PXI switching cards

Test & Measurement

23 November 2011 Test & Measurement

National Instruments has rolled out eight new relay cards to expand its SwitchBlock line of high-density switching solutions for PXI systems. The new cards offer additional simultaneous connections and new differential measurement capabilities for high channel-count switching applications.

Engineers can choose from the expanded selection of cards to create a custom matrix of relays that meets their specific requirements. Designed specifically for demanding automated test systems with large numbers of channels, the cards provide an intuitive option for switch configuration, routing, programming and maintenance in a variety of test applications in military and aerospace, transportation and for general-purpose automated testing.

The set of new relay cards includes multiple two-wire switches for differential measurements and 16-row switches that give engineers an increased number of simultaneous connections for large switching applications. All cards take full advantage of the SwitchBlock architecture, which simplifies connectivity through internal column expansion. The SwitchBlock comprises an expandable carrier that accommodates up to six relay cards while occupying just four slots in a PXI chassis. Engineers can combine up to four SwitchBlock carriers to create internally routed matrices with as many as 8832 crosspoints in a single PXI chassis.

The new cards also integrate with NI Switch Executive switch management software to give engineers the ability to graphically configure their switch systems one relay at a time for total control, or automatically route signals across multiple relay cards simply by specifying endpoints. This high level of abstraction helps engineers to quickly and efficiently begin developing their application.

By combining Switch Executive with LabVIEW system design software, engineers can abstract numerous route groups to easily configure, program and maintain large matrix configurations. All SwitchBlock solutions also include the new Switch Health Centre software, which increases long-term system reliability by automatically running onboard diagnostics that verify relay continuity and display relay count information.

Additionally, engineers can combine the SwitchBlock with mass interconnect solutions from MAC Panel and Virginia Panel, which provide a single rugged connection point between multiple SwitchBlock connectors and a test fixture. This further simplifies wiring for large matrix configurations and helps engineers streamline hardware integration and reduce test setup time.

For more information contact National Instruments, 0800 203 199, [email protected], www.ni.com/southafrica

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