Signametrics SM4022 - PCI Relay Switching Modules

The SM4042 and SM4022 are the only switching modules available in the PCI format designed for measurement accuracy. They allow you to maintain 7-1/2 digit measurement accuracy across your switching architecture. The SM4040 and SM4020 provide general purpose switcing for a lower price.

Instrumation Accuracy

The SM4042 and SM4022 Switches arethe only switching modules for PCI specifically designed for making measurements with a precision multimeter. No other PCI switch maintains the signal accuracy necessary to make 6-1/2 or 7-1/2 digit measurements. These switches use an isolated structure, high accuracy components and optical isolation, minimizing noise and keeping thermal EMFs less than 1microVolt. These low thermal EMF errors make it possible to make accurate measurements of voltages in the milliVolt range and resistances in the milliOhm range. Other PCI switching cards don"t specify their thermal EMF voltage errors because their poor accuracy would become obvious.

Hardware Components

The SM4040 and SM4042 are 40-channel relay scanners designed for use in applications requiring precision signal switching. Each of the relays can be controlled individually, or automatically routed using pre-defined configurations. All switching actions are performed within a single actuation time of less than 5 milliseconds. The SM4020 and SM4022 are 20-channel versions of the relay scanner.

These instruments occupy a single PCI slot. The plug-in switch provides cost effective and concise automated measurement switching capabilities, without compromising performance.

Applications

The SM4040 series switches are designed for more demanding applications requiring lower noise and higher precision. This includes automated production testing, laboratory automation, and Portable/field testing. Major users of Signametrics DMMs are in automotive and aerospace industries, education, and research & development.

Ease of Use

An onboard controller simplifies programming and minimizes the overhead typical and book-keeping associated with other switching modules. It also simplifies on the fly configuration of 2-Wire, 4-Wire, and 6-Wire switching applications. The switching module is controlled with high-level commands to its on-board controller.

Software

The software included with the SM4040 series switches contains a simple, quick and clean installation package. The installation is small, using less then twenty-five megabytes of disk space, and it does not make changes to any of your S/W tools, or your computer environment. and does not put extensive hooks into your operating system or other installed programs. Once this Plug-and-Play package is installed, a graphical control panel (seen below) is available to try out your SM4040 series switch. All of the relays are depected on this virtual front panel, with additional control functions in the top menu. You have the option to control the switch without doing any programming or configuration straight out of the box.

The SM4040 series switches support automated control in a wide variety of programming languages. Signametrics has no vested interest in which software package you use. Our support include the following languages C, C++, C#, .NET, Visual Basic, Mat Lab, Delphi, LabView, LabWindows/CVI, ATEasy, HPVee, and Microsoft Excel with VBA. Operating systems include all Windows flavors, 32bit and 64bit Linux and INtime®. If you have questions about software support, or whether signametrics supports another language or operating system, contact Signametrics support.

SM4040 General Purpose Switching

For customers who dont need the high accuracy of the SM4042, the SM4040 offers all the features of the SM4042 but at a lower accuracy, lower voltage ratings, and a lower price.

Accessories
For ease of use, three optional modules are available. The standard Screw Terminal Block is the SMX40, the Screw Terminal Block with Isothermal structure and block temperature sensor for use with Thermocouples is the SMX40T, and the loopback test module is the SM40L.