Cost Effective Testing with a BRIC Matrix

Switching systems are an essential part of any test system - they are used to connect access points in the UUT to various sources and measuring devices to allow the functionality of the part to be verified. The switches may be used to provide an interface connection for a wide variety of signals, but applications requiring the highest amount of switching usually arise from what appear to be simple test requirements. It is rare for test applications to demand the switching of large numbers of RF and microwave signals or for high signal powers. The most complex switching problems usually involve "simple" verification of the presence of components, voltages, currents, the absence of short circuits or open circuits and the provision of data inputs to control the device under test. The tests themselves are not difficult - it is the number of tests and the number of access points which creates a complex test problem.

There are various approaches to solving the problem. At first sight the simplest way is to consider each access point that needs driving or measuring and connecting a switch to it that routes the signal to the various pieces of test equipment in the system. However, it quickly becomes apparent that this route requires the provision of a number of different types of switches to suit each access point.