High-density matrix switching
November 2010
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
National Instruments introduces switching solutions to streamline automated test.
NI SwitchBlock for PXI is a high-density switching solution featuring an innovative architecture that simplifies connectivity through internal column expansion. Designed specifically for demanding automated test systems with large numbers of channels, the NI SwitchBlock integrates with NI Switch Executive switch management software to provide a streamlined, intuitive option for switch configuration, routing, programming and maintenance.
The NI SwitchBlock comprises an expandable carrier that occupies four PXI slots and accommodates up to six relay cards. Engineers can use the carrier’s integrated high-voltage analogue bus to internally expand the relay cards into large matrices with more than 2000 cross-points in a single carrier. They can further expand these matrices with an NI SwitchBlock expansion bridge, which extends a carrier’s analogue bus to additional carriers. Engineers can combine up to four NI SwitchBlock carriers to create internally routed matrices with as many as 8832 cross-points in a single PXI chassis. Because of this innovative hardware architecture, the NI SwitchBlock can integrate with other PXI instruments and I/O for use as the core of large-scale automated test systems.
With NI Switch Executive software, engineers can graphically configure their switch systems one relay at a time for total control, or automatically route signals across multiple relay cards simply by specifying end-points. This high level of abstraction helps engineers to quickly and efficiently begin developing their application. By combining NI Switch Executive with NI LabVIEW graphical system development software, users can abstract numerous route groups to configure, program and maintain large matrix configurations. The NI SwitchBlock also includes the new NI Switch Health Centre software, which increases long-term system reliability by automatically running onboard diagnostics that verify relay continuity and display relay count information.
Additionally, NI SwitchBlock can be combined with mass interconnect solutions from MAC Panel and Virginia Panel, which provide a single rugged connection point between multiple NI SwitchBlock connectors and a test fixture. This further simplifies wiring for large matrix configurations and helps streamline the hardware integration and reduce test setup time.
The NI SwitchBlock offers multiple relay card options, including a growing selection of topologies and relay types to address a variety of large-matrix test needs. Engineers can customise the NI SwitchBlock with different relay cards in a single carrier to create a configuration that best meets their requirements. To help find the most efficient NI SwitchBlock configuration for a specific application, NI has created an online advisor tool that guides users through the relay card selection process and adds the correct number of carriers and expansion bridges to meet the application requirements.
Further reading:
Oils don’t die, they degrade
Wearcheck
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
WearCheck explores the main ways lubricants degrade in service and how these degradation modes affect oil performance and machine reliability.
Read more...
Real-time spectrum analyser
Vepac Electronics
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
The PXE series real-time spectrum analyser covers frequencies up to 20 GHz with a 100 MHz analytical bandwidth and ultra-fast sweep speed, supporting spectrum monitoring, interference finding and RF test and measurement functions.
Read more...
Preserving a French heritage landmark
Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Omniflex supplied a remotely monitored impressed current cathodic protection system for the Perret Tower in Grenoble, a protected French heritage site, combining 24/7 corrosion protection with integrated surge protection against lightning strikes.
Read more...
Operational efficiencies and safety compliance with preventive maintenance programmes
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Konecranes explains how its Lifecycle Care Preventive Maintenance programme reduces unexpected downtime, improves safety compliance and delivers measurable financial benefits for operators of cranes and lifting equipment across any make or sector.
Read more...
Portable appliance tester
Vepac Electronics
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Vepac Electronics’ new portable appliance tester enables precise safety testing of electrical appliances in accordance with DGUV regulation 3 and BetrSichV, with simple three-button operation and battery-powered mobility.
Read more...
Why lubrication fails in mining and what to do about it
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Lubrication Engineers explains the recurring failure points behind mining lubrication problems and how the right product, storage and application practices can improve equipment reliability.
Read more...
When digital twins move from concept to critical tool
IT in Manufacturing System Integration & Control Systems Design Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Digital twins are moving out of the lab and onto the mine, the factory floor and the transport network where they predict failures before they happen. Amritesh Anand looks at where they earn their keep, the data and integration work behind them, and the security questions every organisation should ask before switching one on.
Read more...
Why asset level intelligence is now essential for resilient wastewater plants
Schneider Electric South Africa
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Sub-Saharan Africa’s wastewater operators face mounting pressure to keep ageing plants running smoothly and meet tougher environmental standards, all while lacking visibility into the health of their medium-voltage (MV) drives and other critical rotating assets. Adding predictive analytics, digital twins and enterprise dashboards enables optimisation across multiple sites, ensuring every drop moves safely and efficiently through the water cycle.
Read more...
How multiple boilers can minimise costly downtime
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Associated Energy Services explains how multi-boiler systems reduce downtime risk for South African manufacturers, covering redundancy planning, fuel source diversification and the strategic management of backup boiler capacity.
Read more...
Field calibration made easy
Instrotech
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Instrotech’s locally designed and manufactured Calog calibrator range feature a rugged IP54-rated housing, backlit display with data logging via SD card, and a lithium-ion battery with approximately eight hours of run time.
Read more...
printer friendly version