Programmable Matrix Switch Array for Reconfigurable Circuits

A system comprising:

• a programmable matrix switch array including a set of portboards interconnected to form an expandable switching matrix, wherein each portboard including a plurality of cross-point switches arranged in a grid;
• one or more modular component cards, each removably connected to the programmable matrix switch array, wherein each modular component card includes a predefined set of electronic components;
• a configuration module configured to track the electronic components mounted on the modular component cards and connections with ports of the programmable matrix switch array and in response generate a portlist;
• and
• a programming module configured to receive a netlist and the portlist and in response generate switch activation commands to selectively control the cross-point switches to configure a physical circuit corresponding to the netlist.

A method for dynamically configuring an electronic circuit using a programmable matrix switch array, the method comprising:

• detecting one or more modular component cards removably connected to the programmable matrix switch array, each modular component card containing a predefined set of electronic components;
• identifying connections between the modular component cards, instrument modules and the programmable matrix switch array and in response generating a portlist indicating the component types, component values, instrument types and connection ports based on the identified connections;
• receiving a netlist defining a desired circuit configuration;
• interpreting the netlist and the portlist to determine which cross-point switches in the programmable matrix switch array need to be activated and generating switch activation commands corresponding to the determined cross-point switches;
• sending the switch activation commands to the programmable matrix switch array;
• and
• configuring the programmable matrix switch array by selectively activating the cross-point switches to establish the desired circuit configuration.