Test System Architect Streamlines Signal-Path Design
Test System Architect from Pickering Interfaces is a free online graphical toolset that allows developers to design, configure, and visualize complete test architectures before deployment. It was created to accelerate design time, eliminate errors, and simplify documentation across the test lifecycle.
The platform makes the signal path explicit and architecturally visible earlier in the design process. It's the first dedicated, graphical design tool for signal switching and cabling systems.
Test System Architect's end-to-end workflow integrates solutions such as the System Configurator Tool, Schematic Design Tool, Product Selector, and Migration Tool with previously released tools, including the company's Cable Design and Microwave Switch Design Tools. The toolset enables engineers to create detailed schematics, automate cable designs, and configure complex test systems.
Developers can select the appropriate PXI, PXIe hybrid, and LXI/USB chassis, and pinpoint the exact switching, simulation, and instrumentation modules for their specific application, while also incorporating third-party instruments. It can add modeled devices under test, visually configure the system, graphically interconnect all items, and automatically generate cable designs.
Built on an integrated database, Test System Architect’s cohesive capabilities reduce errors, enable collaboration, and accelerate signal-path design from concept to deployment. Built-in validation and connectivity checks eliminate design errors and reduce hardware rework.
In addition, designs are securely stored in the cloud. Thus, test system designers can collaborate with colleagues, third-party systems integrators, and Pickering engineers through the integrated project manager.
With version control and revision history, its automated generation of wiring schematics, pin-to-pin lists, datasheets, bill of materials, and visualization models slashes documentation time. Simplifying maintenance, collaboration, enhancements, and replication, the Migration Tool also streamlines the transition from legacy VXI and GPIB systems to the latest, functionally equivalent PXI architectures.
Related links:
More Technology News
About the Author
Alix Paultre
Editor-at-Large, Electronic Design
An Army veteran, Alix Paultre was a signals intelligence soldier on the East/West German border in the early ‘80s, and eventually wound up helping launch and run a publication on consumer electronics for the US military stationed in Europe. Alix first began in this industry in 1998 at Electronic Products magazine, and since then has worked for a variety of publications in the embedded electronic engineering space. Alix currently lives in Wiesbaden, Germany.
Also check out his YouTube watch-collecting channel, Talking Timepieces.