The NI PXI-2568 is a 31-channel general-purpose SPST relay module engineered for high-density switching in automated test systems. Built on latching armature relay architecture, it delivers low on-resistance and minimal thermal offsets across independent channels. The module supports deterministic scanning up to 32,000 steps at 145 cycles/s with 40 MHz switch bandwidth and hardware-synchronized triggering for precise instrument coordination.
Technical Specifications
Relay Architecture
• 31 independent SPST (Form A) latching armature relays
• On-Resistance: Very low
• Thermal Offsets: Low
Electrical Performance
• Maximum Switching Voltage: 150 VDC / 150 VAC (channel-to-channel); 150 VDC / 150 VAC CAT I (channel-to-ground)
• Maximum Carry Voltage: 150 VDC / 150 VAC
• Maximum Switching Current (per channel): 2 A
• Maximum Carry Current (per channel): 2 A
• Maximum Switching Power (per channel): 60 W, 62.5 VA (DC to 60 Hz)
• Minimum Switch Load: 20 mV / 10 mA
• Switch Bandwidth: 40 MHz
• Scan Rate: 145 cycles/s
• Scanlist Capacity: 32,000 steps
Physical & Form Factor
• 3U, single-slot PXI/cPCI module
• Dimensions: 21.6 cm × 2.0 cm × 13.0 cm
• Weight: 8 oz
• I/O: 62-pin male DSUB connector
• PXI Power Draw: 6 W @ 5 V, 2.5 W @ 3.3 V
Environmental Ratings
• Operating Temperature: 0 °C to 55 °C
• Storage Temperature: -20 °C to 70 °C
• Operating Humidity: 10% to 90% noncondensing
• Operating Shock: 30 g peak, half-sine, 11 ms pulse
• Operating Vibration: 5 Hz to 500 Hz, 0.31 grms
• Non-operating Vibration: 5 Hz to 500 Hz, 2.46 grms
– Key Features
• Fully software-programmable channel control
• Hardware trigger synchronization for multiinstrument test sequences
• Latching relay design reduces power consumption during idle states
• CAT I rated for signal-level switching applications
• Low thermal offsets enable precision analog signal routing
– Typical Applications
Signal routing in automated test environments, RF/microwave multiplexing below 40 MHz, precision analog measurement switching, and matrix configuration for multipoint data acquisition systems.
– Compatibility & Integration
NI-SWITCH IVI-compliant driver included. Compatible with LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, Measurement Studio for Visual C++, NI Switch Executive, and C/C++/Visual Basic environments. Operates on Windows 2000/NT/XP platforms.
