How to Connect Signals to the PXI-2532

The National Instruments PXI-2532 is a 512-crosspoint, high-speed matrix switch module. With the largest matrix size available in a 3U PXI slot, the NI PXI-2532 offers ultrahigh-density switch configurations in PXI. Several solutions are available for your signal connections. Terminal blocks provide connectivity to strain-relieved 0.050 in. pitch headers ideal for ribbon cable. Mass interconnect solutions are also available from industry leaders such as Virginia Panel and MAC Panel.

PXI-2532 Terminal Blocks

Several terminal blocks are available for the PXI-2532:

• TB-2640: 4x128 1 -wire
• TB-2641: 8x64 1-wire
• TB-2642: 16x32 1-wire
• TB-2643: 4x64 2-wire, Dual 4x64 1-wire
• TB-2644: 8x32 2-wire, Dual 8x32 1-wire
• TB-2645: Dual 16x16 1-wire

Each terminal block can be ordered with or without column protection. To provide column protection the 0 ohm resistor in series with each column has been replaced by a 100 ohm resistor on the column connection board.

The TB-2640 and TB-2643 have 2 column connection boards.

The TB-2641, TB-2642, TB-2644, and TB-2645 have one column connection board.

	[+] Enlarge Image PXI-2532 with one column connection board

Expansion Options

To expand your matrix size use the 16-Pin Row Expansion Cable (part # 779325-01). This cable will allow you to connect rows of two adjacent PXI-2532 terminal blocks to double the number of column. Since each terminal block offers two row connection header, multiple terminal blocks can be connected to create larger matrices.

PXI-2532 terminal blocks provide ribbon cable headers for column and row connection. There are two column headers per column connection board.

To connect signals to a column header you will need a 34 conductors 28 AWG, .05 in pitch ribbon cable connector and a 34 conductor, 28 AWG, .025 in. pitch shielded/unshielded ribbon cable.

	Column ribbon cable header

	Row ribbon cable header

 

Connectors and ribbon cable are available from different vendors.

To connect signals to any PXI-2532 terminal blocks simply connect your cable assembly to the column and row headers:

Signal Connection with SCB-264x

The NI SCB-264X is a shielded connector block to interface individual signal wires to the rows and columns of the NI PXI-2532 matrix. The NI SCB-264X has five ribbon cable connectors for connecting to the NI TB-2640/2641/2642/2643/2644 (NI TB-264X) connector blocks and screw terminals for connecting signals. The NI SCB-264X supports all NI PXI-2532 topologies that are configured with the NI TB-264X. The NI SCB-264X can be used alone, or it can be rack-mounted using the included DIN rail-mounting kit. 

Note: References to the NI TB-264X in this document do not include the NI TB-2645. The NI TB-2645 is not compatible with the NI SCB-264X.

To connect the SCX-264X to any PXI-2532 terminal blocks use the Row and Column Cable Kit (part# 779346-01).

This cable kit includes:

• 1 16-conductors ribbon cable with connectors on both ends to connect the rows
• 4 34-conductors ribbon cable with connectors on both ends to connect the columns

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Virginal Panel has been an important player in mass interconnect solutions for over 40 years with a high degree of reliability. They can offer a wide range of options for the PXI-2532.

MAC Panel also provides configurable mass interconnect solutions including the SCOUT which offers PCB or short wire interconnections for your PXI test system.  There are several options available for the PXI-2532 that accommodate it's various topologies.

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