Instrument Certification as part of a Modular Test platform Architecture

Knowledge Base Article # Q200153

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Summary By David Manor and Michael Dewey - September 2007
  
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Abstract

The use of modular test systems for depot, intermediate, and factory test applications has increased dramatically in the last two decades. Today, the primary card modular architecture is based on the PCI Extensions for Instrumentation (PXI) standard with thousands of PXI-based systems in use today. The flexibility and configurability associated with PXI has also created new challenges for the calibration and certification of these systems. Historically, the process for re-certification of modular instruments has been to remove and return the modules to the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or a 3rd party test house, resulting in system down time. However, a better certification method for a card modular architecture is to develop an overall methodology and implementation that allows recertification of modules within the host system. This paper discusses the features and benefits associated with incorporating a PXI-based standards module (GX1034) as the basis for implementing a system level re-certification strategy. By employing a standards module within the system, recertification logistics and maintenance can be simplified, resulting in extended system up time and offering test managers added flexibility for supporting in-house certification of the system and system components. The GX1034 incorporates frequency, resistance and voltage standards and source / measurement facilities allowing the system designer to implement a baseband re-certification strategy for an automatic test system (ATS) platform.

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Related Product: GX1034 - Standards Module
Article Date 9/22/2009
Keywords GX1034, Calibration


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