New modular USB/LXI chassis increases test functionality in space-restricted applications

Pickering Interfaces has launched a new six-slot modular USB/LXI chassis that utilises only a small, 1U rack-height form factor, making it idea for portable and space-restricted rack-mount applications. The 60-106 chassis allows from one to six Pickering PXI 3U modules; the user can select from over 1,000 module types including programmable resistors, multiplexers, matrices, general purpose relays, RF switches and fault insertion units. The chassis is USB 3.0-compatible and has a fully compliant LXI interface with the choice of using a Wi-Fi dongle. Accordingly, remote control via USB or LXI Ethernet is possible — chassis can be controlled through standard interfaces available on most PCs and tablets that support HTML5. Comments Bob Stasonis, director of sales and marketing at Pickering Interfaces: “The small size will provide new functionality for test engineers. Possible system configurations include switching matrices up to 3312 crosspoints (three 40-560 BRIC2 modules occupying three pairs of slots) or up to 108 channels of programmable resistor/sensor emulation (six 40-295 18-channel resistor modules occupying six slots). This allows the system to add the necessary switching and frees up the PXI/PXIe slots for instrumentation.”