SWITCH RACK CONCEPT
EXPLAINED
FEATURES & BENEFITS
PHYSICAL SIZE (FOOTPRINT)
The base model SWR-06-800 occupies <1.0m2, and the entire test cell (with 6 inverter testing capability) comprises a single DC power supply, test controller (tester computer), and AC load. By comparison, non-multiplexed solutions require 1 ea. DC supply, controller and AC load per IUT.
CUSTOMER BENEFIT: About 75% floorspace savings over traditional methods
FLEXIBILITY & CONFIGURABILITY
RPI SwitchRack test solutions are easily interfaced to both ambient test benches and environmental test chambers. Both simulated and actual loads (i.e. motors) are supported. 300 user-configurable control lines are provided for communications and control of the 6 units under test
CUSTOMER BENEFIT: Support for wide range of devices & test techniques
THROUGHPUT
RPI SwitchRack test solutions improve production throughput by simplifying the manual (cable) connection process and then automating (no operator involvement) the switching between units under test.
CUSTOMER BENEFIT: Reduced manufacturing cost
RELIABILITY
Actual RPI SwitchRacks in production have an extremely low failure rate. Most units in use today have gone >10yrs without any significant service issues.
CUSTOMER BENEFIT: Reduced manufacturing downtime
PERFORMANCE
Actual RPI SwitchRacks in production have an extremely low failure rate. Most units in use today have gone >10yrs without any significant service issues.
CUSTOMER BENEFIT: Reduced manufacturing downtime
SAFETY
RPI SwitchRacks have an unblemished safety record. All switching between units under test is fully automated and requires no operator involvement. Multiple fail-safe levels of protection ensure that the system is in a fully de-energized state when human involvement is required.
CUSTOMER BENEFIT: Improved operator safety
CAPEX COST SAVINGS
RPI SwitchRacks lower overall testing cost by reducing the number of test controllers, AC loads, and DC supplies per test cell. Where existing solutions require 1 each load, controller and DC source, these same resources are multiplexed across 6 units under test in SwitchRack-based designs
CUSTOMER BENEFIT: Reduced capital investment
The base model SWR-06-800 comprises 6 fully independent inverter test channels (nominally referred to as “positions”). Use of a single tester/controller, DC source, and AC “load”, reduces system footprint (floorspace) and per-channel cost while improving channel-channel correlation. The cable-out interface to each Inverter Under Test provides for easy interfacing to production test stands and/or environmental chambers.
Each of the six positions is fully independent and engagement is automatic. Internal, air-gapped switching within the system, and between channels, ensures minimal/zero channel-channel crosstalk. And, careful choice of isolating material and mechanical fit minimizes magnetic field-induced crosstalk.
WELCOME TO RPI
RPI, located in southeastern Wisconsin, has been a supplier to the automotive parts business for over 30 years. Approximately 10 years ago, RPI developed what is termed “Switch Rack” based technology for auto inverter testing. RPI Switch Racks provide automatic switching capability between up to 6 Inverters Under Test and a single Test Controller, DC supply, and load.