Pickering Interfaces has introduced the 60-191 LXI high-current and sense switching family for automated electric vehicle (EV) battery and automotive electronics testing.
The switches can handle signals up to 80 A and 300 V, allowing engineers to distribute, sequence, and manage multiple high-current power supply units (PSUs) within automated test systems.
Installed between the PSUs and the device or system under test, each unit can independently connect or disconnect the positive and negative outputs along with their high- and low-sense lines. Engineers can also operate two high-current and two low-current relays together through a single command.
The family is available in four standard configurations, combining up to twenty 40 A and four 80 A hermetically sealed contactors with 1 A relays for sense lines. Custom relay combinations and alternative connector options are also available.
Key capabilities include:
- Switching up to 80 A and 300 V
- Storage of up to 5,000 predefined switching sequences
- Software or hardware-triggered sequence execution
- Relay cycle counting for preventive maintenance
- Front-panel status indicators
- 1000Base-T Ethernet control through an API or built-in interface
Storing switching sequences within the LXI controller can reduce host-system transactions and latency during automated testing. Relay cycle monitoring also allows engineers to track wear and balance usage across available paths.
The units support Windows and Linux through IVI and direct I/O drivers. Compatible development environments include LabVIEW, Python, C/C++, C#, MATLAB, and Simulink.
Typical EV applications include battery testing, high-drain automotive electronics validation, and functional or production testing of high-current power supplies.
Filed Under: Technology News, Test And Measurement