The Pickering 40-156-001 is a 16-channel PXI power relay module engineered for high-power switching in automated test systems, instrumentation, and industrial control applications. Each channel comprises a Single Pole Double Throw (SPDT) relay with gold flash over silver alloy contacts, delivering 5 ms typical switching speed and proven reliability across millions of cycles. The module handles hot switching to 5A at 35VDC or 250VAC, and cold switching to 5A at 400VDC or 250VAC peak, with maximum power dissipation of 175W or 1250VA. An integrated spare relay minimizes downtime during field maintenance.
Technical Specifications
• Relay Configuration: 16 × SPDT power relays, gold flash over silver alloy contacts
• Hot Switching: 5A at 35VDC / 250VAC
• Cold Switching: 5A at 400VDC / 250VAC peak
• Maximum Power Handling: 175W / 1250VA
• Operating Speed: 5 ms typical
• Switching Endurance: >5 × 10⁶ operations (general); >5 × 10⁴ operations (specific voltage/current conditions)
• Power Supply: +3.3V at 280 mA typical (360 mA maximum)
• Form Factor: Single-slot 3U PXI (CompactPCI)
• Module Weight: Approximately 220 g
– Key Features
• Electro-mechanical construction with proven contact reliability
• Integrated spare relay on circuit board for rapid field replacement
• PXI Specification 2.2 compliant 32-bit P1/J1 backplane interface
• 50-pin D-Type male front panel connector for direct signal access
• CE certified per EN61010-1:2010 (low voltage), EN61326-1:2013 (EMC immunity), and EN55011:2009+A1:2010 (emissions)
– Typical Applications
• Automated test equipment requiring high-reliability power switching
• Industrial control systems with demanding switching cycles
• Multi-channel instrumentation platforms needing integrated relay matrices
– Compatibility & Integration
The module operates in PXI and LXI chassis environments. Driver support includes VISA, IVI, and Kernel implementations for Windows 2000, XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10 operating systems, plus real-time environments including LabVIEW RT and QNX. Programming integration available via LabWindows/CVI, LabVIEW, Switch Executive, Visual C++, and Visual Basic.
