matrix switch automatic diagnostic test (44x4 DPDT)

[nguyen]

I would like to ask if anyone had implemented the automatic diagnostic test for the matrix switch

[Sonya W.]

If you could provide me with a little more information, I will be able to help you further with your question. Please answer the three questions below:

1. Exactly what types of switches are you using to create this matrix?

2. Are the driver(s) for these switches IVI-compliant?

3. What type of "automatic diagnostic test" do you want to implement?

After I receive your answers, I will be able to look into possible solutions for you.

Sonya Wornson
Applications Engineer
National Instruments

[nguyen]

Hi Sonya,

I am using Pickering Switch (44x4 DPDT #40-523-022 -- 4 cards) card and NI PXI chassis (PXI-1006). My driver for the card did support IVI-compliant. In my system I had DMM multimeter with at least 60 channels. I am looking for a scheme to witch the DMM to the matrix, close and open the switch then measure the resistance to see if the switch is close and open ok (automatic by software).

Thanks,
Nam

[Sonya W.]

Hi Nam,

I would recommend using LabVIEW and possibly Switch Executive to program your switches and DMM in order to set up your test program. Both applications have free trial versions which can be downloaded from our web site:

LabVIEW
http://www.ni.com/labview (information)
LabVIEW Trial Versions

Switch Executive
http://www.ni.com/switchexecutive

Switch Executive simplifies integrating multiple IVI-compliant switches and saves time with assisted routing. You can use the routes you configure in Switch Executive for simplified switch programming in LabVIEW, TestStand, Measurement Studio, or LabWindows/CVI. The article linked below discusses how Switch Executive simplifies switch programming and includes an example of integraing Switch Executive with LabVIEW:

NI Switch Executive Simplifies Switching in Your ATE Systems

You can also program your IVI-compliant switches directly in LabVIEW using the IVI-compliant switch VIs located in your Functions palette (Functions >> Instrument I/O >> IVI Class Drivers >> IVI Switch).

In order to also programmatically take readings on your DMM, you can use the IVI-compliant DMM VIs located in your LabVIEW Functions palette (Functions >> Instrument I/O >> IVI Class Drivers >> IVI DMM) if your DMM is IVI-compliant.

For both your switches and DMM, if you already have a LabVIEW instrument driver for your switch/DMM, I would recommend using that driver. For example, a National Instruments DMM uses the NI-DMM driver. We have quite a large collection of instrument drivers from other vendors located on our web site. You can search our listings here; if you do not find the driver you are looking for I would recommend contacting your instrument's manufacturer directly.

For additional information on using IVI instrument drivers, please see the link below:

Using IVI Drivers to Build Hardware-Independent Test Systems with LabVIEW and LabWindows/CVI

Best wishes on your application!

Sonya Wornson
Applications Engineer
National Instruments