ABI Electronics · Test Control Interface
SYSTEM 8 SmartSwitch
A programmable USB switch interface for hands-free PCB testing
SYSTEM 8 SmartSwitch is a fully programmable two-channel USB interface designed for ABI's SYSTEM 8 Ultimate software and test hardware. Once a probe or cable is in place, the engineer triggers events and controls data acquisition from a foot switch, hand switch, safety button or sensor instead of reaching for the mouse, which makes hands-free test a practical routine.
Overview
SYSTEM 8 SmartSwitch is a plug-and-play hardware module in the ABI Electronics SYSTEM 8 range. It connects through a standard USB port and provides two fully programmable input channels. Each channel accepts up to 4 switch inputs, which can be foot switches, hand switches, safety buttons, conveyor mechanisms or compatible sensors. In the Control Panel built into SYSTEM 8 Ultimate, the user decides how each input is interpreted and which action it fires. Settings for frequently used instruments can be saved as profiles and are loaded and restored automatically from a TestFlow file, and the module is fully compatible with existing SYSTEM 8 instruments and TestFlow Manager. For engineers who need both hands on the board, SmartSwitch lets event triggering and data capture happen the moment a probe or cable is positioned, which noticeably speeds up test.
Key specifications
| Channels | 2 Channel |
|---|---|
| Switch inputs | Up to 4 per channel |
| Interface | USB (full-size port) |
| Connection | Plug-and-play hardware module |
| Supported input devices | Foot switches, hand switches, safety buttons, conveyor mechanisms, compatible sensors |
| Software compatibility | SYSTEM 8 Ultimate (exclusive) |
| Configuration | Built-in Control Panel in SYSTEM 8 Ultimate |
| Workflow integration | TestFlow Manager / automatic setup recall from TestFlow files |
Features
Hands-free test operation
No mouse is needed during PCB test; both hands stay free, and events and data capture are triggered once the probe or cable is positioned.
Two programmable input channels
2 channels, each taking up to 4 switch inputs, with the interpretation and action of every input set in the Control Panel.
Wide choice of input devices
Connect foot switches, hand switches, safety buttons, conveyor mechanisms or compatible sensors to suit the test setup.
Profiles saved and restored
Settings for frequently used instruments are saved as profiles and reloaded automatically from the TestFlow file, so nothing is set up twice.
Full SYSTEM 8 integration
Fully compatible with existing SYSTEM 8 instruments and TestFlow Manager, so it drops straight into a SYSTEM 8 Ultimate test platform.
Typical applications
Board diagnosis
Mouse-free operation with both hands on the probes
During signal tracing or component measurement on a PCB, both hands are busy holding probes on the test points and there is no spare hand for the mouse. With a foot or hand switch connected to SmartSwitch, the operator confirms probe placement and then presses the switch to make SYSTEM 8 Ultimate take the measurement or advance the test flow, keeping the hands on the board.
Production test station
Automated test routing with conveyor and sensor inputs
On an electronics production line, SmartSwitch takes the trigger from a conveyor sensor or safety button and starts the SYSTEM 8 TestFlow, which then runs each instrument's measurement in turn with no operator input. Test profiles are saved and reloaded every time the same TestFlow is called, so test conditions stay consistent and repeatable across product changeovers.
Multi-instrument integration
Fast instrument switching in multi-step TestFlow tests
When a flow calls on the oscilloscope, multimeter and signal generator of the SYSTEM 8 MIS 4 in sequence, SmartSwitch lets the operator press a physical switch after each probe placement to capture data or move to the next instrument. That replaces repeated clicking in the software, shortens the per-board test cycle and reduces operator error.
Options and configuration
Tick the options you need. We compile the configuration into a list and carry it into the quote request form.
Standard equipment (included)
Trigger input devices
SYSTEM 8 modules to pair with
Downloads
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