VTI Instruments launches EX1200-SMP high-density switch matrix
Irvine, CA. VTI Instruments announced today the release of its EX1200-SMP high-density switch matrix platform for its EX1200 Series multifunction switch/measure units. This newest addition in the EX product family features 16 integrated analog backplane lines, which reduces the need for external cabling that typically degrades signal integrity.
System designers can create 16xN matrices and easily bridge together multiple carriers to create even larger matrices, with up to 704×8 two-wire inputs in a single chassis. Increased board space allows for efficiency and performance gains for mixed signal applications in mechanical data acquisition and electronic test environments.
The EX1200-SMP supports system configurations for switching applications that require the flexibility of a crosspoint matrix topology. The four-slot main carrier can be plugged into any four slots of an EX1208A mainframe. One to four carriers can be accommodated in a single mainframe with the ability to mix and match with standard EX1200 series switch cards. For example, a 176´8 two-wire 2-A matrix can be combined with a 1.5-GHz RF multiplexer and 16-A general-purpose relay modules to cover a range of application requirements.
The EX1200-SMP can also be configured with either resource or I/O matrix modules in any combination, which allows point-to-point input/output (I/O) switching or mapping resources to UUT I/O. Routing signals between resource and I/O modules reduces external wiring. The product’s internal 16-line analog bus with integrated digital multimeter (DMM) maximizes performance.
VTI Instruments’ director of engineering Sangram Gaikwad noted, “The backplane of this product is designed so that each line is capable of functioning in a 50-Ω impedance environment or paired with adjacent channels to provide eight differential channels. The backplane is designed for high-bandwidth applications, with minimal insertion losses, and that’s something we think test engineers will appreciate because improved efficiency is built right into the EX1200-SMP.”
The compatible EX1208A mainframe module has a dedicated slot that can house an optional high-performance 6.5-digit DMM. When used as part of the measurement system, the DMM can be routed directly to five dedicated lines (Hi/Hi Sense, Lo/Lo Sense, and Guard) on the analog backplane of the EX1200-SMP carrier. The DMM also can be disconnected from the analog backplane to free up the bus lines for use by other resources. The entire system supports typical bandwidths in excess of 20 MHz. “This platform delivers economies of scale without having to compromise signal integrity,” Gaikwad added.
The EX1200-SMP addresses the requirements of test scenarios where very high channel count matrix solutions are required. For example, designers of applications can benefit from the EX1200-SMP’s super-high-density, high channel count, reduced cabling needs, and ability to mix and match general purpose and RF modules. The product is suitable for
- general purpose ATE,
- avionics test,
- engine control unit (ECU) test, and
- thermal vacuum applications.
