Pickering introduces LXI microwave switching platform
-- Test & Measurement World, 11/21/2006 5:45:00 AM
Pickering Interfaces at Electronica 2006 highlighted its new 60-750 and 60-751 LXI microwave matrix products. The 60-750 is available as a single or dual 4x4 matrix with optional loop-through and terminated versions. The 60-751 20-GHz version is offered as a single 4x4 matrix. An 8x4 matrix configuration is available for the 60-750 to 10-GHz.
The 60-750 and 60-751 occupy just 2U of rack space. The LXI-compliant interface provides a simple method of controlling the matrix through a Web browser or through the programmatic interface that supports most software programming environments.
The matrices can be supplied with options for internal termination of unused inputs and loop-through connections for easy matrix expansion. An auxiliary output allows the 60-750/751 to control and supply power to external relays or loads.
The 60-750/751 products are the first in a range of Pickering Interfaces microwave switching products to be made available with LXI-compliant control interfaces. According to David Owen, business development manager for Pickering Interfaces, “The LXI format is ideal for creating microwave switching solutions. The mechanical and electrical freedom of the LXI standard allows us to implement microwave switching solutions which are either difficult or impossible to achieve economically in other platforms. The 60-750 offers a more compact and cost-effective solution than our PXI or VXI equivalents. We already have acceptance of the product by a major wireless peripheral manufacturer who recognizes the value that the platform adds to their testing process.”
