Pickering Interfaces Model 40-202 PXI Fault Insertion Switches

The Model 40-202 PXI Fault Insertion Switches, available with 22 or 11 fault insertion channels, were primarily designed by Pickering Interfaces to simulate fault conditions in automotive and avionics test applications involving the reliability testing of safety-critical controllers. They are specifically designed for differential signalling requirements, with capabilities to insert three different types of fault condition between the test fixture and the equipment under test: open-circuit, short-circuit between signal pairs and short-circuit to user-applied fault conditions such as power or ground.

Relays in line with the signal paths allow open circuit conditions to be simulated on either side or both sides of a signal pair. Relays between each channel pair enable adjacent signals to be shorted, and relays between signal paths and the ‘fault’ connection allow the application of external fault conditions.

The latest models complement Pickering’s large range of PXI fault insertion switches, which are typically used in hardware-in-the-loop simulation applications for electronic control unit validation. Their switching allows switching channels to be interconnected so that complex fault insertion channels can be constructed.

The products are supported by Pickering’s eBIRST Switching System Test Tools, which provide a quick and easy way of finding relay failures within the modules. In addition, the company’s signal routing software, Switch Path Manager, may be used to simplify signal routing through complex switching systems.