PXI-2568
May 27, 2026

PXI-2568

PXI‑2568 (Part Number: 778572‑68) is a 3U PXI high-density general-purpose electromechanical relay module developed by National Instruments (NI). It integrates 32 independent non-latching SPDT (Single-Pole Double-Throw, Form C) relays to achieve high-channel-density signal switching in a single slot. Featuring low on-resistance and low thermal offset, it operates with a bandwidth from DC to 10 MHz. The module supports Product Overview programmable scanning and PXI hardware synchronous triggering. It is widely applied to data acquisition, semiconductor testing, industrial ATE and wiring harness inspection systems, and is compatible with standard PXI and PXIe hybrid slots.

Description

II. Model Interpretation

PXI: Compliant with the PXI industrial bus standard, supporting installation and use in PXIe mixed slots

2568: The model code of the NI universal relay module series, representing a 32-channel SPDT universal electromechanical relay

Full name: PXI-2568 32-Channel SPDT PXI Relay Module

Topology identifier: NISWITCH_TOPOLOGY_2568_32_SPDT, the hardware topology is fixed and does not support software reconfiguration

III. Technical Parameters

(1) Switching and Electrical Characteristics

Topology: 32 independent SPDT (Form C), each channel includes a common terminal COM, a normally open terminal NO, and a normally closed terminal NC

Relay type: Electromechanical non-latching relay, with gold-plated contacts

Maximum switching voltage: 150 VDC / 125 VAC (CAT I safety level)

Maximum switching/carrying current per channel: 2 A

Maximum switching power: 60 W DC, 62.5 VA AC (power frequency)

On-state resistance: Typical value < 50 mΩ

Thermal offset: Typical value < 1 µV

Operating bandwidth: DC ~ 10 MHz

Action time: Typical 2 ms, maximum 4.4 ms

Insulation withstand voltage: Channel-to-channel, channel-to-ground withstand voltage 150 Vrms

(2) Life and Scan Parameters

Mechanical life: 2×10⁷ on-off cycles

Full-load electrical life: 1×10⁵ on-off cycles

Scan list: Maximum support 1024-step programmable scan sequence

Full-channel scan rate: Maximum 115 times/second

(3) Trigger and Control

Trigger channels: Support hardware trigger bus from PXI backplane Trigger 0 to Trigger 7

Minimum trigger pulse width: 150 ns

Board-level functions: Each relay channel is equipped with an independent counter unit for life monitoring

(4) Physical and Environmental Parameters

Form specification: Standard 3U PXI single-slot module

Front-end connector: 78-pin D-SUB female connector

Form size: 216 mm × 20 mm × 130 mm

Weight: Approximately 0.32 kg

Power supply method: 5 V power supply from PXI backplane, typical power consumption 5.0 W

Operating temperature: 0 ℃ ~ 55 ℃

Storage temperature: -20 ℃ ~ 70 ℃

Relative humidity: 5% ~ 85%, no condensation

IV. Interface and Communication Configuration

Front-end I/O Interface

All external signals of the module are centralized and led out through the 78-pin D-SUB female connector, including 32 complete SPDT signal channels (COM/NO/NC), and the remaining pins are shielding ground and reference ground. All channels are electrically isolated from each other, and a single channel failure will not affect the normal operation of other channels.

Bus and Software Communication

Bus interface: Standard PXI backplane bus, automatically acquires power, clock, and trigger signals, compatible with PXIe chassis mixed slots.

Driver: Standard NI-SWITCH driver, compliant with IVI instrument driver specification.

Software support: Compatible with mainstream development environments such as LabVIEW, TestStand, LabWindows/CVI, Python, etc.

Basic functions: Can complete hardware identification, channel status reading, scan sequence editing, trigger mode configuration, and relay on-off count query through NI MAX.

Synchronization capability: Relying on the PXI trigger bus, achieve high-precision synchronous switching of multiple modules and multiple test instruments.

V. Core Functions High channel density: Integrated 32-channel SPDT switches in a single 3U slot, effectively saving chassis slots and suitable for large-scale multi-channel signal switching systems.

Precise signal processing: Low on-resistance design and low thermal offset, significantly reducing measurement errors, compatible with low-level analog precision signal circuits.

Programmable scanning: Built-in 1024-step scanning list, pre-editing switching logic, automatically executed by hardware, enhancing the efficiency of automated testing.

Hardware synchronous triggering: Supports PXI backplane hardware triggering, precise timing when multiple modules switch simultaneously, meeting the requirements of high-speed parallel testing.

Relay life monitoring: Board-mounted independent counter, real-time recording of each relay's on-off times, supporting predictive maintenance, reducing unplanned downtime.

Wide range compatibility: DC~10 MHz bandwidth, compatible with low-voltage DC and industrial frequency AC control signals, suitable for a wide range of applications.

Six. Application scenarios

Semiconductor, electronic component automated functional testing, achieving multi-channel signal selection for chip pins.

Industrial data acquisition system, multi-measurement point sensor analog signal multiplexing.

Automotive electronic testing, used for vehicle wiring, on-board low-voltage control circuit continuity detection.

Industrial automation testing equipment (ATE), multi-channel control signal, small power load program-controlled switching.

Laboratory research and development platform, multi-channel signal routing, loop switching and comparative testing.

Large-scale distributed measurement and control system, building a high-density switch array, unified scheduling of multiple test signals.

Seven. Usage and Maintenance Instructions

Usage points

Installation: Insert the module into the 3U standard slot of the PXI chassis, lock the panel screws, ensure reliable backplane contact, and avoid strong vibration and strong electromagnetic interference environments.

Connection: Use matching 78-pin D-SUB cables, gently insert and pull, do not pull forcefully; for precision signal circuits, it is recommended to use shielded cables and reliable grounding.

Electrical limits: Strictly follow the 150 V, 2 A rated parameters, prohibit overpressure and overcurrent operation; for inductive loads such as drive coils and motors, external series diodes or surge suppressors must be connected to prevent reverse high voltage from damaging contacts.

Trigger mode: For routine debugging, use software immediate triggering; for multi-module synchronization and high-speed scanning scenarios, enable PXI hardware triggering.

Power-on specifications: Complete wiring before powering on, disconnect the signal lines when power is off, do not plug or unplug while powered on, avoid arc burn to contacts.

Maintenance instructions

Regular inspection: Inspect D-SUB connectors every quarter, check for looseness, oxidation, and dust accumulation, and clean promptly.

Life management: Regularly read the relay on-off times using NI-SWITCH, when the number of times approaches 1×10⁵ times under load conditions, plan for replacement in advance.

Environmental control: Maintain a dry and ventilated working environment, keep the temperature at 0~55 ℃, avoid condensation and dust accumulation.

Fault handling: When a channel is abnormal, check the wiring and grounding status first; the relay of this module cannot be replaced on-site, hardware faults require overall module replacement or factory repair.

Storage requirements: When not in use for a long time, disconnect all cables, install dust protection on the interface, store in a dry environment at - 20~70 ℃, away from high temperatures, corrosion, and strong magnetic fields.

Calibration: It is recommended to conduct a functional calibration once a year, test indicators such as on-off status, conduction resistance, etc., to ensure test accuracy.


Get a Quote