eBIRST™ – 开关系统测试工具

Switching systems are an important part of many test systems, however, the switching system is in a vulnerable place. When accidents happen that can cause a faulty device, you need a way to get the system up and running again with a minimum of effort and operator skills. That is where our eBIRST switching system test tools come in, they will:

Quickly determine if your switching system has faults
Identify where that fault is located at relay level and allow you to take fast corrective action
Save repair costs
Minimize downtime of the switching system

The eBIRST toolset consists of three different tools that support 200-way LFH, 78-way and 50-way connectors and a set of adaptors that allow connection to other connector types. A supplied application program controls the eBIRST tools via a USB2 port that also provides the tool power and controls the switching system using a Test Definition File to define the test sequence.

These tools work by measuring the path resistance at the switching system external connectors using four-wire measurements, quickly establishing whether the path is good, has increased resistance or has failed.

eBIRST switching system test diagnostic tools

Switching Systems Supported by eBIRST Tools

The eBIRST tools are self-contained; all you need is a USB2 port on a PC running Windows and the supplied application program. The program uses a Test Definition File created for each switching system that defines how to test the system. They can test any of our switching systems that use mechanical relays with precious metal contacts (typically contacts with a rating of 2A or less) or solid state relays. DC coupled RF systems using SMB connectors are also supported thru the use of test adapters. Each tool is generic—it will support DC coupled switching systems that use multi-way connectors on our PXI, PCI and LXI controlled switching systems

Why choose Pickering products supported by eBIRST?

Users buy switching systems to test products. When the switching system develops a fault it causes downtime, consumes an engineer’s time to diagnose the fault and delays projects and sales. So when problems occur—instead of figuring out how to identify and rectify the fault, get your eBIRST tool connect it to the system and run the test.

eBIRST tools will quickly test the switching system, locate the faulty relay and inform you what relays to replace via a graphical output. Downtime is considerably reduced and the problems of misdiagnosed faults causing ineffective repairs to be carried out are minimized.

Ordering eBIRST Tools

The tables below provide information on what eBIRST tools are needed for different types of switching products, this depends on the type of connector used on the module to be tested. For each connector two options are listed, the first column lists the parts that are essential and the second column lists the optional calibration fixture required if the user would like to independently verify the tools. The second table lists the parts required if the switching system requires the use of two tools. Some products with multiple user connectors and a switched thru path may require the use of two tools in a master/slave arrangement to provide 100% test coverage. If two tools are required, you will also need the Slave Mode Connection Cable.

200-Way Male LFH Test Tool

78-way Female D-type Test Tool

50-way Female D-type Test Tool

Connector Type on Module Under Test	Single Tool Parts Required	Optional Parts
200-way Female LFH	1 off 200-way Male LFH Test Tool: 93-002-001	1 off Calibration Fixture 200-way LFH: 93-002-101
160-way Male DIN41612	1 off 200-way Male LFH Test Tool: 93-002-001 1 off 160-way Female DIN41612 Adapter PCB: 93-002-410	1 off Calibration Fixture 200-way LFH: 93-002-101
96-way Male SCSI style	1 off 200-way Male LFH Test Tool: 93-002-001 1 off 96-way Female SCSI Style Adapter Cable: 93-002-226 1 off 96-way SCSI Style Termination Fixture: 93-016-103	1 off Calibration Fixture 200-way LFH: 93-002-101
78-way Male D-type	1 off 78-way Female D-type Test Tool: 93-006-001	1 off Calibration Fixture 78-way D-type: 93-006-101
68-way Female SCSI style	1 off 78-way Female D-type Test Tool: 93-006-001 1 off 68-way Male SCSI Style Adapter PCB: 93-006-401	1 off Calibration Fixture 78-way D-type: 93-006-101
50-way Male D-type	1 off 50-way Female D-type Test Tool: 93-005-001	1 off Calibration Fixture 50-way D-type: 93-005-101
37-way Male D-type	1 off 50-way Female D-type Test Tool: 93-005-001 1 off 37-way Female D-type Adapter PCB: 93-005-418	1 off Calibration Fixture 50-way D-type: 93-005-101
25-way Male D-type	1 off 50-way Female D-type Test Tool: 93-005-001 1 off 25-way Female D-type Adapter PCB: 93-005-414	1 off Calibration Fixture 50-way D-type: 93-005-101
9-way Male D-type	1 off 50-way Female D-type Test Tool: 93-005-001 1 off 9-way Female D-type Adapter Cable: 93-005-238 1 off 9-way D-type Termination Fixture: 93-003-103	1 off Calibration Fixture 50-way D-type: 93-005-101
8-way Male Power D-type	1 off 50-way Female D-type Test Tool: 93-005-001 1 off 2x8-way Female Power D-type Adapter Cable: 93-005-236 1 off 8-way Power D-type Termination Fixture: 93-012-103	1 off Calibration Fixture 50-way D-type: 93-005-101
SMB co-axial	1 off 50-way D-type Test Tool: 93-005-001 1 off SMB Co-axial Cable Adapter: 93-005-202	1 off Calibration Fixture 50-way D-type: 93-005-101

Master/Slave Tools

Where two tools are required, use the following guide:

Connector Type on Module Under Test	Tool Parts Required	Optional Parts
68-way Male SCSI style (used on BRIC modules)	2 off 78-way Female D-type Test Tool: 93-006-001 2 off 68-way Female SCSI Style Adapter Cable: 93-006-222 1 off 68-way Male SCSI Style Termination Fixture: 93-015-103 Slave Mode Connection Cable: 93-970-301	1 off Calibration Fixture 78-way D-type: 93-006-101
All Other Connectors	Tool for each connector as in table above Slave Mode Connection Cable: 93-970-301	1 off Calibration Fixture 78-way D-type: 93-006-101

Module Support

The eBIRST tool is being continuously expanded to cover the majority of our switching systems in PXI, LXI and PCI form factors that use the connector interfaces listed. To check if your switching systems are supported contact your local sales office.