II. Model Interpretation

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

2597: NI high-frequency RF switch series code, specifically referring to the 6×1 built-in termination multiplexer NI.

Full name: PXI-2597 26.5 GHz 50Ω 6×1 (SP6T) built-in termination PXI RF multiplexer module NI.

Topology: Fixed 6×1 (SP6T) built-in termination multiplexer (6→1, unselected channels automatically 50Ω termination) NI.

III. Technical Parameters

(1) RF Performance

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 < 0.7 dB

Channel isolation: Typical ≥ 80 dB (1 GHz); ≥ 65 dB (26.5 GHz) NI

VSWR: Typical ≤ 1.25:1 (26.5 GHz); Maximum ≤ 1.35:1 NI

Maximum RF power: 150 W (51.76 dBm) / channel (continuous) NI

Maximum switching voltage: 90 Vrms / 90 VDC

Maximum switching current: 1.73 A (resistive) NI

Termination: Built-in 50Ω termination (fixed), unselected channels automatically terminate

(2) Switch and Relay

Relay type: Electromechanical RF relay, gold contacts NI

Channel configuration: 6 RF (CH0~CH5) + 1 common terminal (COM) NI

Action time: Typical 8 ms; Maximum 15 ms NI

Mechanical life: 5×10⁷ times (1 V/10 mA) NI

Electrical life: 2×10⁶ times (150 W/1 GHz) NI

Scan list: Maximum 32000 steps NI

Scan rate: Maximum 120 times/second NI

(3) Trigger and Synchronization

Trigger channel: PXI backplane Trigger 0~Trigger 7 NI

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

(4) Physical and Environment

Form: Standard 3U PXI single-slot module NI

Front-end connector: 7×SMA (6 channels + 1 common terminal)

Size: 216 mm × 20 mm × 130 mm NI

Weight: Approximately 0.49 kg NI

Power supply: PXI backplane 3.3 V/5 V/12 V; typical power consumption approximately 6.5 W NI

Operating temperature: 0 ℃ ~ 55 ℃ NI

Storage temperature: –20 ℃ ~ 70 ℃ NI

Humidity: 5% ~ 85%, no condensation NI

IV. Interface and Communication Configuration

(1) Front-end Interface (SMA)

6×1 built-in termination mode (fixed)

CH0~CH5: 6 RF inputs

COM: Common output

Unselected channels: Automatic built-in 50Ω termination, no external load required

Connection example: Signal source → CHx → COM → DUT; the remaining channels are automatically terminated NI

(2) Bus and Software

Bus: PXI backplane, only PXIe hybrid slots / PXI peripheral slots are available

Driver: NI-SWITCH, compliant with IVI specification NI

Software support: LabVIEW, TestStand, LabWindows/CVI, Python NI

Basic functions: NI MAX can recognize, channel status reading, scan editing, trigger configuration, relay life counting

Synchronization: The PXI trigger bus enables multi-module synchronous switching in NI

V. Core Functions

26.5 GHz Ultra-Wideband Switching: Covers DC to millimeter waves, suitable for 5G/6G, satellite, and radar high-frequency routing.

Built-in termination anti-reflection: Unselected channels automatically terminate at 50Ω, eliminating high-power open-circuit reflection and protecting power amplifiers / signal sources.

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

150 W High Power Capacity: Single channel 150 W continuous power, meeting the requirements of high-power RF testing in NI.

Relay Life Monitoring: On-board counter records the number of on/off cycles, supporting predictive maintenance.

SMA High Reliability Connection: Standard SMA connector, compatible with high-frequency cables, ensuring stable connection.

VI. Application Scenarios

Millimeter Wave Communication Testing: 5G/6G millimeter wave modules, satellite communication equipment, radar system signal routing.

RF Harmonic Testing: High-order harmonic transmission of PXI RF upconverters, multi-signal source down-conversion router.

High-Power RF Testing: Power amplifiers, high-power amplifiers, transmitter testing, anti-reflection protection.

Multi-Channel Signal Switching: 6 channels of signals selected to a single testing instrument, simplifying the test system architecture in NI.

Semiconductor High-Frequency ATE: Millimeter wave RF ICs, high-speed digital chips testing system signal routing in NI.

VII. Usage and Maintenance Instructions

(1) Installation and Power On

Install only in PXIe mixed slots or PXI peripheral slots, do not insert into pure PXIe slots.

Before installation, turn off the power, fully insert the module and tighten the panel screws.

After powering on, confirm in NI MAX that the device is recognized normally and there are no errors.

(2) Connection and Operation

Use 50Ω SMA cables, avoid over-tightening (recommended torque 0.8~1.0 N·m).

For high-power applications (>100 W), ensure that all unselected channels are automatically terminated, and do not operate with open circuits.

Before switching, confirm that the signal power is within the module's rated range to prevent relay damage in NI.

Programming Control: Use NI-SWITCH API to configure channels, scan lists, and triggers in NI.

(3) Maintenance and Lifespan

Regularly read the relay on/off cycle count through NI MAX, replace when approaching the lifespan value (mechanical 5×10⁷ / electrical 2×10⁶). Maintain ventilation and heat dissipation, do not exceed 55 ℃ for working temperature, avoid accelerating aging due to high temperature in NI.

Avoid frequent over-power and over-voltage switching to prevent contact corrosion in NI.

When not in use for a long time, store in a dry environment (-20 ℃~70 ℃), avoid oxidation of contacts due to moisture in NI.