VXI signal switching into the next generation

The SMIP (Switch Modularity and Interface Platform) range of VXI modular signal switching products is now available from TTi (Thurlby Thandar Instruments), the exclusive UK distributor.

The SMIP (Switch Modularity and Interface Platform) range of VXI modular signal switching products is now available from TTi (Thurlby Thandar Instruments), the exclusive UK distributor.

This new family has revolutionised the automated signal switching market by providing a level of modularity and density that takes VXI signal switching into the next generation.

The SMIP series is designed exclusively for the VXIbus, and takes advantage of recent advancements in relay and driver technology, providing higher-performance switches in a smaller footprint.

Design criteria included a size reduction of at least 30% and a cost reduction of at least 20% from previously available switching solutions.

The SMIP family is divided into three main groups offering switching from DC to optical frequencies.

The first range covers DC to radio frequencies, and is for all switch modules under 4 GHz.

The microwave range is for all coaxial switching at frequencies above 1 GHz.

The third range is optical, for fibre-optic switches and attenuators.

The DC to RF range includes switch modules for power (switching currents of more than 2A), matrices, multiplexers/scanners, general-purpose units and RF.

Each group has the same software and driver interface, but with specific density, modularity and performance advantages for each frequency range.

Each SMIP base unit includes an advanced switch control interface board designed to provide all the features of an intelligent message-based switching system, but with the speed and flexibility of a register-based device.

These features are achieved in hardware on the control interface rather than in a driver or via on-board microprocessor-based firmware.

This approach guarantees that all communications to the switch occur in microseconds as opposed to several milliseconds, considerably improving system throughput.

A non-volatile memory allows users to store pertinent information such as maintenance records, relay specifications, installation dates, serial numbers and last-user identification.

A predefined sequence of channels or set-ups can be programmed into 1 Mbyte of RAM, and can be incremented by software or hardware trigger sources.

This relieves the host controller from having to tie up the VXIbus backplane when scanning.

Back to top