New PXI RF Switches for Communications and Video Test - National Instruments

National Instruments released 11 new PXI RF switches. The new modules include 4×1, terminated 4×1, dual 4×1 and 8×1 multiplexers as well as quad SPDT and dual-terminated SPDT.

The six new 2.5 GHz (75 ohm) of NI’s PXI RF switches are targeted for high-frequency video applications. The five new 2.7 GHz (50 ohm)  of the switches offer routing capability between DC and 26.5 GHz. These PXI RF switches can be used to expand the channel count of RF analyzers such as the NI PXI-5661 2.7 GHz vector signal analyzer, or RF generators, such as the NI PXI-5671 2.7 GHz vector signal generator.

All 11 modules offer extremely low insertion loss (less than 2.1 dB at specified bandwidth) and voltage-standing wave ratio (less than 1.75 at bandwidth) to minimize signal reflections, power loss and voltage attenuation. The new switches feature relay count tracking, a feature available only on NI’s PXI modules. With relay count tracking, engineers can keep track of relay closures on board the hardware to estimate the lifetime of individual relays on the module and avoid unexpected system downtime.

11 New RF Switch Modules for Communications and Video Test:

• 50 Ohm Modules (2.7 GHz)
  • PXI-2545 – Dual 4×1
  • PXI-2546 – Term 4×1
  • PXI-2547 – 8×1
  • PXI-2548 – Dual Term SPDT
  • PXI-2549 – Quad SPDT
• 75 Ohm Modules (2.5 GHz)
  • PXI-2554 – 4×1
  • PXI-2555 – Dual 4×1
  • PXI-2556 – Term 4×1
  • PXI-2557 – 8×1
  • PXI-2558 – Dual Term SPDT
  • PXI-2559 – Quad SPDT

The switches can be programmed using the NI-SWITCH driver software in the NI LabVIEW development environment, LabWindows/CVI for ANSI C and Microsoft VB or C++. NI also offers the Switch Executive software, an intelligent switch management and visual routing environment. Once they have configured and programmed their switch networks, engineers can deploy them using NI TestStand, a test management environment.

Price: $1,099; €1,049; ¥153,000

Source: PXI RF Switches - National Instruments