Pickering Interfaces continues to regularly release
new products in both LXI and the PXI platforms

"LXI enquiries have been particularly strong in the last 12 months as more and more users are realising the benefits of the new platform. These enquiries are leading to a steadily increasing number of switching solutions being made available by Pickering Interfaces and LXI is becoming an increasingly important part of our business model also in the automotive world," said Keith Moore, general manager, Pickering Interfaces.

Amongst a variety of products, these latest models deserve attention.

Pickering Interfaces has expanded its range of PXI precision resistor modules with the introduction of two models: The 40-261 is a two channel resistor module offering excellent resolution and accuracy and is available in two resistance ranges. The resistor channels cover the range of 1.5Ω to 2.9kΩ or 10Ω to 36kΩ with setting resolutions of less than 2mΩ and 15mΩ respectively.

Model 40-297 is a range of high density resistor simulators with a broader resistance range and higher channel count, but lower resolution than the 40-261. It is available in 3 standard configurations having resistance ranges of 1Ω to 230Ω, 2Ω to 13.5kΩ and 3Ω to 1.5MΩ with 18, 9 and 6 channels respectively. The 6 channel version has a setting resolution of 0.125Ω.

Both models have software interfaces based on simple resistance calls for each channel, allowing users to just request the resistance value required. The modules includes calibration data that enables the driver toi select the nearest value of resistance available.

Both modules occupy just one 3U PXI slot and accurately reflect the behaviour of precise resistor values since they use switched resistors networks.

Pickering Interfaces also offer rwo of its latest high performance PXI chassis: The 40-922 and the 40-923, (pictured above), are 8 and 19 slot PXI chassis with high cooling capacity and advanced user features. Each chassis includes support for a 3 slot embedded controller or PCI to PXI interface. Careful attention to the design has resulted in a high cooling capacity while maintaining low acoustic noise through the use of temperature controlled variable speed fans.

An intellegent chassis management system monitors power supply voltages, internal operating temperatures and fan speed status through an RS232 interface with front panel status alarm giving users visual warnings of unusual operating conditions.

Optional rack mounting kits ensure the new chassis can be quickly mouinted into rack systems.

For 40-923 the capacity for using an external 10MHz clock ensures instrumentation in the PXI chassis can be easily frequency synchronised to other instruments in the ATE systems.

And at least but not least, a new range of Fault Insertion Switches: The range contains 8 modules configured as fault insertion, SPST Relay, Multiplexer and Matrix switches at 10A/200V and 30A/40V.

The 40-192 is a 6 channel fault insertion switch with two fault busses capable of hot switching signals up to 10A and 200V. The 40-191 uses the same architecture but is capable of switching signals of 30A, 40v  and handling surge currents in excess of 120A with no lifetime degradation. Each module is capable of simulating the most common faults found in a system-open circuits and short circuits to one of two fault connections. The fast switching speeds ensure the modules can be used to simulate fault conditions.

All modules can handle AC or DC signals up to the rated voltage and use high capacity male D Type user connectors. The modules can be fitted to any 3U PXI chassis or installed in a Pickering Interfaces' LXI  Modular chassis if Ethernet control is preferred. Each module occupies two PXI slots and is supplied with software drivers for common programming environments, including RT operating systems.

Pickering Interfaces in profile
Pickering Interfaces is a market innovator in signal switching and conditioning for a broad band of applications and architectures, with the largest range of switching modules in the industry for PXI, LXI, PCI, VXI and GPIB applications. Pickering Interfaces has provided solutions to both commercial and MIL/Aero applications. In addition, Pickering's range of instrumentation provides innovative test solutions to users and integrators of modular test systems. Pickering Interfaces operate globally with direct operations in the US, UK, Germany, Sweden, France, Czech Republic, and Engineering support in China, together with additional representatives in countries throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia.

Pricing and availability information is supplied on Pickering Interfaces website: www.pickeringtest.com

Stanyl Grade TE250F6 offers added
value for stator in Pierburg electric waterpump

PVS-Kunststofftechnik, a company specializing in overmolded insulation and other precision parts such as cooling fans for the electronic industry, has used Stanyl^® PA46 for the stator of the latest electric waterpump produced by Pierburg, the world's first series-production supplier of electric coolant pumps.

Overmolding is a relatively new technology and is offering value trough the possibility of adding 3D geometry and replacing powder coating or paper insulation. Using overmolding technology offers environmental benefits whilst saving processing time and reducing the number of steps in production.

Overmolded insulation is a new application area for Stanyl PA46, which is available in standard, HF (HighFlow) & SF (SuperFlow) grades. Prior to this application, Stanyl PA46 had not been used for these types of overmolding applications. According to

Bernd Szedlak, Project leader PVS: "For this application, Stanyl TE250F6 was selected because it offers excellent flow and its key advantages include elevated temperature resistance, improved heat dissipation, constant quality in dimensions and design freedom that allows for integrated functionality. The material makes it possible to create wall thicknesses in insulation areas of 0.35mm."

Stanyl TE250F6 PA46 is a 30% glass-reinforced, heat-stabilized and flame-retardant formulation. It is typically specified for applications that benefit from its 180+C temperature resistance, good dimensional stability, low creep, high modulus, good in-mold flow, and ability to meet regulatory requirements.

PVS-Kunststofftechnik in Niedernhall, Germany, is a leading manufacturer of high-quality plastic parts and assemblies. The company is specialized in Ventilation Technology and Electric Motor Components for Automotive, as well as Electrics and General Industries. Managing Director Jürgen Frank says: "Stanyl provides unmatched performance and combines the best mechanical properties at high temperatures, excellent resistance to wear and low friction, outstanding flow for easy processing and exceptional design freedom. The use of Stanyl PA46 offers new opportunities for us to expand our range to include overmolded insulation and other precision parts like cooling fans for the electronic industry."

For further information, e-mail: sandra.coolen@dsm.com     Refer to page 35