Pickering Interfaces, a leading provider of modular signal switching and simulation for electronic test and verification, announced that the U.S. Air Force, Ogden Air Logistics Complex at Hill AFB, Utah, recently awarded them a contract for a large quantity of their 6U High-Density Matrix modules (model 45-542) for the PXI switching requirement that is part of the PATS-70A (Portable Automated Test Set) for the O-Level and I-Level maintenance of A-10C aircraft.
The contract award calls for Pickering Interfaces to provide their 45-542 PXI switching matrix module for over one hundred PATS-70A systems. This is 
Pickering’s second large order for matrix modules as they worked with Hill AFB when they deployed the PATS-70 test set in 2014. The PATS-70A program will enhance the capabilities of the PATS-70 test set to support additional armament and weapon systems in addition to supporting the existing avionics test functionality.
“We were elated to have been selected to supply these modules for the U.S. Air Force’s mission critical support program,” said Keith Moore, CEO of Pickering Interfaces. “This is one of the largest military contracts ever awarded to Pickering Interfaces and we are confident it will deliver the signal switching they need.”
The 45-542 is a 6U PXI high-density matrix module with a total of 1,056 crosspoints (132×8) and is capable of handling 1A and 170VDC/120VAC. Pickering’s engineers designed, built and tested this module to meet Hill’s specification. After extensive testing by Hill, it was determined that the matrix is capable of handling the capacitive load seen on the A-10C and the module performed as required.
The 45-542 PXI switching matrix module is a COTS (Commercial-Off-The-Shelf) product and is available worldwide. Pickering Interfaces stands behind all of their manufactured products with a standard three-year warranty and guaranteed long-term product support. Pricing and availability information is supplied on their web site at www.pickeringtest.com.
