II. Model Interpretation

PXI: PXI Hybrid Bus (compatible with PXIe Hybrid Slot)

NI 2546: Serial Number, representing 2.7 GHz, dual 4×1, electromechanical RF multiplexer

Alias: NI-2546, Dual 4x1 Mux, Dual SP4T RF Switch

Functional Positioning: 2 sets of independent 4-out-of-1 RF switches, electromechanical low loss + full terminal, parallel test expansion, preferred for medium-low frequency mass production

III. Technical Parameters Basic parameters

Topology: 2 independent groups of 4×1 (SP4T) multiplexers, Bank A (CH0A to CH3A → COMA), Bank B (CH0B to CH3B → COMB)

Relay type: Electromechanical relay (EMR)

Frequency range: DC to 2.7 GHz (–3 dB)

Characteristic impedance: 50 Ω (nominal)

Terminal configuration: All channels have built-in 50 Ω terminations (automatically connected when not selected)

RF performance (typical / guaranteed values)

Insertion loss:

≤1 GHz: <0.75 dB (typical <0.55 dB) NI

≤1.8 GHz: <1.0 dB (typical <0.8 dB) NI

≤2.7 GHz: <1.35 dB (typical <1.1 dB) NI

Isolation:

1 GHz: >50 dB NI

2.7 GHz: >40 dB NI

VSWR: <1.3 (within 2.7 GHz) NI

Maximum switching power: +24 dBm (continuous) NI

Terminal power: 1.5 W @25 °C (temperature rating reduced at high temperatures) NI

Electrical and dynamic

Maximum switching voltage: 30 VAC / 42 VDC NI

Maximum switching current: 0.5 A (per channel)

Switching time: typical 5 ms (electromechanical) NI

Relay lifespan: 1,000,000 times (typical), board-mounted counting tracking NI

DC path resistance: initial <0.25 Ω; end of life ≥1.0 Ω NI

Physics and environment

I/O connector: RF 10×SMA female connector (8 channels + 2 common terminals) NI

Size: 3U PXI single slot (approximately 100×160×20 mm) NI

Weight: approximately 255 g

Power consumption: 12 V ≈0.35 W NI

Operating temperature: 0 to 55 °C NI

Storage temperature: –40 to 70 °C NI

Four. Interface and Communication Configuration

Front-end interface

RF interface: 10×SMA female connector (gold-plated) NI

Bank A: CH0A, CH1A, CH2A, CH3A, COMA

Bank B: CH0B, CH1B, CH2B, CH3B, COMB

Trigger interface: no independent trigger (supports PXI backplane hardware trigger) NI

Bus and control

Bus interface: standard 3U PXI mixed bus (compatible with PXIe mixed slots) NI

Control software: compatible with NI- SWITCH, MAX, LabVIEW, TestStand, Switch Executive NI

Driver support: NI-DAQmx, NI-VISA, provides VI and API function libraries NI

Trigger synchronization: PXI hardware trigger, nanosecond-level synchronization, supports multi-module cascading NI

Configuration method: software to set channel mapping, scan sequence, relay count reading NI

Adaptation and expansion

Adaptation cable: SMA-SMA direct connection; optional SMA to BNC/SMB/MCX NI

Expansion capability: multi-module cascading, expand channel quantity, build large-scale RF switch system NI

Five. Core Functions

Dual 4×1 independent switches: 2 groups of completely independent 4-select-1 routing, can simultaneously control two RF signals, support parallel testing, double throughput NI.

DC to 2.7 GHz wideband coverage: covers Bluetooth, WiFi, ISM, 2G/3G, etc. mainstream medium and low-frequency RF frequency bands, suitable for consumer electronics and industrial RF testing NI. Mechanical and Electronic Relay Low Loss: Compared to solid-state relays, it has lower insertion loss and lower cost, making it suitable for mass production scenarios where loss sensitivity and moderate switching frequency are required (NI).

Full-channel 50 Ω Terminal: Unselected channels automatically connect to the load to prevent damage to the signal source due to large power reflection, improving system stability and measurement repeatability (NI).

Relay Life Counter: On-board counter, real-time statistics of switching times, predicting lifespan and reducing unplanned downtime (NI).

PXI Standard Integration: Single-slot 3U size, seamlessly integrated with PXI chassis, compatible with automated test systems, supporting hardware trigger synchronization (NI).

Six, Application Scenarios

Consumer Electronics RF Testing: Function verification and mass production testing of Bluetooth, WiFi, 2G/3G, NFC modules (NI).

Multi-channel RF Signal Switching: Channel expansion for signal sources, spectrum analyzers, and network analyzers, parallel polling testing for multiple DUTs (NI).

Mass Production ATE Testing: Cost-sensitive, medium-frequency, and medium switching frequency mass production lines, balancing performance and budget (NI).

Research and Development Laboratory: RF signal routing, instrument interconnection, solution verification, low-loss design ensures test accuracy (NI).

Semiconductor RF Chip Testing: Function verification, parameter testing, aging screening of medium-frequency RF ICs (NI).

Seven, Usage and Maintenance Instructions

Usage Points

Installation: Standard 3U PXI single slot, lock the panel, ensure reliable contact of the backplane; avoid strong vibration and electromagnetic interference (NI).

Connection: SMA connectors should be gently inserted and removed, avoid violent operation; RF power ≤ +24 dBm,严禁 operating beyond power limit (NI).

Power-on State： By default， all channels are disconnected from COM； unselected channels automatically connect to 50 Ω terminal (NI).

Software Control： Use NI-SWITCH or LabVIEW VI for Connect/Disconnect； regularly read relay counter (NI).

Environment： Working temperature 0-55 °C， dust-proof， moisture-proof， and dew-proof； keep away from strong electromagnetic interference sources， ensure good grounding (NI).

Maintenance Instructions

Regular Inspection： Check SMA connectors for looseness， oxidation， or damage every quarter； clean the panel and ventilation ports， maintain good heat dissipation (NI).

Life Management： Mechanical and electronic relays have approximately 1 million switching times； regularly read the onboard counter， plan for replacement in advance to avoid downtime (NI).

Fault Troubleshooting： First check SMA connection and grounding for abnormal signals； use MAX to diagnose switch status； take precautions against static electricity to avoid damage to modules (NI).

Storage： Power off when not in use， cover SMA connector with dust cap， store dry and dust-free， avoid high temperature， high humidity， and strong magnetic field environments (NI).

Calibration： It is recommended to calibrate once a year to ensure that insertion loss， isolation， VSWR， etc. meet specifications； contact NI or a third-party calibration institution (NI).