PXI Slot Positions

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SECTION 3 – INSTALLATION

INSTALLATION OF INDIVIDUAL MODULES Modules should be installed in accordance with the following procedure:
1. Ensure that the chassis is turned OFF.
2. Choose an appropriate PXI slot in the chassis.
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 3.4).
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 panel in the adjacent slot and fully seated against the chassis rails.
7. Secure the front panel of the module using both screws to the chassis mounting rails.

PXI / LXI Chassis

Figure 3.4 – Example Installation of a PXI Module into a PXI/cPCI/LXI Chassis

6-SLOT LXI/USB MODULAR CHASSIS 60-106

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SECTION 4 – CONFIGURATION & SET-UP

SECTION 4 – CONFIGURATION & SET-UP
DEFAULT CONFIGURATION
The 60-106 Modular Switching Chassis has factory default settings causing it to behave in the ways listed below. If the user makes changes to the chassis’ configuration pages this behaviour may no longer apply.
1. Ethernet cable only connected: Operation is as a standard LXI product.
2. USB Cable only connected: Operation is no longer LXI, connection is made to the host computer through the RNDIS protocol and will appear as a network adapter on that machine.
3. USB Cable connected as well as an Ethernet cable: The USB connection is always the priority connection so LXI mode is disabled. Fundamentally the same as configuration 2. The Ethernet interface is not configured.
Changes can be made to the chassis’ USB configuration page to set the secondary interface to be the Ethernet port. This secondary interface is not LXI compliant and is for the purposes of monitoring software. If an IP Address is set, the interface will broadcast router messages and is able to accept SSH terminal sessions.
A reset using the recessed `LAN Reset’ button on the rear panel of the chassis will work regardless of the cable connection status of the unit and will cause the chassis to revert to the factory default configuration.

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USB CONFIGURATION

To use the 60-106 Modular Switching Chassis over a USB connection it should be set up and configured using the following instructions:

1. Insert your chosen PXI cards into the chassis as per the instructions in Section 3.

2. With the chassis powered off, insert the supplied USB3 cable into the Type B socket on the rear of the chassis

marked with the

USB symbol.

Control Computer
USB Port
USB Cable
3. Insert the other end of the cable into a free USB port on your host computer, then power on the 60-106 chassis If this is the first time the chassis has been connected to your computer, a dialog screen will be displayed:

4. Select Locate and install driver software. You will then be asked to insert the supplied 60-106 driver DVD.
5. Once the Found New Hardware wizard has completed a new device will be installed under network adapters listed as: Pickering 60-106-001
6. Complete the installation by running the installation package ClientBridge located on the supplied DVD.

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SECTION 4 – CONFIGURATION & SET-UP

LXI LAN CONFIGURATION
To use the 60-106 LXI Modular Switching Chassis over a LAN connection it should be set up and configured as described in the “LXI Getting Started Guide” document. The device’s home page is shown below: This shows information about the device including its serial number and MAC address. These are also displayed on the front panel of the device as shown in Figure 4.4.

Figure 4.1 – Modular Chassis Instrument Home Page

If the IP address is to be set manually and before connecting to a network, contact your IT department so they can give you the correct settings for:

IP Address Subnet Mask

Default Gateway

DNS Server(s)

Domain name

Once you have the required information, the IP configuration window is used to manually set the IP address. This is shown in the figure below. Incorrect setting will result in a loss of communication indicated by a red LAN indicator on the front panel of the unit. If this does occur press the LAN Reset on the rear panel for a full factory reset.

Figure 4.2 – Modular Chassis LAN Configuration Page
Once correctly set, the current IP address of the chassis is indicated on the LCD display on the rear panel. The location of this is shown in Figure 4.3 overleaf.

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CHASSIS STATUS INDICATORS
The 60-106 chassis includes indicators on the front and rear panels to show the status of the chassis and the LAN interface. The positions of these indicators are shown in the figures below and their meaning is outlined in Table 4.1.

1000 Indicator
100 Indicator
IP Address Display
Figure 4.3 – Rear Panel of 60-106 Chassis Showing Status Indicator Positions

RDY Indicator

LAN Indicator

PWR Indicator

ACT Indicator ERR Indicator

Serial Number

MAC Address

Figure 4.4 – Front Panel of 60-106 Chassis Showing Status Indicator Positions, Serial Number and MAC Address of the Device

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Indicator Name PWR RDY ERR LAN ACT 1000 100

Table 4.1 – Status Indicator Meaning

On – Steady Power On

Indicator Meaning On – Flashing –

Ready for Communication Network Configuration

System Error

IP Conflict or LAN Error

Ethernet On

LXI Identification

–

LAN Activity

1000BaseT

–

100BaseT

–

Off Power Off or Hardware
Fault Network Interface Not
Ready
–
USB Mode
No Network Communcation
Both off with “LAN” on 10BaseT

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SECTION 5 – PROGRAMMING GUIDE

SECTION 5 – PROGRAMMING GUIDE
PROGRAMMING OPTIONS FOR PICKERING INTERFACES LXI UNITS
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: https://www.pickeringtest.com/support/software-drivers-and-downloads Also, it can be accessed from the DVD supplied with the product: <DVD_DRIVE

downloadsDocumentationSoftware-Manual.pdf

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UNIT ARCHITECTURE
Before discussing individual drivers it is important to understand the basic architecture of Pickering LXI units.
IP Address, Bus and Device
Each LXI unit has a unique IP address on your network. This address will depend on how you have configured your LXI unit and on network configuration. As delivered most LXI units are configured for dynamic address allocation, that is your network is expected to provide the IP address for the unit as part of its power-up sequence. This address may be configured as a fixed address, but there are possible problems, refer to the Getting Started guide for details on how to discover and configure your LXI unit.
Within an LXI unit, each switch card occupies a PCI slot, and so has a unique bus/device location with the embedded computer. It is vital to know that location in order to specify the address of the switch to be controlled.
Pickering provide software tools to help you discover the bus and device number of the cards in your LXI unit. Refer to the distribution disk that came with your unit in the folder LXI Products/Tools.
Sub-units
Pickering PXI cards contain one or more independently addressable functional blocks, or sub-units. Sub-unit numbers begin at 1, and separate sequences are used for input and output functions. This number is used in function calls to access the appropriate block. Generally, sub-unit numbers correspond directly to the bank numbers specified in hardware documentation.
Sub-unit examples:

Model 40-110-021 40-290-121 40-490-001 40-511-021

Configuration
16 SPDT switches
Dual Programmable resistors + 16 SPDT
switches
Digital I/O
Dual 12 x 4 matrix

INPUT sub-unit #1
None
None
16-channel inputs None

OUTPUT sub-unit #1
16 SPDT switches

OUTPUT sub-unit #2
None

Resistor #1 Resistor #2

32-channel outputs
12 x 4 matrix #1

None
12 x 4 matrix #2

OUTPUT sub-unit #3
None
16 SPDT switches
None
None

Sub-unit characteristics The numbers of input and output sub-units in a card can be obtained using functions from the library:
For example, in the basic piplx library:
PIPLX_EnumerateSubs
PIPLX_SubType, PIPLX_SubInfo
Are used to identify the individual sub-units on a card.
Controlling a Switch
To control a Pickering switch the command must contain the full location of the sub-unit being controlled; the IP address of the LXI unit, the bus/device location of the particular card in that LXI unit, and the sub-unit which contains the switch to be controlled.
A number of tools are available to locate the IP address of an LXI unit. Refer to the “Getting Started” guide delivered with your unit, also available on the distribution disk in the “LXI Products” folder. Only Pickering tools such as “Find LXI” will identify the switch card bus/device location. Pickering Direct I/O driver includes functions to allow a Pickering LXI unit to be found programmatically
To control a card there are a number of steps required. For example using PIPLX it is necessary to first open a session on a specified LXI unit, then to obtain a handle to a particular card in the LXI unit and finally to issue commands to a particular sub-unit on that card.

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For example, to access the card at bus 0, device 20, on the LXI unit at 192.168.1.100 :
PICMLX_Connect(0, “192.168.1.100”, 1024, 2000, &session) PIPLX_OpenSpecifiedCard(session, 0, 20, &card_num) PIPLX_OpBit(session, card_num, sub-unit, bit, state) Using the IVI driver, the connect and open functions are combined in the pi40iv_InitWithOptions function where the VISA resource string will specify the IP address and the card bus,device location, for example:
pi40iv_InitWithOptions(“TCPIP::192.168.1.100::0.20::INSTR”,….) Here the resource string identifies an IP address of 192.168.1.100 and then the bus, device location as 0.20, that is bus 0, device 20.
For full details of how to access and use Pickering drivers the user is advised to refer to the individual documentation packs provided with the installed drivers, this can be found on the distribution disk that came with your unit.

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INSTALLING DRIVERS
Please download and Install ClientBridge Driver from the DVD and Website. Website:
http://www.pickeringtest.info/downloads/drivers/Sys60/

DVD: Drivers_LXI

The ClientBridge Driver comes with C/C++ and .NET libraries and also provides various example programs and user applications to get the user up to the speed.

USB Drivers Pickering provides digitally signed USB driver as part of ClientBridge. Once the drivers are installed, the USB chassis will appear under Network adapters.
Note: Each subsequent USB port used on a specific PC will result in a unique identifier being assigned under Network adapters. Figure 5.1a illustrates the identifier for the first installation; Figure 5.1b shows the identifier for the second USB port; Figure 5.1c the third USB port installation.

Figure 5.1a – The 60-106 Chassis in the List of Network Adapters

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Figure 5.1b – The 60-106 Chassis Connected to a Second USB Port
Figure 5.1c – The 60-106 Chassis Connected to a Third USB Port LXI Discovery Tool The LXI Discovery Tool uses different discovery protocols to locate LXI Devices on your network, the place where your computer and LXI Device can communicate with each other. The device can be discovered irrespective of USB, Wi-Fi or LAN interface.

Figure 5.2 – LXI Discovery Tool Window 6-SLOT LXI/USB MODULAR CHASSIS 60-106

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General Soft Front Panel
Pickering provides General Soft Front Panels for all our PXI/PCI and LXI products to get the user familiarize with our products and get up to speed. Similar to our drivers, our Soft front panels cover all of our cards and dedicated views are provided for selected products. So whether you buy a Fault Insertion Card, a Resistor Card or a Matrix, all our products can be operated from the same SFP.

Figure 5.3 – Example of a General Soft Front Panel

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HTML5 Soft Front Panel
The HTML5 Soft Front Panel provides platform independent control of Pickering products allowing their use from various PCs (including Linux OS), tablets and other mobile devices. The user can access the HTML5 Soft Front Panel by navigating to the LXI home page and clicking the Instrument Control tab.

Figure 5.4 – Example of an HTML5 Soft Front Panel

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Resource Manager
Pickering’s LXI and PXI products can be controlled and operated via aliases using the Pickering Resource Management Library. It allows the user to define aliases for every Pickering PXI and LXI module when writing a test application. This is useful because any change in the hardware interfaces will not affect the test application and only requires modification of the configuration file to point to the right alias.
You can use the Pickering Resource Manager application to define your aliases for the available devices. Alternatively you can use C++ API (Pirml.dll library) and .NET C# connector (Pickering.Resources.PirmlInterop.dll). For more information see the Language Support topic.

Figure 5.5 – Pickering Resource Manager Window

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COMMAND LINE CONTROL OF PICKERING LXI INSTRUMENTS
Overview
Command line control of the Pickering LXI device range was added in firmware release 2.11. The utility provided was ported to the LXI instrument from the Windows utility PILMon and provides identical functionality.

Enabling the Command Line Control Utility
Pickering LXI devices do not provide an SSH server in the normal configuration state, the service must be explicitly enabled.
To do this the user must first enable security, this helps to prevent inadvertent access by limiting the accessibility of instrument services, principally by requiring password access to control functions. Once security is enabled, the SSH server may be started.
All the following assumes that the user knows the IP address of the LXI device. If this is not known, a number of tools are available, many on the Pickering distribution disk, to allow the IP address to be discovered.

Step 1 – Enable Security Select the Security Page from the main menu list

Enter a password and confirm then click on the Submit button.

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Step 2 – Enable the SSH server Select Instrument Control from the main menu

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NOTES:
The password and state of the SSH server are stored in non-volatile memory within the LXI device and so will remain in effect even after a power cycle. It is important to remember the password applied. Should the password be forgotten, the device may be reset to initial conditions by operating the LAN Reset button located on the front of the controller module in the appropriate manner, refer to Section 6 of this manual for details of this process.
Disabling security will stop the SSH service.

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Instrument Control from an SSH Client In the following examples the SSH client PuTTY is used, the user will have to adapt the instructions for any other client.
First start up the SSH client and enter the IP address of the LXI device. The user will be prompted for a login name and password.
The username for instrument control is `sshuser’, the password is that defined by the user when setting security.

Once the username and password have been supplied, the LXI device will enter an application providing a command line interface to the switch cards within the device.

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When the application is expecting input, the prompt pilmon> will be displayed. Card control is achieved using a set of mnemonics plus optional data. Typing HE in response to the prompt will list the entire command set available.
These are listed below and on the following pages.
Before attempting to control a card it is important to understand the switch architecture of that card and to know how to address the required switch. Each Pickering switch card is represented as a set of one or more sub-units, each sub-unit containing one or more switches. A sub-unit represents a collection of switches of similar type, it may represent an entire matrix, or a row of simple switches, or a power supply voltage setting.
In the case of a switch sub-unit, each switch is represented by a single bit of data and may be toggled between 0 and 1, 0 representing the off state of the switch relay and 1 representing the on state.

Table 5.1 – PILMon Command List

AttenuatorAttenuationGet

AAG