- Pickering Interfaces has introduced 4U LXI switching modules from the 60-191 series, designed for power management in automated test benches.
This range enables the switching of loads up to 80 A and 300 V, combining power switching and measurement (sense) lines in a single unit.
Available in four standard configurations, the modules integrate up to twenty 40 A single-pole (SPST-NO) contactors and four 80 A contactors, complemented by 1 A relays dedicated to high and low impedance sensing lines. Connections are made via front-panel screw terminals, and custom configurations are also available.
In terms of control, the system allows each relay to be controlled separately or four channels (two power and two detection) to be grouped under a single command in order to synchronize the connection and disconnection of a power supply. The LXI controller incorporates a sequencing engine capable of storing up to 5,000 instructions and executing them via software command or hardware trigger, thus minimizing latency and communication with the host computer.
The system is administered via a 1000Base-T Ethernet interface (compliant with the LXI 1.5 standard). It is supplied with IVI drivers compatible with Windows and Linux, supporting environments such as LabVIEW, Python, C/C++, C#, MATLAB, and Simulink. A cycle counting function for each relay is also integrated for contact wear analysis.
These modules are intended for the functional validation of high-power equipment, particularly in automotive electronics, batteries for electric vehicles, aerospace, photovoltaic inverters and electrolysis systems.
