RadiMation Application Note 123: Difference between revisions

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__NOTOC__
= Implementing the control of a switch matrix in {{RadiMation}} =
This application note explains how to integrate a switch matrix into {{RadiMation}} so that the actual relays are correctly controlled when the automated test is performed by {{RadiMation}}.


RadiMation Application Note 123
When performing a test, it is often necessary to switch between different pieces of equipment depending on the settings or frequency range. {{RadiMation}} supports this by allowing a specific switch matrix driver to be configured for each test site.


Normally the actual physical configuration of one or more relays and the related cabling and connections is available as a schematic drawing or listed in for example a Microsoft Excel sheet. It provides which components are connected to each other when the relays are in a certain state. SPDT ([[wikipedia:Single pole, double throw|single pole, double throw]]) relays normally can be in two modes, being: 'Normally Open' (NO) and 'Normally Closed' (NC). Other relay types like SP6T (single pole, 6 throw, or a one on 6-relay), indicate a specific switch state with the actual position number.


= Implementing switch matrix design in [[RadiMation|{{RadiMation}}]] =
* 'Normally Closed' (NC) indicates the state of the relay when it is completely un-powered, and thus is the state in which it returns when it is being disconnected.
This application note describes how to implement a switch matrix design into [[RadiMation|{{RadiMation}}]]
* 'Normally Open' (NO) indicates the contact that closes (i.e., makes the connection) only when the relay is powered; when un-powered it is open (not connected). To make a connection on the 'Normally open' state, the relay has to be actively controlled.


When making a test setup it can be needed to switch to different equipment for different settings or frequency ranges. This is supported in [[RadiMation|{{RadiMation}}]] by being able to make a specific driver for a switch matrix to be used in a specific test-site. Later in this text this will hopefully become more clear.
Based on these states, and the actual physical switch matrix design the exact flow of the signals is known, and it can be determined which switches need to be set to create the desired signal path.


A switch matrix design is normally a drawing or something like a excel sheet. It will tell you what is connected when the relays are in a certain state. The relays normally can be in two modes. Normally open and Normally closed.
== A radiated immunity test with two frequency bands ==
To activate a desired signal path, switch matrix device drivers with the correct settings need to be selected in the test site.


Open means that the switch is off and closed means that the switch is on. When we have the switch matrix design we know the signal flow and which switches need to be set to create the desired signal path.
A simple possible scenario where a switch matrix can be used is the automation of a Radiated Immunity system that has different amplifiers and different antennas to cover the frequency range from 80 MHz up to 3 GHz. The equipment that can be used for this is:


{|class="wikitable"
! Test site || device type || model || frequency range || remark
|-
!colspan="5"| Radiated Immunity - 80 MHz - 1 GHz
|-
| || Amplifier || [[ETS-Lindgren 8100-002]] || 80 MHz - 1 GHz ||
|-
| || Coupler || [[Bonn BDC 0110-40]] || 100 kHz - 1 GHz ||
|-
| || Antenna|| [[Schwarzbeck VULB 9160]] || 80 MHz - 1.7 GHz ||
|-
!colspan="5"| Radiated Immunity - 1 GHz - 3 GHz
|-
| || Amplifier || [[Bonn BLMA 1030-250]] || 1 GHz - 3 GHz ||
|-
| || Coupler || [[Bonn BDC 0530-50]] || 500 MHz - 3 GHz ||
|-
| || Antenna|| [[Schwarzbeck BBHA 9120D]] || 1 GHz - 18 GHz ||
|-
!colspan="5"| Generic / used in both
|-
| || Signal generator || [[Raditeq RGN2006B|RadiGen RGN2006B]] || 4 kHz - 6 GHz ||
|-
| || Forward power meter || [[Raditeq RPR2006C|RadiPower RPR2006C]] (Fwd) || 9 kHz - 6 GHz ||
|-
| || Reflected power meter || [[Raditeq RPR2006C|RadiPower RPR2006C]] (Refl) || 9 kHz - 6 GHz ||
|-
| || N-type relay (Relay A) || [[Raditeq RSW1021N|RadiSwitch RSW1021N]] || DC - 12.4 GHz || present in RadiCentre slot 4
|-
| || N-type relay (Relay B) || [[Raditeq RSW1021N|RadiSwitch RSW1021N]] || DC - 12.4 GHz || present in RadiCentre slot 5
|-
| || N-type relay (Relay C) || [[Raditeq RSW1021N|RadiSwitch RSW1021N]] || DC - 12.4 GHz || present in RadiCentre slot 6
|}


== How to use the switch matrix ==
Apart from this equipment also two power meters to measure the forward and reflected power are used. A single signal generator is used to drive the amplifiers.


See the picture below for a schematic overview of this setup. In this diagram the cables for the forward power are drawn in red, while the cables for the reflected power are drawn in blue.


To use a switch matrix you need to add them with the needed settings to the test site.
[[File:ApplicationNote123Switches.png]]


Below we will explain an example use-case scenario. We have chosen to show how to implement a specific scenario instead of explaining all the different steps in the process. This is because it is very case specific how you would set it up.
The signal path and devices needed in the different bands need to be different, while at the other hand some equipment (like the signal generator and power meters) are the same for both signal paths. To configure the differences, it is necessary to make two test sites. The first test site is for testing on the the low frequency range and the second test site is for testing on the high frequency range. During the actual test configuration, the desired test site for the frequency range can be selected that is applicable. And because the test site configuration also contains the correct switch matrix configuration, also the relays will be automatically set to create the correct signal path.


The correct position of each relay for each test site will be:


By explaining a scenario you get an idea why it is set-up in a specific way
{|class="wikitable"
! Test site || Relay A || Relay B || Relay C
|-
| Radiated Immunity - 80 MHz - 1 GHz || NC || NC || NC
|-
| Radiated Immunity - 1 GHz - 3 GHz || NO || NO || NO
|}


Scenario:
This switch matrix design can now be implemented in {{RadiMation}} by configuring the different components. In this example, separate switches are being used, however it is also possible to use switchboards that have more than one relay, and in that case a single switchmatrix device driver for each test site can suffice.


You have a RI test that you need to set up. The path and devices needed in the different bands need to be different, also we want to use the same measurement equipment for both paths. This means that you need to make two test sites.
== Configuring and using switches in RadiMation ==
Once all the information and the schematic is defined, all the used devices can be configured in {{RadiMation}}. The most logical configuration is to create a switch matrix for each individual signal path (or part of the signal path) that can be active at any moment. A switch matrix device driver is thus not created for a single relay, but each possible switch selection of a relay will have its own switch matrix device driver. The activated relay selection is thus part of each switch matrix device driver.


One for the low range and one for the high range. In this way you can select the right test-site for the frequency range you are working on. If the test-site is properly set up it will automatically set all the relays need to create the path requested.
== Configuring the switch matrix device drivers for all relays ==


<ol>
<li>Open the menu<p>{{Menu|Configuration|Configuration|Device Drivers}}</p></li>
<li>Choose the device type {{ScreenElement|Switch matrixes}} and click on {{ScreenElement|Add}}.</li>
<li>From the list, select the {{ScreenElement|Raditeq RSW1021N}}.</li>
<li>Set the description to the state that is actually being selected by the driver in this example: <code>Signal generator to ETS-Lindgren amplifier</code>.  <BR />[[File:ApplicationNote123RelayAName.png]]</li>
<li>Open the {{ScreenElement|Advanced}} driver configuration and go to the {{ScreenElement|Communication}} tab. Configure the correct communication settings to control the relay card, depending on how it is connected to the PC.<BR />[[File:ApplicationNote123RelayACommunication.png]]</li>
<li>For the [[Raditeq RSW1021N]] relay, also the RadiCentre slot number in which the card is present should be selected. Select the {{ScreenElement|RadiCentre}} tab, and select the correct slot number, which is 4 for Relay A in the example setup.<BR />[[File:ApplicationNote123RelayARadiCentre.png]]</li>
<li> Select the {{ScreenElement|Switches}} tab and select {{ScreenElement|Normally Closed}} for the relay in the {{ScreenElement|During}} phase. The relay position that is selected on the {{ScreenElement|During}} tab is the relay position that is active ''''during'''' the test. The relay position that is selected on the {{ScreenElement|After}} tab is the relay position that is active ''''after'''' the test is finished.  <BR  />[[File:ApplicationNote123RelayASwitches.png]]</li>
<li>Close the advanced driver configuration.</li>
</ol>


Let us further specify the scenario:
Repeat the above steps to also create drivers for all the other signal paths of Relay A, Relay B and Relay C:


{|class="wikitable"
! Relay || device driver name || RadiCentre slot number || internal relay state
|-
| Relay A || Signal generator to ETS-Lindgren amplifier || 4 || Normally closed
|-
| Relay A || Signal generator to Bonn amplifier || 4 || Normally open
|-
| Relay B || ETS-Lindgren amplifier to forward power meter|| 5 || Normally closed
|-
| Relay B || Bonn amplifier to forward power meter || 5 || Normally open
|-
| Relay C || ETS-Lindgren amplifier to reflected power meter|| 6 || Normally closed
|-
| Relay C || Bonn amplifier to reflected power meter || 6 || Normally open
|}


We have two ranges with the following equipment:
After these switch matrix device drivers are created, the list of configured device drivers is available as:


[[File:ApplicationNote123SwitchMatrixDeviceDrivers.png]]


80 MHz-1 GHz
== Selecting the switch matrix device drivers in the test site ==
Once all the device drivers for the switch matrix states and the other test and measurement equipment are created, those device drivers can be selected in the corresponding test site configuration.
In the provided example, two test sites are being used, each having their own operational frequency range.


AMP 200w 80 MHz - 1 GHz
<ol>
<li>Open the test site configuration by selecting from the menu<p>{{Menu|Configuration|Test Equipment}}</p></li>
<li>Click on {{ScreenElement|Add}} to make a new test site, and specify the name of the new test site: "Radiated Immunity - 80 MHz - 1 GHz"</li>
<li>Now {{ScreenElement|Add}} all the device drivers for this test site, needed to perform the test. In this example that would be:
* Signal generator: RadiGen RGN2006B
* Amplifier: ETS-Lindgren 8100-002
* Coupler: Bonn BDC 0110-40
* Forward power meter: RadiPower RPR2006C (Fwd)
* Reflected power meter: RadiPower RPR2006C (Refl)
* Antenna: Schwarzbeck VULB 9160</li>
<li>Also add the previously created switch-matrix device drivers. More than 1 switch matrix device driver can be selected in the test site configuration:
* Switch matrix: Signal generator to ETS-Lindgren amplifier
* Switch matrix: ETS-Lindgren amplifier to forward power meter
* Switch matrix: ETS-Lindgren amplifier to reflected power meter</li>
<li>Close the test site configuration, by clicking on {{ScreenElement|Save}} and {{ScreenElement|Close}}</li>
</ol>


Coupler 80 MHz - 1 GHz
The test site configuration is now thus available as:


Antenna 80 Mhz- 1 Ghz
[[File:ApplicationNote123LowFrequencyTestsite.png]]


1 GHz - 3 GHz
Similarly, the test site configuration for "Radiated Immunity - 1 GHz - 3 GHz" can be created, with all the relevant device drivers, and switch matrix device drivers that are applicable for the high frequency range. That test site configuration will then be available as:


AMP 200w 80 MHz - 1 GHz
[[File:ApplicationNote123HighFrequencyTestsite.png]]


Coupler 80 MHz - 1 GHz
== Conclusion ==
By using one or more switch matrix device drivers, it is possible to create fully automated control of the relay switching when the {{RadiMation}} test is started. This example shows how this can be implemented for a low frequency signal path and a high frequency signal path in a Radiated Immunity test. The same technique by creating switch matrix device drivers is also working in other tests like Conducted Emission, and all the other {{RadiMation}} modules.


Antenna 80 Mhz- 1 Ghz
[[Category:RadiMation Application Note]]
 
[[Category:RadiMation]]
Apart from this equipment we also have two power meters to measure our forward and reflected power. Now that we know all the parameters we can start to specify our design.
 
 
We need two signal paths but want be able to measure both with the same power meter.
 
 
See the picture below for a schematic overview how this could be set up.
 
[[File:Switches.png]]
 
 
Now we have our design we can start to translate the design back to Radimation and start to configure the different components.
In this specific case we will use separate switches. It is also possible to use switchboards that have more then one relay.
 
 
== Configuring Radimation to use the right switching when needed ==
 
 
Now that the design is thought out we can configure Radimation.
 
=== Configuring the switch ===
 
First start with adding the switches and configure them correctly. Below you will see a picture of the device driver switch matrix, 
 
[[File:SwitchMatrix.png]]
 
We will show one example in detail. For the other switches, the process is the same.
For explaining purposes I will use the switch design shown in the schematic drawing.
 
If we look at the first device in the switch design we see that we need to be able to switch between the two amps available in the system. We want to use the amplifier suitable for low frequency for the tests from 80MHz - 1 GHz (AMP1). For the range 1 GHz to 3 GHz we need to switch to the amp for the higher range 1 GHz-3Ghz (AMP2).
 
Looking at our switch-design we see that AMP1 is Connected to the normally closed output of the switch. Amp2 is connected to the normally open output of the switch. No we have the data we need to set the drivers up correctly.
 
First make two drivers for the switch settings for AMP1 and AMP2.
 
Go to device drivers and click "add"
 
[[File:AddDriver2.png]]
 
Change the description to a name that reflects the connection.
 
[[File:SwitchAmp1.png]]
 
Do not configure it yet but make a second switch matrix for AMP2
 
[[File:SwitchAmp2.png]]
 
Now we know that we have made the drivers for our two settings of the switch we can configure it.
 
Go to device drivers and open the switch we just created for AMP1. Go to "Advanced"
 
[[File:Communicationswitch.png]]
 
Set the protocol and configure it.
 
Now go to the tab "Switches"
 
[[File:Communicationswitch2.png]]
 
We are now configuring the switch for AMP1. When we look at our switch design we see that we need the switch to be in "Normally Closed"
As the switch I have used in this example only has on relay we set Relais A to "Normally Closed"
 
Following this steps you have now made a driver that can be used to switch the signal of the system to the input of AMP1
 
To finish our example we have to do the same for AMP2.
 
Go to "Device drivers", select Switch matrixes and select the switch matrix that we have created for AMP2
Open the driver and go to "advanced"
 
Set the communication on the "communication" tab. This will be the same as the previous driver as we are communicating to the same device. We only want it to switch the relay to "Normally open"
Make sure that you set this on the "Switches" tab.
 
[[File:Communicationswitch3.png]]
 
===Using the switch in your test-site configuration===

Latest revision as of 15:04, 5 November 2025

Implementing the control of a switch matrix in RadiMation®[edit]

This application note explains how to integrate a switch matrix into RadiMation® so that the actual relays are correctly controlled when the automated test is performed by RadiMation®.

When performing a test, it is often necessary to switch between different pieces of equipment depending on the settings or frequency range. RadiMation® supports this by allowing a specific switch matrix driver to be configured for each test site.

Normally the actual physical configuration of one or more relays and the related cabling and connections is available as a schematic drawing or listed in for example a Microsoft Excel sheet. It provides which components are connected to each other when the relays are in a certain state. SPDT (single pole, double throw) relays normally can be in two modes, being: 'Normally Open' (NO) and 'Normally Closed' (NC). Other relay types like SP6T (single pole, 6 throw, or a one on 6-relay), indicate a specific switch state with the actual position number.

  • 'Normally Closed' (NC) indicates the state of the relay when it is completely un-powered, and thus is the state in which it returns when it is being disconnected.
  • 'Normally Open' (NO) indicates the contact that closes (i.e., makes the connection) only when the relay is powered; when un-powered it is open (not connected). To make a connection on the 'Normally open' state, the relay has to be actively controlled.

Based on these states, and the actual physical switch matrix design the exact flow of the signals is known, and it can be determined which switches need to be set to create the desired signal path.

A radiated immunity test with two frequency bands[edit]

To activate a desired signal path, switch matrix device drivers with the correct settings need to be selected in the test site.

A simple possible scenario where a switch matrix can be used is the automation of a Radiated Immunity system that has different amplifiers and different antennas to cover the frequency range from 80 MHz up to 3 GHz. The equipment that can be used for this is:

Test site device type model frequency range remark
Radiated Immunity - 80 MHz - 1 GHz
Amplifier ETS-Lindgren 8100-002 80 MHz - 1 GHz
Coupler Bonn BDC 0110-40 100 kHz - 1 GHz
Antenna Schwarzbeck VULB 9160 80 MHz - 1.7 GHz
Radiated Immunity - 1 GHz - 3 GHz
Amplifier Bonn BLMA 1030-250 1 GHz - 3 GHz
Coupler Bonn BDC 0530-50 500 MHz - 3 GHz
Antenna Schwarzbeck BBHA 9120D 1 GHz - 18 GHz
Generic / used in both
Signal generator RadiGen RGN2006B 4 kHz - 6 GHz
Forward power meter RadiPower RPR2006C (Fwd) 9 kHz - 6 GHz
Reflected power meter RadiPower RPR2006C (Refl) 9 kHz - 6 GHz
N-type relay (Relay A) RadiSwitch RSW1021N DC - 12.4 GHz present in RadiCentre slot 4
N-type relay (Relay B) RadiSwitch RSW1021N DC - 12.4 GHz present in RadiCentre slot 5
N-type relay (Relay C) RadiSwitch RSW1021N DC - 12.4 GHz present in RadiCentre slot 6

Apart from this equipment also two power meters to measure the forward and reflected power are used. A single signal generator is used to drive the amplifiers.

See the picture below for a schematic overview of this setup. In this diagram the cables for the forward power are drawn in red, while the cables for the reflected power are drawn in blue.

ApplicationNote123Switches.png

The signal path and devices needed in the different bands need to be different, while at the other hand some equipment (like the signal generator and power meters) are the same for both signal paths. To configure the differences, it is necessary to make two test sites. The first test site is for testing on the the low frequency range and the second test site is for testing on the high frequency range. During the actual test configuration, the desired test site for the frequency range can be selected that is applicable. And because the test site configuration also contains the correct switch matrix configuration, also the relays will be automatically set to create the correct signal path.

The correct position of each relay for each test site will be:

Test site Relay A Relay B Relay C
Radiated Immunity - 80 MHz - 1 GHz NC NC NC
Radiated Immunity - 1 GHz - 3 GHz NO NO NO

This switch matrix design can now be implemented in RadiMation® by configuring the different components. In this example, separate switches are being used, however it is also possible to use switchboards that have more than one relay, and in that case a single switchmatrix device driver for each test site can suffice.

Configuring and using switches in RadiMation[edit]

Once all the information and the schematic is defined, all the used devices can be configured in RadiMation®. The most logical configuration is to create a switch matrix for each individual signal path (or part of the signal path) that can be active at any moment. A switch matrix device driver is thus not created for a single relay, but each possible switch selection of a relay will have its own switch matrix device driver. The activated relay selection is thus part of each switch matrix device driver.

Configuring the switch matrix device drivers for all relays[edit]

  1. Open the menu

       Menu.svg Configuration
          Menu.svg Configuration
             Menu.svg Device Drivers

  2. Choose the device type Switch matrixes and click on Add.
  3. From the list, select the Raditeq RSW1021N.
  4. Set the description to the state that is actually being selected by the driver in this example: Signal generator to ETS-Lindgren amplifier.
    ApplicationNote123RelayAName.png
  5. Open the Advanced driver configuration and go to the Communication tab. Configure the correct communication settings to control the relay card, depending on how it is connected to the PC.
    ApplicationNote123RelayACommunication.png
  6. For the Raditeq RSW1021N relay, also the RadiCentre slot number in which the card is present should be selected. Select the RadiCentre tab, and select the correct slot number, which is 4 for Relay A in the example setup.
    ApplicationNote123RelayARadiCentre.png
  7. Select the Switches tab and select Normally Closed for the relay in the During phase. The relay position that is selected on the During tab is the relay position that is active 'during' the test. The relay position that is selected on the After tab is the relay position that is active 'after' the test is finished.
    ApplicationNote123RelayASwitches.png
  8. Close the advanced driver configuration.

Repeat the above steps to also create drivers for all the other signal paths of Relay A, Relay B and Relay C:

Relay device driver name RadiCentre slot number internal relay state
Relay A Signal generator to ETS-Lindgren amplifier 4 Normally closed
Relay A Signal generator to Bonn amplifier 4 Normally open
Relay B ETS-Lindgren amplifier to forward power meter 5 Normally closed
Relay B Bonn amplifier to forward power meter 5 Normally open
Relay C ETS-Lindgren amplifier to reflected power meter 6 Normally closed
Relay C Bonn amplifier to reflected power meter 6 Normally open

After these switch matrix device drivers are created, the list of configured device drivers is available as:

ApplicationNote123SwitchMatrixDeviceDrivers.png

Selecting the switch matrix device drivers in the test site[edit]

Once all the device drivers for the switch matrix states and the other test and measurement equipment are created, those device drivers can be selected in the corresponding test site configuration. In the provided example, two test sites are being used, each having their own operational frequency range.

  1. Open the test site configuration by selecting from the menu

       Menu.svg Configuration
          Menu.svg Test Equipment

  2. Click on Add to make a new test site, and specify the name of the new test site: "Radiated Immunity - 80 MHz - 1 GHz"
  3. Now Add all the device drivers for this test site, needed to perform the test. In this example that would be:
    • Signal generator: RadiGen RGN2006B
    • Amplifier: ETS-Lindgren 8100-002
    • Coupler: Bonn BDC 0110-40
    • Forward power meter: RadiPower RPR2006C (Fwd)
    • Reflected power meter: RadiPower RPR2006C (Refl)
    • Antenna: Schwarzbeck VULB 9160
  4. Also add the previously created switch-matrix device drivers. More than 1 switch matrix device driver can be selected in the test site configuration:
    • Switch matrix: Signal generator to ETS-Lindgren amplifier
    • Switch matrix: ETS-Lindgren amplifier to forward power meter
    • Switch matrix: ETS-Lindgren amplifier to reflected power meter
  5. Close the test site configuration, by clicking on Save and Close

The test site configuration is now thus available as:

ApplicationNote123LowFrequencyTestsite.png

Similarly, the test site configuration for "Radiated Immunity - 1 GHz - 3 GHz" can be created, with all the relevant device drivers, and switch matrix device drivers that are applicable for the high frequency range. That test site configuration will then be available as:

ApplicationNote123HighFrequencyTestsite.png

Conclusion[edit]

By using one or more switch matrix device drivers, it is possible to create fully automated control of the relay switching when the RadiMation® test is started. This example shows how this can be implemented for a low frequency signal path and a high frequency signal path in a Radiated Immunity test. The same technique by creating switch matrix device drivers is also working in other tests like Conducted Emission, and all the other RadiMation® modules.

Normally Open: The connector of a relay that is not connected to the common connector of the relay if the relay is not powered

Normally Closed: The connector of a relay that is connected to the common connector of the relay (and thus closed) if the relay is not powered

The ability of an EUT to be immune to incoming electromagnetic interference. This is equivalent to the term susceptibility that is used by some standards.

The ability of an EUT to be immune to incoming electromagnetic interference. This is equivalent to the term susceptibility that is used by some standards.

Personal Computer

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