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.
For additional information about the SM4042, SM4040, SM4022
or SM4020, please contact Signametrics
with your questions via phone or email. |
