Blog - Insights into Switching & Simulation Technology for Test

Bridging the Gap Between PXI & PXIe: You Don’t Have to Choose

Written by Nick Hickford | Oct 23, 2023 3:11:32 PM

In the ever-evolving world of technology, where suppliers must actively manage a wide and varied installed base while continuously innovating new products vital to their ongoing prosperity, creating a successful working balance between maintaining existing products and developing new technologies can be quite a challenge. This rings especially true in the realm of test and measurement, where performance, compatibility and longevity are paramount. Enter Pickering Interfaces—we are dedicated to supporting the many existing applications of our customers while leading the industry in new product releases to strike the perfect chord between the old and the new in the world of PXI technology. 

Commitment to Our Customers: 

At Pickering, we recognize the investment and trust that our customers have put into their existing PXI (PCI eXtensions for Instrumentation) systems. These systems have been tried and tested over the past 25 years, forming the backbone of a huge variety of global testing applications. Our commitment to the PXI standard lies in ensuring that these systems are not left behind as technology advances, and to underline this, most of our new switching and simulation products are offered in both PXI and PXIe (PXI Express) formats. This means that customers with existing PXI systems can adopt new technology without the need to implement a costly and extensive platform migration plan.

Continued Support for PXI:

While newer technologies like PXIe have demonstrated significant value for data-intensive applications, as a founding member of the PXI Systems Alliance (PXISA), we remain steadfast in offering continued support for the PXI platform. We have an enviable track record of supporting our products for typically 15+ years, meaning that customers relying on PXI systems can rest assured that their investments are long-term and secure. 

Pioneering PXIe:

However, we're more than just content with preserving the past. We stand out from our competition by consistently introducing the most PXIe products in our sector. This dual approach showcases our commitment to embracing the latest technological advancements while ensuring compatibility with existing systems. This speaks volumes about our customer-centric approach—we don't just want to sell new products; we want to ensure our customers have the optimum choices for their specific applications.

Flexibility Amidst Evolution:

Flexibility is critical in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. We empower our customers with the freedom to choose the pace at which they want to adopt new technology; we make every effort to refrain from forcing these changes due to obsolescence. And, by continuing to actively support both PXI and PXIe, we acknowledge that a one-size-fits-all approach isn't always feasible. The reality is that various industries and applications require tailored switching and simulation solutions that need to work for decades. In contrast, others may need the speed and power the latest technology affords.

Bridge to the Future:

We’re not just a provider of switching and simulation products; we're building a bridge between the past and the future. By offering support for existing systems and spearheading PXIe innovation, we are creating a continuum of technology adoption. A perfect example is that all our PXIe chassis are fully hybrid, meaning they seamlessly house both PXI and PXIe modules. Customers can upgrade on their terms without feeling pressured to abandon what already works well.

Conclusion:

In a world of rapid obsolescence, we offer a unique blend of stability and progress. Our commitment to supporting our customers’ huge range of PXI-based applications while embracing the evolution of the PXI standard reflects a rare balance in the test and measurement industry. We truly understand the real-world needs of engineers and are dedicated to being a partner with our customers. Whether you're firmly rooted in PXI, eager to explore the possibilities of PXIe, or both, Pickering Interfaces is there, ready to empower your journey.

 

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