Essex-based Pickering Interfaces has announced a PXI-based module that simulates current loop based sensors in industrial control applications – a PXIe version is also available.

Pickering-Interfaces PXI current-loop-simulator

Called ’41-765 Analog output/current loop simulator’, it is intended to tests transceivers using 4-20mA current loops.

In addition, is also simulates other interfaces including 0-24mA, +/-24mA, 0-5V, +/-5V, and +/-12mV. A channel can source or sink, emulating a transmitter or receiver.

Included are built-in relays to simulate shorts and opens, enabling fault insertion testing on each channel, and devices can also work in isolation mode to avoid ground loops. Modules can self-power using the PXI chassis supply, while external power is needed for isolation mode.

From four to 16 channels can be implemented in one PXI slot. “41-765 modules are the highest density simulators of their type, freeing up PXI or LXI/USB chassis slots for other instrumentation,” according to the company. “The new modules feature a soft front panel. Kernel and VISA drivers are included, and all major programming environments, including C/C++, .NET, Python, LabVIEW and MATLAB, are supported.”

Its aim is to simulate current loop transceivers in applications such as process instrumentation, PID (proportional – integral – derivative) controllers, SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) systems, and PLCs (programmable logic controllers).

Warranty is three-years.

The current loop simulator product page is here

Last week, Pickering released a similar product, a PXI (or LXI) slot simulator for LVDT, RVDT and resolvers.

Called 41-670, it can handle up to four channels of 5/6-wire LVDT/RVDT or resolver, or eight channels of 4-wire LVDT/RVDT simulation.

Each VDT bank has an independent excitation input, as well as the ability to use an internally generated excitation signal – and it can operate with a shared excitation signal to each channel for synchronous test.

Several models are available, that support excitation voltages ranging from 0.25Vrms to 38Vrms and frequencies from 300Hz to 20kHz.

The VDT – resolver simulator product page is here

Based in Clacton-on-sea, Pickering Interfaces designs and manufactures modular signal switching and simulation for use in electronic test and verification. It has a wide range of switching and simulation products for PXI, LXI, and PCI applications, as well as supporting cables, connectors, diagnostic test tools, application software and software drivers – it has an in-house software team.

41-765 is designed in the UK, and made in the UK and the Czech Republic.