II. Model Interpretation

PXI: Standard PXI bus, only compatible with PXIe hybrid slots and PXI peripheral slots NI.

2596: NI Ultra-High Frequency RF Multiplexer Series Code, representing a dual 6×1 26.5 GHz 50Ω RF multiplexer NI.

Full Name: PXI-2596 26.5 GHz 50Ω Dual 6×1 (SP6T) PXI RF Multiplexer Module NI.

Topology: Two independent 6×1 non-terminated multiplexers (A/B two groups, each group 6 input channels → 1 common output channel) NI.

III. Technical Parameters

(1) RF Core Characteristics

Frequency Range: DC ~ 26.5 GHz (–3 dB) NI.

Characteristic Impedance: 50 Ω (Full Channel Matching) NI.

Insertion Loss: Typical < 0.3 dB (26.5 GHz); Maximum < 0.6 dB.

Channel Isolation: Typical ≥ 80 dB (1 GHz); ≥ 65 dB (26.5 GHz).

Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR): Typical ≤ 1.25:1 (26.5 GHz); Maximum ≤ 1.35:1.

Maximum RF Power: 150 W (51.76 dBm) / Channel (Continuous).

Maximum Switching Voltage: 90 Vrms / 90 VDC; Channel - Ground Isolation 90 V NI.

Maximum Switching Current: 1.73 A (Resistive).

(2) Switch and Relay Parameters

Relay Type: Electromechanical RF Relay, Gold Contacts, Low Contact Resistance NI.

Channel Configuration: Dual 6×1 (Group A: CH0A~CH5A + COMA; Group B: CH0B~CH5B + COMB) NI.

Action Time: Typical 8 ms, Maximum 12 ms.

Mechanical Life: 5×10⁷ times on-off (1 V/10 mA).

Electrical Life: 1×10⁶ times (150 W/1 GHz).

Termination Method: Default Non-terminated; Supports External 50Ω SMA Terminal.

(3) Scanning and Triggering

Scanning List: Maximum 32,000 programmable scanning sequences.

Full Channel Scanning Rate: Maximum 120 times/second.

Trigger Channel: Supports PXI Backplane Trigger 0~Trigger 7 Hardware Trigger Bus.

Minimum Trigger Pulse Width: 150 ns (Disabled Digital Filtering).

(4) Physical and Environmental Parameters

Form Specification: Standard 3U PXI Single Slot Module, Only Compatible with PXIe Hybrid Slot / PXI Peripheral Slot NI.

Front-End Connectors: 14 SMA RF Joints (Group A 6 channels + 1 common end; Group B 6 channels + 1 common end) NI.

Form Size: 216 mm × 20 mm × 130 mm.

Weight: Approximately 0.33 kg.

Power Supply: PXI Backplane 3.3 V/5 V; Typical Power Consumption 1.2 W (3.3 V) + 3.5 W (5 V).

Operating Temperature: 0 ℃ ~ 55 ℃.

Storage Temperature: –20 ℃ ~ 70 ℃.

Relative Humidity: 5% ~ 85%, No Condensation.

IV. Interface and Topology Configuration

Front-End I/O Interface (SMA)

Dual 6×1 Mode (Fixed): Group A 6 Independent RF Channels (CH0A~CH5A) → COMA; Group B 6 Independent RF Channels (CH0B~CH5B) → COMB; Two groups work independently, with only one channel connected to the common port NI in the same time period for each group.

Connection example: Signal source → CH0A~CH5A (any selection) → COMA → the device under test (DUT); the other group's signal source → CH0B~CH5B (any selection) → COMB → another device under test (DUT).

Bus and software communication

Bus interface: Standard PXI backplane, compatible only with PXIe hybrid slots / PXI peripheral slots, automatically acquires power, clock, and triggers NI.

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

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

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

Synchronization capability: PXI trigger bus realizes high-precision synchronous switching of multiple modules.

VII. Core functions

26.5 GHz ultra-wideband switching: Covers DC to 26.5 GHz, suitable for 5G/6G ultra-wideband, satellite communication, radar, etc., for high-frequency signal routing NI.

50Ω precise impedance matching: Full-link 50Ω design, VSWR ≤ 1.25, minimizing reflection and loss.

Ultra-low insertion loss and ultra-high isolation: 0.3 dB insertion loss + 80 dB isolation, ensuring millimeter-wave signal integrity.

Dual 6×1 independent multiplexing: Dual groups of independent 6-channel switching, suitable for multi-signal sources, multi-device under test parallel testing scenarios NI.

150 W ultra-high power carrying: Single channel 150 W continuous RF power, meeting high-power RF testing requirements.

Relay life monitoring: Board-mounted counter records the number of on/off cycles, supporting predictive maintenance NI.

SMA interface high reliability: Standard SMA connector, stable connection, suitable for high-frequency test cables.

VIII. Application scenarios

Millimeter-wave communication testing: 5G/6G millimeter-wave RF modules, satellite communication equipment, radar systems, multi-channel switching, signal routing NI.

Semiconductor testing: Millimeter-wave RF ICs, high-speed digital chips, clock distribution, ATE high-frequency testing systems.

High-speed digital testing: DDR5, PCIe 6.0, USB4, etc., high-speed signal channel switching and verification.

General high-frequency testing: Multi-channel switching of signals within 26.5 GHz, oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers.

RF aging testing: Long-term stability testing of high-power RF devices, multi-channel parallel aging NI.

IX. Usage and maintenance instructions

Usage points

Installation: Insert into 3U PXIe hybrid slot / PXI peripheral slot, lock the panel screws, keep away from strong electromagnetic interference; do not insert into pure PXIe slot NI.

Connection: Use 50Ω SMA RF cables, ensure the connectors are tightened, avoid loosening causing VSWR deterioration; minimize the length of the high-frequency signal path.

Electrical limits: Strictly follow the 90 V/150 W rated parameters; avoid electrostatic discharge (ESD), ground for anti-static before operation.

Topology restrictions: Fix the dual 6×1, cannot be configured as other topologies; more channels require multi-module cascading.

Heat dissipation: Ensure the chassis has good ventilation, avoid overheating during 26.5 GHz high-power operation.

Maintenance instructions

Regular checks: Check SMA connectors quarterly, clean dust, check for loose oxidation, focus on checking contact resistance of high-frequency connectors.

Life management: Regularly read the number of on/off cycles, plan for relay replacement when approaching the electrical life limit. Fault Handling: For abnormal channels, first check the wiring, grounding and VSWR; for single-channel faults, replace the relay on-site.

Storage Requirements: Disconnect the cables when the equipment is not in use, provide dust protection for the interface, and store it in a dry environment ranging from -20 to 70 ℃.

Calibration: It is recommended to calibrate once a year, to test the insertion loss, isolation, VSWR and channel consistency.