New NI Switch and Switch Executive Releases

Welcome to the 'New NI Switch and Switch Executive Releases' page. This document will help keep you updated with all the latest switching products released by National Instruments. In addition it will provide links to new articles, tutorials, and presentations written by industry experts for the purpose of educating customers on how to build efficient test systems using NI Switches. If you did not find what you were looking for, please check back frequently as this page is updated on an ongoing basis. Thank you for visiting.

2 New SSR Matrix Switch Modules 

NI PXI-2533 and NI PXI-2534 256-Crosspoint SSR Matrix Switches 

Release Date: February 2008
Available Topologies: 4x64 (1-wire) or 8x32 (1-wire)
Best Suited For: High-density matrix applications

The National Instruments PXI-2533 and PXI-2534 high-density solid-state relay (SSR) matrix modules features 256 crosspoints in a compact, single-slot, 3U PXI form factor. The NI PXI-2533 and PXI-2534 are configured as a 4x64 or 8x32 one-wire matrix. Because these modules use SSR technology, they offer unique benefits such as unlimited mechanical lifetime and the ability to route 55 W simultaneously on all channels (unlimited simultaneous connections). These features make the PXI-2533 and PXI-2534 ideal for routing general-purpose signals in high-density matrix applications.

NI PXI-2533 Model Page


NI PXI-2534 Model Page

2 New FET Matrix Switch Modules 

NI PXI-2535 and NI PXI-2536 544-Crosspoint FET Matrix Switches 

Release Date: February 2008
Available Topologies: 8x68 (1-wire) or 4x136 (1-wire)
Best Suited For: Semiconductor Test

The National Instruments PXI-2535 and PXI-2536 high-density FET switch matrix modules feature 544 crosspoints in a compact, single-slot, 3U PXI form factor. The NI PXI-2535 and PXI-2536 are configured as a 4x136 or 8x68 one-wire matrices. Because these modules use field effect transistor (FET) switch technology, they offer unique benefits such as unlimited switch lifetime, unlimited simultaneous connections, and switching speed as high as 50,000 crosspoints/s. These features make the PXI-2535 and PXI-2536 modules ideal for routing low-power DC signals in validation test systems of mass produced devices such as semiconductor chips and printed circuit boards (PCBs). Use the PXI-2535 with the NI PXI-4130 source measure unit (SMU) and the NI PXI-4071 7½-digit FlexDMM to build high-density automated test systems up to ±12 VDC/8 VAC.

NI PXI-2535 Model Page


NI PXI-2536 Model Page

5 New 2.7 GHz 50 Ω Multiplexer and General-Purpose Relay Modules 

NI PXI-254x 2.7 GHz 50 Ω Multiplexer and General-Purpose Relay Modules 

Release Date: February 2007
Available Topologies: Terminated 4x1 Multiplexer, Dual 4x1 Multiplexer, 8x1 Multiplexer, Quad SPDT Relays, Dual Terminated SPDT Relays
Best Suited For: Communications Test

The National Instruments suite of 50 Ω RF (radio frequency) switches includes more than 15 PXI and SCXI switch modules that are ideal for increasing the flexibility of your communications test system or for expanding the channel count of instruments such as the NI PXI-5671 2.7 GHz vector signal generator and PXI-5661 2.7 GHz RF signal analyzer. The switch modules are available in a broad range of configurations including terminated and unterminated multiplexers, general-purpose relays, and dimensionally flexible sparse matrices. NI has optimized each of these modules for minimal insertion loss, reflection, and crosstalk and maximum isolation between channels.

50 Ω RF Switches Model Page

6 New 2.5 GHz 75 Ω Multiplexer and General-Purpose Relay Modules 

NI PXI-255x 2.5 GHz 75 Ω Multiplexer and General-Purpose Relay Modules 

Release Date: February 2007
Available Topologies: 4x1 Mux, Terminated 4x1 Multiplexer, Dual 4x1 Multiplexer, 8x1 Multiplexer, Quad SPDT Relays, Dual Terminated SPDT Relays
Best Suited For: RF Video Test

The National Instruments suite of 75 Ω RF (radio frequency) switches includes six PXI switch modules that are ideal for increasing the flexibility of your video RF test system or for expanding the channel count of third-party 75 Ω RF instruments. The six modules offer a variety of configurations including multibank and high-channel-count multiplexers and general-purpose relays, terminated or unterminated. NI has optimized each of these modules for minimal insertion loss, reflection, crosstalk, and maximum isolation between channels.

75 Ω RF Switches Model Page

The Industry's Highest Voltage PXI Switch Perfect for Stack Measurements

NI PXI-2584 12-Channel 600 V Multiplexer



Release Date: June 2006
Type of Switch: High-Voltage Multiplexer
Best Suited For: Fuel cell and battery stack testing

The NI PXI-2584 is a ground breaking module in that it is the first switch of its kind that allows for the switching of signals up to 600 V. The module has 2 banks of 6x1 1-wire multiplexers and can be configured as a single 6x1 2-wire multiplexer or 12x1 1-wire multiplexer. The innovative design of this module features an 'interleaved' topology which is best suited for making measurements on fuel cell or battery stacks. In traditional 2-wire topologies, each channel would put two wires across each component under test, which would limit the PXI-2584 to six differential channels. The 'interleaved' topology puts each single input pin on the front connector at points in between potentials on a stack, thus extending channel count from six to 11 2-wire channels. In addition to maximizing channel count on a module, the topology offers a free “straddle” channel when testing battery stacks over multiple modules. The PXI-2584 has high channel-to-ground isolation of 600 V and channel-to-channel isolation of 300 V which makes it suitable for the measurement of cell groups as well as high voltage individual cells on a stack.

NI PXI-2584 Model Page

New 16 bank Multiplexer for Parallel Operations

NI PXI-2576 128-Channel Multibank Multiplexer



Release Date: June 2006
Type of Switch: Multibank Multiplexer
Best Suited For: Parallel testing with multiple instruments

The National Instruments PXI-2576 is a multibank multiplexing module with 16 banks of 4x1 2-wire multiplexers. The flexible architecture of the NI PXI-2576 allows multiple topology configurations. This makes it suitable for parallel measurement operations requiring low-channel count. In addition, all multiplexers on the PXI-2576 can be combined to form a single high-channel-count multiplexer featuring 64 2-wire channels. The module is ideal for applications where multiple points on a Unit Under Test (UUT) need to be tested in parallel using different instruments such as digitizers and digital multimeters.

NI PXI-2576 Model Page

New 2.5 and 5 GHz RF Switches for Communications Test

PXI-2594 and SCXI-1194, 2.5 GHz RF Multiplexers



Release Date: March 2006
Type of Switch: RF Multiplexers
Best Suited For: a. Antenna Testing using a single RF Vector Signal Analyzer
b. RF Filter Characterization using Vector Signal Analyzers and Generators

The National Instruments PXI-2594 and SCXI-1194 are 4x1 high frequency unterminated multiplexing switches. The NI SCXI-1194 performs the same functions as the PXI-2594 but in a higher density, quad 4x1 multiplexing configuration. The PXI-2594 and SCXI-1194 are capable of switching signals from DC to 2.5 GHz. The characteristic impedance of the channels on these modules is 50Ω . The PXI-2594 and SCXI-1194 have a maximum voltage rating of 30 Vrms with a maximum switching current of 500 mA. These modules are best suited for applications that require the routing of high-frequency signals inside automated test equipment (ATE) systems because they can switch signals with very low insertion loss. In addition, the excellent voltage standing-wave ration (VSWR) and isolation parameters make these modules the perfect choice for any application involving high bandwidth signals.

PXI-2595 and SCXI-1195, 5 GHz RF Multiplexers



Release Date: April 2006
Type of Switch: RF Multiplexers
Best Suited For: a. Antenna Testing using a single RF Vector Signal Analyzer
b. RF Filter Characterization using Vector Signal Analyzers and Generators

The PXI-2595 and SCXI-1195 RF multiplexers are similar to the PXI-2594 and SCXI-1194 but have a higher bandwidth range that allows the routing of signals from DC to 5 GHz. In addition to high bandwidth applications, these switches are also ideal for switching signals in the range of DC to 2.5 GHz with very low insertion loss and VSWR. The PXI-2595 and SCXI-1195 have a characteristic impedance of 50Ω and have a maximum voltage rating of 30 Vrms with a maximum switching current of 500 mA.

NI PXI-2594 Model Page


NI SCXI-1194 Model Page


NI PXI-2595 Model Page


NI SCXI-1195 Model Page

Latest Whitepaper and Web Casts

The Guide to Selecting an RF Switch
Learn basic, intermediate and advanced concepts relating to designing efficient RF switch networks here. View webcasts and in-depth tutorials that will provide you with a fundamental grounding in RF switch specification to help you optimize your system for losses and reflections.

How to Reduce Errors when Switching Low-Level Signals (3 Part Series)
Review this set of three tutorials to learn techniques and methods on how to minimize errors and improve accuracy when switching low-level voltage, current, and resistances.

The Benefits of USB SCXI Switching for Automated Test and Control Applications
National Instruments offers switching solutions in PXI and SCXI form factor. Read this tutorial to determine which platform best meets the needs of your application. Compare and contrast SCXI with other standalone switch solutions in the market and watch the video on setting up a USB SCXI switch system within three minutes!

Using Microsoft Excel and NI Switch Executive in Test System Development
Learn how to enhance system scalability and maximize code reuse by importing routes and route groups in to NI Switch Executive from Microsoft Excel.

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