New 1000Base-T1 Fault Injection Module

Pickering UK, a leader in the production of signal switching and emulation solutions for use in electronic test and verification, has recently expanded the range of protocols supported with the introduction of its 1000Base-T1 PXI and PXIe Fault Injection Switching Modules. The compact, single-slot 40/42-203 and 40/42-204 series modules offer high performance, capable of switching up to 200V and 0.8A of current, with typical differential bandwidths of 1.6GHz and 700MHz, respectively, both offering appropriate specifications above 1000Base-T1. Modules are available with optional PXI or PXIe control interfaces for easy and flexible chassis selection.

The new 1000Base-T1 Fault Injection Modules, offer a wide choice of channel counts as well as two fault bus connections. 40-203 (PXI) and 42-203 (PXIe) series modules can support up to six channels on a two-wire connection, and the dual-group multiplexed 40-204 (PXI) and 42-204 (PXIe) series modules can support one or two channels in a two-wire connection. Both models offer signal paths with 100 Ω controlled transmission line impedance. 40/42-203 series use high quality reed relays designed for high frequency applications, while the 40/42-204 series use high quality electromagnetic relays, both of which provide long service life.

For smaller test applications, both ranges offer the flexibility of being partially populated, with the 40/42-203 available in a 3-channel version and the 40/42-204 available in a 1-channel version. If test requirements increase, the number of channels can be increased to 6 or 2 respectively without the need for more space, simply by replacing the fully populated modules in a single slot of the same chassis. Both series use the MMCX connector interface, which is not a differential connector but allows high channel counts in a small panel area.

Steve Edwards, Switching Product Manager at Pickering Interfaces, explains the new products: ‘1000Base-T1 was originally developed as a standard for the automotive market, where one of the requirements of modern automotive design is to achieve high transmission rates with a pair of differential conductors of minimal weight. The standard is also used for industrial control and building infrastructure Ethernet installations. Users can use our fault injection products to simulate a break in one or both conductors of each differential pair. Alternatively, two fault bus connections can be made to power rails, such as ground or battery and other injected signals, or shorted to the differential line connections. 40/42-204 series modules are capable of routing between the differential line and external devices of the test equipment, adding a new feature to Pickering's line of fault injection products. Due to the diversity of target industries, we believe these fault injection products will have many applications in a variety of ATE systems.’

Several manufacturers design and produce connector systems for 1000Base-T1 applications, but the industry has not standardised on specific series. As a result, customers are able to propose the type of connector they want to manufacturers.Pickering's connector branch, Pickering Connect, can produce customised adapters that convert the MMCX connector on the front panel of the module to the 1000Base-T1 connector interface required for the module connector, plus produce standard fittings as well. In addition, Pickering offers a standard three-year warranty on Fault Injection modules.