eBIRST Switching System Test Tools

Our eBIRST switching system test tools quickly determine if a switching system has faults, identifies the location of the fault at relay level and allows the user to take fast corrective action. Ultimately saving repair costs and minimizing the downtime of the switching system.

• 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

By the use of four eBIRST test tools and a set of interface adaptors, any of our PXI, PCI and LXI controlled switching systems that use mechanical relays with precious metal contacts (typically contacts with a rating of 2A or less) or solid state relays are supported. DC coupled RF systems using SMB connectors are supported thru the use of test adaptors. Each tool is generic—it will support DC coupled switching systems that use multi-way connectors. The tools work by measuring the DC path resistance at the switching system connectors, quickly establishing if the path is good, has increased resistance, or has failed.

The eBIRST tools are self-contained, all you need is a USB2 port on a PC running Windows® and the supplied application program. The breadth of our switching systems that are supported by eBIRST is being continually expanded in response to user requests.

Brochure   Datasheet   Application program   Ordering information   FAQs  

Video: What is eBIRST? Video: How to use eBIRST

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-pin connectors on our PXI, PCI and LXI controlled switching systems.

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 verification 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.

Master/Slave Tools

Where two tools are required, use the following guide:

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.

Module Support

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.

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.

Learn more about eBIRST Switching System Test Tools 

Download or view one of the resources below or feel free to contact one of our Switching Experts  

• Download the eBIRST brochure here >>
• Download the eBIRST datasheet here >>
• Download the eBIRST user manual here >>
• Download the eBIRST application program here >>
• View our eBIRST videos
• What is eBIRST
• How to use eBIRST
• Additional Knowledgebase articles
• eBIRST FAQs
• How eBIRST works
• Master Slave Operation of eBIRST
• eBIRST Adapters
• eBIRST Verification Fixtures