Pickering Interfaces has introduced a new family of high-voltage programmable resistor modules in a compact single-slot PXI and PXIe form factor: model 40-230 (PXI) and 42-230 (PXIe). Designed for applications requiring voltage handling up to 1.2 kV, the modules are available in 70 standard builds, including four single-channel configurations, with a range of resistance options and resolutions.
The 40/42-230 modules are engineered for simulating real-world resistive loads and fault conditions in high-voltage devices under test (DUTs), such as electric vehicle (EV) power inverters, battery management systems (BMSs), and aerospace components.
Typical use cases include voltage isolation testing to verify compliance with safety standards such as ISO 6469 and IEC 60664, as well as sensor emulation in high-voltage environments without requiring the actual sensor hardware.
For hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation testing of electronic control units (ECUs), each channel can be configured for short or open circuit conditions to verify system response to sensor or connection faults. The design supports up to four channels per slot, with resistance ranges from 1 Ω to 76.8 MΩ and resolution down to 0.125 Ω.
The modules incorporate a hardware interlock for enhanced safety. When triggered, the interlock returns all relays to their default unpowered state and provides an error notification via the software interface. The interlock can be daisy-chained to other hardware-interlock-enabled modules for coordinated system safety.
Software control is implemented through resistor value calls, with the module calculating and setting the closest available value. An optional calibration cable assembly allows users to verify resistor channels with a digital multimeter for long-term accuracy.
Drivers are provided for Windows, Linux, and real-time operating systems. Applications span high-voltage test environments in automotive EV platforms, aerospace systems, and power electronics, as well as test benches requiring rapid reconfiguration of resistance or high channel density in limited PXI slots.
Filed Under: Technology News