pickering 40-121 PXI Switched Guard Reed Relay Module User Manual

40-121 User Manual
PXI Switched Guard Reed Relay Module

40-121 PXI Switched Guard Reed Relay Module

© 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.

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: sales@pickeringtest.com
USA
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E-mail: desales@pickeringtest.com
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E-mail: ndsales@pickeringtest.com
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China
Tel: +86 4008 799 765
E-mail: chinasales@pickeringtest.com

PRODUCT SAFETY

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

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.|
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.| **
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 specification, 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 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| 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) fitted with these devices must be stored and transported in anti-static bags.| **
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.

SECTION 1 – TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

• 26x or 13x SPST Relays or 16x or 8x 2:1 Multiplexers per Module

• Switched Guard for Maximized Isolation Resistance

• Up to 10 13 Ω Isolation Resistance

• Uses High Reliability Pickering Ruthenium
  Reed Relays For Maximum Performance

• Fast Operating Speed 500 µs Typical

• Switch up to 100 V

• Drivers Supplied for Windows & Linux, Plus Support for Real-time Systems

• Supported by PXI or LXI Chassis

• 3 Year Warranty

The 40-121 provides 26 or 13 SPST switches or 16 or 8 2:1 multiplexers in a single slot PXI module and designed to provide an isolation resistance in excess of 10 13 Ω.
It has been designed to ensure high isolation resistance through the use of switched guards, making it ideal for low level measurements and semiconductor test.

Relay Type
The 40-121 is fitted with ruthenium sputtered reed relays, these offer very long life with good low level switching performance and excellent contact resistance stability. Spare reed relays are built onto the circuit board to allow easy maintenance with minimum downtime. All reed relays are manufactured by our Relay Division: pickeringrelay.com

Pickering’s Range of Switched Guard Modules:

40-121-001| 26 x SPST Switches
40-121-002| 13 x SPST Switches
40-121-011| 16 x 2:1 Multiplexers
40-121-012| 8 x 2:1 Multiplexers
4x-590-101| 16×4 Matrix
4x-590-102| 8×4 Matrix
65-290-002| 8×16 Matrix (plug-in module for 65-200 LXI Scalable Chassis)

26x SPST Switched Guard Reed Relay Module Switching Diagram (Part No. 40-121-001)

16x 2:1 Multiplexer Switched Guard Reed Relay Module Switching Diagram (Part No. 40-121-011)

Switching Specification

Switch Type:| Pickering Reed Relay
(Ruthenium Sputtered)
---|---
Max Switch Voltage:
Max Guard Voltage:| 100 V
100 V
Max Power:
Max Switch Current:| 20 W
1 A
Bandwidth (-3 dB):| 150 MHz
Typical Operate Time:
Settling Time:| 0.5 ms
2 minutes
Initial On Path Resistance:
Off Path Resistance:
Offset Voltage (EMF after 5 min.):
Offset Current **:
Isolation Resistance:| Signal: <400 mΩ (typical)
Guard: <200 mΩ (typical)

109 Ω
TBC
TBC
Up to 1013  Ω †
Capacitance, Channel Crosstalk
(signal-to-signal):
Capacitance, Guard Crosstalk
(signal-to-guard):| TBC
TBC
Expected Life, low power:
Expected Life, high power:| 1×10 9  operations
1×106 operations

• For full voltage rating, signal sources to be switched must be fully isolated from mains supply and safety earth.
  ** When zero voltage applied to all input & output ports. † Point to point utilising the driven guard, 10 V drive, 21 ºC, 40 % RH.

Power Requirements

Mechanical Characteristics
Single slot 3U PXI (CompactPCI card).
Module weight: 330 g
3D models for all versions in a variety of popular file formats are available on request.

Connectors
PXI bus via 32-bit P1/J1 backplane connector.
Signals via front panel connectors:

• 40-121-001 2x male 26-pin MS-M RF multi-way
• 40-121-002 1x male 26-pin MS-M RF multi-way
• 40-121-011 2x male 26-pin MS-M RF multi-way
• 40-121-012 1x male 26-pin MS-M RF multi-way

Operating/Storage Conditions

Operating Temperature: 0 °C to +55 °C
Humidity: Up to 90 % non-condensing Altitude: 5000 m
Storage Temperature: -20 °C to +75 °C
Humidity: Up to 90 % non-condensing
Altitude: 15000 m

Product Order Codes
Switched Guard Reed Relay Module:

Product Customization
Pickering’s 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 reed relay types
• Mixture of reed 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.

40-121-001 PXI Switched Guard Reed Relay Module With Connector Covers Removed

Support Products
Mating Connectors & Cabling
For connection accessories for the 40-121 please refer to the 90-017D 26-pin MS-M RF Connector Accessories data sheet where a complete list and documentation can be found for accessories.

Pickering Electronics State-Of-The-Art Reed Relays
This module is constructed using custom reed relays manufactured by our Relay Division.
Sputtered Ruthenium Reed Relays offer maximum performance, they are hermetically sealed and offer a very stable, long life relay contact (typically 10 9 operations) with very fast operate time. Alternative types such as electro-mechanical armature relays or noninstrumentation grade reed relays are lower cost but do not offer the consistent contact resistance, long life, fast switching speed and low level switching capability of a reed relay.
All of the reed relays used in our matrix switching modules are manufactured by our Relay Division, these offer maximum switching performance. Please visit the reed relay web site at pickeringrelay.com for further information.

PXI & CompactPCI Compliance
The module is compliant with the PXI Specification 2.2. Local Bus, Trigger Bus and Star Trigger are not implemented.
Uses a 33MHz 32-bit backplane interface.

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.

Chassis Compatibility
This PXI module must be used in a suitable chassis. It is 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

Chassis Selection Guide
Standard PXI or hybrid PXIe Chassis From Any Vendor:

• Mix our 1000+ PXI switching & simulation modules with any vendor’s PXI instrumentation
• Embedded or remote Windows PC control
• Real-time Operating System Support
• High data bandwidths, especially with PXI Express
• Integrated module timing and synchronization

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

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.

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

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

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

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

SECTION 2 – TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION

FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
A functional block diagram is provided in Figure 2.1. The Switched Guard Module is powered by +5V and +3.3V inputs via Compact PCI connector J1. The interface to the user test equipment is via front panel mounted male 26-pin MS-M multi-way RF connectors, two for the 40-121-001/011 (J2 and J3) or one for the 40-121-002/012 (J2). The module comprises a PCB populated with 26 or 13 double pole reed relays arranged as SPST with switched guard, or 32 or 16 double pole reed relays arranged as 16 or 8 two channel multiplexers with switched guard. Each signal path utilizes one reed relay – one pole switches the signal, the other pole switches the guard. The relays are energised with control signals from relay drivers U10 & U11 via digital isolator U9. The isolator  is driven by PCI bridge U3. Module configuration is determined by data stored in EEPROM U6. PCI Bridge U3 is configured by EEPROM U8. Figure 2.1 – Switched Guard Reed Relay Module 40-121: Functional Block Diagram

SECTION 3 – INSTALLATION

Refer to the Warnings and Cautions at the front of this manual
Modular products require installation in a suitable PXI/LXI chassis. The module is designed for indoor use only.

PREOPERATION 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.

Figure 3.1 – Installing the Module into a PXI/cPCI/LXI Chassis

HARDWARE INSTALLATION
ELECTRICAL CONNECTION (CHASSIS)

1. The chassis must be electrically installed in accordance with local regional electrical codes by a qualified engineer.
2. 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 VII.
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.

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 cards in the System 40, System 45 and System 50 ranges.
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.

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).

Figure 3.2 – General Soft Front Panel Icon

A selector panel will appear, listing all installed Pickering PCI, PXI or LXI switch cards and resistor cards. Click on the card you wish to control, and a graphical control panel is presented allowing operation of the card. Panels can be opened simultaneously for all the installed cards.

Figure 3.3 – General Soft Front Panel Selector

More details how to use the GSFP can be found in the manual, via menu Help\Manual

SECTION 4 – PROGRAMMING GUIDE

PROGRAMMING OPTIONS FOR PICKERING INTERFACES PXI 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: https://www.pickeringtest.com/support /software-drivers-and-downloads
Also, it can be accessed from the DVD supplied with the product: