Diagnostic Test Tools for Switching Systems
You know that verification and diagnosis of complex switching operation in a test system has always been an issue. Two of our latest offerings in diagnostic test tools provide a quick and simple way of finding relay failures within LXI, PCI and PXI switch systems:
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BIRST™ - Built-in Relay Self-Test:
Available on some of our LXI & PXI matrix switching systems. BIRST requires no purchased external tools, it simply
requires a free software installation on a Windows controller.
-
eBIRST™ - Switching System Test Tools: A
set of tools that provide a means of quickly determining if a switching system has faults, identify where the
fault is located and allow fast corrective action.
Why choose Pickering products supported by BIRST and eBIRST?
Both of these diagnostic test tools will quickly test the switching system, locate the faulty relay and inform you what relays to replace via a graphical output. Considerably reducing downtime and minimizing the problem of ineffective repairs caused by misdiagnosed faults.
eBIRST |
BIRST |
System dependent test |
|
| Equipment required | Toolset to support specific connectors used in switching system | None, built into the matrix | None if already part of the system |
| User software investment | None, application program provided | None, application program provided | Responsibility of user or integrator |
| Cost | Low - tools can be shared across multiple requirements | None, built into matrix | High software investment for each test system requirement |
| Ease of fault identification | Simple - tool finds specific relay at fault and its physical location in the switching system | Simple - tool finds specific relay at fault and its physical location in the switching system
|
Typically identifies only a general indication of fault paths, will include cable faults but unable to distinguish them from relay faults easily |
| Fault coverage | 100% coverage of relay faults in a switching system | Covers only matrix core, cannot test non-matrix architectures | Typically identifies only a general indication of fault paths. Will include cable faults but unable to distinguish them from relay faults easily |
| Repair time |
Short - tool has identified all the faults | Short - tool has identified the matrix faults | Long - the user has to resolve the cause of the problem |
| Chance of misdiagnosed repairs |
Low
|
Low if in matrix
|
Significant risk
|
| Downtime | Short | Short if the fault is in a matrix | Long - especially if the fault leads back to switching system vendor repair |
Consider the Alternatives
Only Pickering offers this level of support for our switching systems. If you use another supplier’s switching system, you will have first to establish what sub-assembly or module is faulty, then test the individual modules to find what relay has failed. You can do this manually, consuming hours of engineer or technician time. Or you can try to write your self-test program to provide a diagnosis—again consuming hours of engineering time gaining knowledge of the test system and the way the switching system is put together. You will still have to check that the diagnosis is correct to avoid failed repair attempts.
With the BIRST and eBIRST diagnostic test tools, all of this becomes unnecessary. Simply choose the tool that can be applied
to the switching system and run the tests. BIRST requires no upfront investment; just choose a module that has BIRST.
For eBIRST, you buy the tools that cover your switching systems, a one-time upfront investment to reduce the cost of
owning a switching system.
We pride ourselves on having a long history of offering diagnostic test tools. From our GPIB products with a degree of self-test for the relays, MXT PXI switching test tool and
now BIRST and eBIRST.
Want to learn more about our Diagnostic Test Tools?
Feel free to contact one of our Switching Experts or take a look at our knowledgebase for information on the principles behind our diagnostic test tools.
