# UniCoMux – Universal Contacting Multiplexer

Category: Test Systems · Product page: https://irs.systems/en/products/test-systems/unicomux

Precise signal routing with the IRS UniCoMux: our Universal Contacting Multiplexer enables flexible 1:N connections in your test environments – for a reliable electronic link between system inputs and outputs.

The IRS Universal Contacting Multiplexer (UniCoMux) is a standalone system that establishes an electronic connection between a system input and one of any number of outputs (1:N multiplexer). The UniCoMux can be used for batch testing and for sharing expensive measurement equipment. Every device can use the same hardware components. The system uses two built-in axes to move a contacting unit to the target position of the desired output.

In the standard version, up to 20 outputs with 108 lines each can be integrated.

The UniCoMux usually starts at a minimum of 6 outputs and scales up to 20 outputs by varying its height. In addition, the system can be adapted to the individual application and even more outputs can be added. The maximum number of outputs depends on the size of the connector and the available space. By default, one row of outputs is used, while additional rows can be added for complex applications.

Thanks to the modular concept of the UniCoMux, the system can easily be adapted to the existing application, and special connector types can be chosen as required. The cable harness between the system input and the contacting unit can be defined freely, using twisted or shielded wires, for example. It is even possible to use several cable harnesses for different applications.

If a subsequent application differs significantly from the previous one, the contacting unit mounted on the axes of the UniCoMux can be replaced.

The UniCoMux uses only highly reliable components and requires very little maintenance. Wear parts can be replaced with little effort: cable harness, input and output connectors, and the needle pins of the contacting unit. The UniCoMux applies the brake as soon as the end position is reached to avoid continuous load and overheating of the drives and gears.

Each output position of the UniCoMux must be taught manually once before it can be contacted automatically. IRS does this before delivering the UniCoMux, but it can also be done at any time with the IRS UniCoMux Teachpanel. The UniCoMux is then ready for use, and outputs can be approached with the standalone IRS UniCoMux Movepanel program. With the LabVIEW API, the UniCoMux can easily be integrated into an existing automated test environment. The API is an abstracted programming interface with only a handful of functions that have to be called by your own software. No special knowledge of axis programming is required.

## Key facts

- Connects one input to one of several outputs (1:N) to share expensive measurement equipment.
- The desired number of outputs can be configured.
- The preferred connector type (default: Harting 108DD) can be selected.
- The cable harness can be configured as standard or project-specific.
- Highly reliable basic components and fast replacement of wear parts.
- Simple setup: only Ethernet and supply voltage required (90-264VAC @50/60Hz).
- Intuitive software for teaching positions and manual contacting.
- Smart LabVIEW API for integration into automated test environments.
- Later adaptation to different applications possible.
- Reasonable pricing: unit costs decrease as the number of outputs increases. Comparable multiplexer solutions scale proportionally to the number of outputs.

## Software

The IRS UniCoMux comes with a comprehensive software package consisting of three parts: UniCoMux Teachpanel, UniCoMux Movepanel and UniCoMux LabVIEW API.

The UniCoMux Teachpanel is used to teach the target position for each output. IRS teaches the positions on delivery, but customers can teach or readjust the positions themselves at any time using the Teachpanel. The Z and X axes can be moved independently of each other. Movement speed and step size can be set manually to define the position precisely. For each position, a “Position Alias” can be created, which is later used as a lookup string in the software. Once all target positions have been placed, the configuration must be exported so that it can be used by the UniCoMux Movepanel and the LabVIEW API. If a specific position is to be contacted later, only its “Position Alias” needs to be specified and the program automatically moves to the matching position.

The UniCoMux Movepanel is used to contact the desired outputs. The Movepanel can load the previously created configuration and automatically lists all positions. The “Position Alias” is shown together with the target position on the Z and X axes. This program can be used to connect outputs manually and then run software tests.

If the UniCoMux is to be integrated into an automated test environment, the UniCoMux LabVIEW API can be used. Five API functions can easily be integrated into the test procedure; only the “Position Alias” to be contacted has to be specified. The API then starts and monitors the contacting process automatically.

## Technical specifications

| Parameter | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Supply voltage | 90 – 264 VAC, 50/60 Hz |
| Power consumption | 600 W |
| Communication interface | Ethernet TCP/IP |
| Software requirements | Teachpanel & Movepanel: Windows 7 or higher; LabVIEW API: LabVIEW 2013 – 2017 |
| Number of outputs (standard) | 6 to 20 |
| Lines | 108 |
| Internal cable harness wire type | 1 mm² highly flexible |

## Videos

- [UniCoMux video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CuA92fCmGeM)