RF system integrators with a new high-performance VXIbus switch modules

Citation

(1998), "RF system integrators with a new high-performance VXIbus switch modules", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 70 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.1998.12770dad.012

RF system integrators with a new high-performance VXIbus switch modules

RF system integrators with a new high-performance VXIbus switch modules

Keywords Racal Instruments, Switch modules

Racal Instruments has introduced a new high-performance VXIbus RF switching module offering system integrators a low noise environment, ideal for switching the signals used in modern communication systems. Further expanding Racal's 1260 Series of VXIbus switching cards, the 1260-59 module provides a reliable, high-performance RF switch resource for signals up to 4GHz. The 1260-59's bandwidth, typically 5GHz, guarantees signals will not be degraded when switched from source to destination.

The two versions of the module available give users and system integrators the desired relay configurations and at the same time the high component densities to minimize the cost per channel. The 1260-59A module provides four 1 × 4 relays and the 1260-59B version gives the user eight 1 × 4 multiplexers, all in a single-slot C-size module.

Racal's 1260 Series switch modules claim to offer switching solutions for virtually any application. All the modules in the 1260 Series are VXIplug&play compatible and have full install disks that include VXI component knowledge base, automatic installation routine, full instrument driver and "soft" front panel software.

Reducing the cost of ownership, the 1260 high-density switching modules provide users and integrators with low-cost per channel, high-reliability switching capability for VXIbus systems. In addition, valuable VXIbus mainframe space is saved with use of these new high-density C-sized VXIbus modules, representing some of the highest component densities currently available.

The 1260 Series is able to offer comprehensive VXIbus switching solutions in configurations ranging from individual relays to large matrices, multiplexers or RF trees, covering frequencies from DC to 26.5GHz. Larger switching systems are easily configured by connecting multiple modules and controlling them via a single message-based interface. The Smart Controller Card (Option 01) converts a 1260 Series VXIbus switch card into a master controller to command up to 11 additional switch modules, enabling large switching systems to be created and managed with ease. The Option 01 card is a plug-in module that fits onto any 1260 Series module and does not take up additional space within the VXIbus mainframe. This control method permits access to many powerful software features and facilities including nonvolatile memory for storing relay configurations for fast and easy set up, relay monitoring for confidence checking of all relays and a scan mode for synchronous scanning of multiple test points.

Further information is available from European sales contact: John Brampton. Tel: +44 (0)1628 604455; North American sales contact: Malcolm Levy. Tel: +1 (714) 859 8999; or visit the Racal Instruments Web site at http://www.racalinst.com