Metek EX1200A SERIES, User Manual

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EX1200A Series Introduction 11
S
ECTION
1
I
NTRODUCTION
F
EATURES
High-density Switch Subsystem with Scanning Measure and Control
The EX1200A systems are the highest density scanning switch/measure and control subsystem on
the market today with the capacity to switch up to 576 channels of voltage or temperature in a 1U
mainframe. A variety of modules can be utilized to build a comprehensive switching system
capable of routing dc to RF signals, as well as power signals up to 16 A. Input channels can be
routed directly to an optional 6½ digit DMM through an internal multiplexer bus to simplify
cabling. Analog and digital I/O modules can be added to control external devices.
The EX1200As provide a scalable architecture available as a half rack, 1U mainframe capable of
accepting up to two plug-in modules in addition to the optional DMM, as well as a full rack, 1U
version capable of accepting up to six plug-in modules and the optional DMM. This level of
scalability offers system developers the ability to easily construct small to large systems with a
common platform that maximizes reusability of engineering development.
Optimized Performance
EX1200As leverages the same technology that made VTI’s VXI-based SMIP switching family the
most successful modular switching platform for high-performance requirements in the most
demanding and complex application spaces. Now, VTI makes this powerful, cost-effective
solution commercially available for functional test systems, process monitoring, signal switching,
automotive ECM, temperature/data logging, and cable harness and battery testing.
The primary functions of EX1200As focus on signal switching, data logging, level detection, and
control. The compact 1U design provides the granularity to address small channel requirements
while allowing for multiple boxes to be “daisy-chained” together through the communications
interface based on Ethernet to accommodate larger applications.
Measurement Integrity
VTI has a long history of delivering high-density, modular switching solutions for the most
demanding applications in the military and aerospace market. VTI has years of experience in
designing switching systems that preserve the integrity of the signal that are routed between high-
performance instrumentation and complex designs under test. This provides the test developer
with the assurance that the switching system will not interfere with the signals of interest.
When tests are run in an uncontrolled environment, it is difficult to maintain predictable data over
a wide range of temperatures. The EX1200A system multimeter improves the accuracy of test data
by incorporating multiple calibration sets. Up to eight calibration sets can be stored on an
EX1200A, allowing the system to be ‘fine-tuned’ at various temperatures, thus returning reliable,
accurate, environment-independent data.