The 40-890-004 from Pickering Interfaces is a Flexible PXI Switching Module that operates up to 26.5 GHz. It consists of two terminated SP6T switches and a single SPDT relay, and can be externally cabled to create a SP12T multiplexer for frequency ranges where a dedicated 12:1 multiplexer is not available. This PXI switching module has an insertion loss of 0.6 dB and provides an isolation of 80 dB. It can handle an average input power of up to 40 W and has a switching time of 10 ms. This module can fit different types of relays to reduce chassis slots and offer design flexibility. It integrates LED indicators in the front panel to indicate the current energized path through the relay, thereby greatly simplifying the debugging process of test application software.
The 40-890-004 has an online microwave switch design tool (MSDT), that allows users to configure front-panel solutions for the module. The design can be customized by selecting from a full range of microwave relays, and adding LED indicators and/or graphical features such as component identifiers/logos to create a panel layout. This flexible PXI solution has undergone low-voltage safety and EMC tests to ensure safety during switching operations. It includes drivers that support Linux and Windows OS along with other real-time systems. This microwave module is available in a module with SMA connectors.
