Pickering Offers LXI Scalable and Modular Matrix
November 23, 2012. Pickering Interfaces is expanding its range of LXI switching solutions with the introduction of the 65-110 LXI Wideband Modular Matrix. The 65-110 modular platform chassis is capable of supporting matrices with Y-axis sizes of eight or 16 connections and X-axis size up to 104 connections in increments of eight with a usable bandwidth of 500 MHz.
The 65-110 is fully scalable—users can add X connections in blocks of 8 from 8 to 104 connections by simply adding or removing plug-in boards to the chassis. Plug-in modules can be added by users in the field; the chassis detects the presence of the plug-in modules and configures the matrix as a single matrix. The modular construction is made invisible to the user to simplify programming, and the Java-based soft front panel presents the user with a simple integrated interface reflecting the build of the matrix via the web interface.
The matrix has been designed for high bandwidth and low crosstalk, achieving a usable bandwidth of up to 500 MHz and crosstalk to better than 60 dB at 30 MHz and typically better than 45 dB at 500 MHz even on adjacent paths. The high performance of the matrix ensures that the 65-110 is well suited to fast data acquisition systems where a limited number of measuring devices need to capture data from many potential test points; the matrix allows these signals to be connected with minimal loss and low risk of interference from other paths.
All connections are carried on SMB coaxial connectors to preserve the signal bandwidth and ensure cabling can be adequately screened. The 65-110 includes a self-test capability that allows it to check all connection paths with the signal connections in place but not injecting current. This feature allows the matrix to be tested without having to first disconnect up to 120 RF connections. The self-test facility can be initiated through the 65-110 web pages; it requires no application program running on an external controller.
David Owen of Pickering Interfaces commented, “The 65-110 has been designed to fulfill a requirement at a big physics laboratory for a matrix in a data acquisition system. We have incorporated a number of unique design approaches into the 65-110 in order to achieve the performance required. The 65-110 has been developed as an LXI platform to ensure we had the ability to design the modular sections on a footprint that was (in this case) significantly better than that which could be achieved in PXI and could include a controlled internal analog module interconnect to ensure analog signal integrity. The LXI control interface is better suited to this type of application than alternative test and measurement control methods.”
The 65-110 is fully compliant with the LXI Version 1.4 standard.