Pickering Interfaces has introduced a new modular test chassis aimed at engineers who need high-density PXI/PXIe systems without the cost and hardware overhead typically associated with traditional PXI controllers. The new 12-slot LXI/USB chassis (model 60-107-001) is a compact 2U platform that combines a hybrid PXI/PXIe backplane with dual-interface control over USB or LXI Ethernet—allowing it to integrate directly with standard PCs.
Designed for test and verification environments that demand more capability in less space, the chassis delivers the highest PXI slot density currently available in a PXIe hybrid platform, offering twelve hybrid-compatible 3U module slots in only 2U of rack height. Because the controller is embedded, no system slot is required, giving engineers the full 12 slots for switching, simulation, or instrumentation modules.
High Density Without the Usual Tradeoffs
Space efficiency is one of the major advantages of the 60-107-001. The transverse cooling architecture removes the need for an extra 1U of open rack space typically required for airflow in many PXI systems. As a result, two of these chassis can be stacked directly—providing up to 24 usable module slots in just 4U, a 20% increase compared to Pickering’s own 4U, 20-slot PXIe hybrid chassis (model 42-927), which previously held the density lead.
The horizontal module orientation also enables support for wider modules, up to four slots, including high-density solutions such as Pickering’s BRIC4 switching matrices.
Designed for Scalable, Cost-Effective Test Expansion
Because the chassis operates over LXI or USB 3.0, it eliminates the need for a dedicated PXI controller or embedded PC—significantly reducing system cost for engineers looking to expand existing PXI setups. For organizations already working with partially filled PXI systems, this offers a more affordable upgrade path than purchasing an additional full PXI chassis and controller.
According to Lee Huckle, Pickering’s Chassis Product Manager, engineers are looking for compact, flexible test hardware that doesn’t compromise on slot count. The 60-107 series aims squarely at that need, delivering both the lowest cost-per-slot and highest slot density in the PXIe hybrid category.
Serviceability and Performance Features
The 60-107 is the first Pickering LXI/USB chassis to use a field-replaceable, slot-in power supply and embedded controller, making maintenance and future upgrades easier without removing the unit from a rack.
Other notable features include:
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OLED status displays for LAN/IP information
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Dynamic fan control for thermal efficiency
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Full support for Pickering PXI/PXIe switching, simulation, and instrumentation modules
For high-repetition test scenarios, Pickering also offers model 60-107-002, which adds built-in scan list sequencing and triggering to reduce latency and minimize test time.
Availability
The chassis comes standard with Pickering’s three-year warranty and long-term product support. Pricing and more technical details are available at www.pickeringtest.com.
