The chassis features a high-performance 21-slot PXIe motherboard and accepts compatible standard PXIe (PXI Express) or hybrid PXI modules in all hybrid peripheral slots for greater application flexibility. The Gen2 chassis offers high data bandwidth, with up to 8 GB/s system bandwidth and 2 GB/s slot-to-slot bandwidth. Ultra-high-performance PCIe switching is provided through the default four-link (4x4) PXIe system slot. The chassis utilizes three PCI segments with a dedicated PCIe-to-PCI bridge module for the hybrid slots. PXI-specific high-precision clocks and trigger signals are generated and controlled by a separate clock module connected to the back of the motherboard.
"Combined with our new 43-920-001 single-slot embedded controller, this new chassis offers unmatched rack density for signal switching," says Lee Huckle, Product Manager for Pickering Interfaces Chassis. "The chassis accepts standard PXIe or hybrid PXI-compatible modules in all 20 hybrid peripheral slots (the most of any chassis currently on the market), enabling up to 15,360 crosspoints with our large BRIC PXI matrix and multiplexer solutions."
Equipped with two 900W EMC Class B interchangeable power supplies (PSUs) mounted at the rear of the unit, the chassis can provide up to 80W of power and cooling to each slot, sufficient capacity to support PXI modules with very high current demands. An intelligent chassis management system monitors the power supply voltage, internal temperature, and cooling fan speed, and the current status of the chassis can be remotely checked via a port on the rear panel. Three 120mm fans ensure maximum cooling of the PXI modules, and an efficient direct convection design allows the chassis to operate in a wide ambient temperature range of 0°C to +55°C. With two interchangeable power supplies and a removable rear cassette, servicing and maintenance have never been easier.
