PXI-2586
May 27, 2026

PXI-2586

I. Product Introduction PXI-2586 (Part Number: 778572-86) is a 3U PXI high-power general-purpose relay module launched by National Instruments (NI). It offers 10 independent SPST (normally open) electromechanical relays and supports software configuration as 10-SPST or 5-DPST topologies. It is mainly characterized by 12 A high current, 300 V high voltage, low contact resistance, and high isolation. It is targeted at high-power signal switching scenarios such as batteries, power supplies, automotive electronics, and industrial control.

Description

II. Model Interpretation

PXI: Standard PXI bus, compatible with PXIe mixed slots.

2586: NI high-power general-purpose relay series code, representing 10-channel SPST/5-channel DPST high-power relay module.

Full name: PXI-2586 10-channel 12 A SPST/DPST PXI Relay Module.

Topology (software configurable):

10-SPST: 10 independent normally open relays (each channel CHx→COMx);

5-DPST: 5 double-pole single-throw (each channel controls two channels synchronously).

III. Technical Parameters

(1) Switching and Electrical Characteristics

Topology: 10-SPST (default)/5-DPST (software configurable).

Relay type: Electromechanical single-sided stable (non-locking), silver-nickel contacts, field-replaceable.

Maximum switching voltage: 300 VDC / 300 Vrms (CAT II); channel-to-ground/channel-to-channel isolation is 300 V for each channel.

Single-channel maximum switching/carrying current: 12 A (resistive load, ≤ 45 ℃).

Maximum switching power: DC 360 W; AC 3 kVA (60 Hz).

On-state resistance: Typical value **< 0.1 Ω** (low contact resistance).

Thermal offset: Typical value **< 50 µV**.

Operating bandwidth: ≥ 20 MHz (‑3 dB, 50 Ω).

Action time: Typical 8 ms, maximum 15.4 ms.

Channel isolation (50 Ω terminals):

10 kHz: ≥ 90 dB; 100 kHz: ≥ 70 dB; 1 MHz: ≥ 50 dB (NI).

Minimum load: 1 V / 10 mANI.

(2) Life and Scan Parameters

Mechanical life: 1×10⁷ times on-off (1 V/10 mA).

Electrical life (resistive load):

30 VDC/10 A: 1×10⁵ times;

30 VDC/12 A: 3×10⁴ times (NI).

Scan list: Maximum 32,000 steps programmable scan sequence.

Full-channel scan rate: Up to 65 times/second.

(3) Trigger and Control

Trigger channels: Support PXI backplane Trigger 0~Trigger 7 hardware trigger bus.

Minimum trigger pulse width: 150 ns (disable digital filtering).

Built-in functions: Each relay has an independent counter, supporting life monitoring.

(4) Physical and Environmental Parameters

Form specification: Standard 3U PXI single-slot module, compatible with PXIe mixed slots.

Front-end connector: 20-pin Positronic GMCT series plug.

Form size: 216 mm × 20 mm × 130 mm.

Weight: Approximately 0.4 kg.

Power supply: PXI backplane 3.3 V/5 V; typical power consumption 2.5 W (3.3 V) + 5 W (5 V).

Operating temperature: 0 ℃ ~ 55 ℃ (over 45 ℃ requires derating).

Storage temperature: –20 ℃ ~ 70 ℃.

Relative humidity: 5% ~ 85%, no condensation.

IV. Interfaces and Topology Configuration

Front-end I/O interface (20-pin Positronic)

10-SPST mode: 10 independent channels (CH0~CH9) + 10 common terminals (COM0~COM9);

5-DPST mode: 5 channels (CH0~CH4) + 5 common terminals (COM0~COM4), each channel controls two channels synchronously switching. Bus and Software Communication

Bus Interface: Standard PXI backplane, compatible with PXIe mixed slots, automatically acquires power, clock, and trigger.

Driver: Standard NI-SWITCH, compliant with IVI specifications.

Software Support: LabVIEW, TestStand, LabWindows/CVI, Python, etc.

Basic Functions: NI MAX can perform hardware recognition, topology configuration, channel status reading, scan editing, trigger configuration, and life count query.

Synchronization Capability: PXI trigger bus enables multi-module high-precision synchronous switching.

VII. Core Functions

Flexible Dual Topology Configuration: 10 independent SPST or 5 DPST, suitable for different power load control requirements.

12 A High Current Capacity: 12 A continuous current per channel, meeting high-power testing requirements for power batteries, power modules, etc.

300 V High Voltage Isolation: CAT II 300 Vrms isolation, ensuring safety during high-voltage switching.

Low Contact Resistance: Typical < 0.1 Ω, reducing power loss and thermal errors.

Wide Bandwidth Design: 20 MHz bandwidth, balancing high-frequency power signal switching.

Relay Life Monitoring: On-board counter records on/off times, supporting predictive maintenance.

Field Replaceable Relays: Single-channel failure does not require replacement of the entire module, reducing maintenance costs.

VIII. Application Scenarios

Battery Testing: Lithium battery / battery pack charge/discharge control, cycle life testing, multi-channel load switching.

Automotive Electronics: ECU, vehicle lights, motors, wiring harness, etc. high-power load switch control, fault injection testing.

Power Supply Testing: DC-DC, AC-DC, battery simulator, etc. power module load switching, aging testing.

Industrial Control: Electromagnetic valves, heaters, small motors, etc. high-power actuator control.

ATE Equipment: High-power function testing, reliability testing, power load testing system.

IX. Usage and Maintenance Instructions

Usage Points

Installation: Insert into 3U standard slot, tighten panel screws, keep away from strong vibration / strong electromagnetic interference; PXIe chassis prioritizes mixed slots.

Connection: Match 20-pin Positronic GMCT cable, use thick wire diameter (≥1.5 mm²) for high current circuits and ensure reliable grounding.

Electrical Limits: Strictly follow 300 V/12 A rated parameters; for inductive loads (motors, solenoid valves), an external shunt diode must be connected to prevent high-voltage spikes from damaging contacts.

Topology Selection: 10-SPST for independent loads; 5-DPST for synchronous control of two loads.

Heat Dissipation: > 45 ℃ environment requires reduced use, ensuring good ventilation of the chassis.

Maintenance Instructions

Regular Inspection: Inspect 20-pin connectors quarterly, clean dust, check for loose oxidation, and focus on temperature rise in high-current circuits.

Life Management: Regularly read on/off times, plan to replace relays when approaching electrical life limit.

Environmental Control: Maintain dry and ventilated conditions, temperature 0~55 ℃, avoid condensation and dust accumulation.

Fault Handling: Check wiring, grounding, and load type first for abnormal channels; single-channel failure can be replaced with a relay on-site.

Storage Requirements: Disconnect cables when not in use, protect interface from dust, store in a dry environment at -20~70 ℃.

Calibration: Suggested annual calibration to test on/off status, conduction resistance, isolation performance, and temperature rise.


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