II. Model Interpretation

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

2796: NI high-frequency RF switch series code, representing 40 GHz, 50Ω, dual SP6T, non-terminated multiplexer.

Full name: PXI-2796 40 GHz 50Ω dual 6×1 RF multiplexer module.

Topology: Dual SP6T (two independent banks), 12 input channels, 2 output channels, non-terminated design by NI.

III. Technical Parameters

(1) RF Core Characteristics

Topology: Dual 6×1 (SP6T), 2 independent banks

Impedance: 50Ω

Bandwidth: DC～40 GHz

Insertion Loss: ≤1.1 dB @40 GHz

Isolation: ≥60 dB @40 GHz

Return Loss: ≥15 dB @40 GHz

Termination: No built-in termination (Unterminated) by NI

(2) Electrical Rated Values

Maximum Switch Voltage: 30 VAC (cold switching)

Relay Type: Electromechanical Relay (EMR)

Action Time: ≤5 ms

Mechanical Life: 1×10⁶ times (rated load) by NI

(3) Physical and Environmental

Form: Standard 3U PXI single-slot module

Front-end Connector: SMA (female) ×14 (6 inputs per group + 1 common output)

Size: 216 mm × 20 mm × 130 mm

Weight: Approximately 0.45 kg

Power Supply: PXI backplane 5 V; typical power consumption 4 W

Operating Temperature: 0 ℃～55 ℃

Storage Temperature: –20 ℃～70 ℃

Humidity: 5%～85%, no condensation by NI

IV. Interface and Communication Configuration

(1) Front-end I/O Interface

SMA Female ×14:

Bank A: CH1A～CH6A (input) + COMA (output)

Bank B: CH1B～CH6B (input) + COMB (output)

Compatible with 50Ω coaxial cable, supports high-frequency signal transmission by NI

(2) Bus and Software Communication

Bus Interface: PXI backplane, only supports PXIe mixed slots / PXI peripheral slots

Driver: NI-SWITCH, compliant with IVI specification

Software Support: LabVIEW, TestStand, LabWindows/CVI, Python, C, .NET

Basic Function: NI MAX hardware recognition, channel switching configuration, relay status monitoring, life counting

Trigger Capability: Supports PXI backplane Trigger 0～7, multi-module synchronous switching by NI

V. Core Functions

Dual 6×1 High-Frequency Multiplexer: Two independent SP6T banks, single-slot realizes 12-in-2-out high-frequency routing, high density, saves chassis space.

40 GHz Bandwidth: DC～40 GHz coverage of microwave and millimeter wave frequency bands, supports harmonic, RF, and high-speed digital signal switching.

Low Insertion Loss + High Isolation: 40 GHz insertion loss ≤1.1 dB, isolation degree ≥60 dB, ensures signal integrity, reduces crosstalk.

Flexible non-terminated adaptation: No built-in termination, can be externally matched with 50Ω load, suitable for complex test scenarios with multiple sources and loads.

Dual bank independent control: Two groups of channels can be independently switched, supports dual-channel parallel testing, signal comparison, redundant switching.

Relay Life Monitoring: Built-in counter records on/off times, supports predictive maintenance, reduces downtime risk by NI.

VI. Application Scenarios RF signal up/down conversion test: Transmit the high-order harmonics of the PXI RF up-converter, or route multiple signal sources to the down-converter.

5G/mmWave equipment test: Adapt to the 5G mmWave frequency band with a 40 GHz bandwidth, used for base station, terminal, and RF chip switching tests.

High-speed digital signal routing: Switch 10G/25G/40Gbps high-speed digital signals, used for communication interfaces, high-speed bus tests.

Multi-source synchronization test: Multiple signal sources (signal generators, antennas, sensors) are accessed and analyzed in turn by the analyzer to improve test efficiency.

Satellite/aeronautical electronic test: High-frequency signal routing, redundant switching, adapted to satellite communication, radar, and aeronautical RF test requirements by NI.

VII. Installation and Maintenance Instructions

(1) Installation and Power On

Only install in PXIe mixed slots or PXI peripheral slots, do not use pure PXIe slots.

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

After powering on, confirm the device identification is normal and there are no errors in NI MAX.

(2) Connection and Operation

Use 50Ω SMA coaxial cable, ensure the connectors are clean and tightened to avoid signal leakage and reflection.

During high-frequency testing, connect the unused channels externally (50Ω load), reducing reflection interference.

Cold switching operation: Switch the relay when there is no signal to avoid arc damage to the contacts.

Programming control: Configure channel switching, scanning sequence, and trigger synchronization through NI-SWITCH API.

(3) Maintenance and Lifespan

Regularly read the relay on/off times through NI MAX, replace when approaching 1×10⁶ times.

Maintain ventilation and heat dissipation, with a working temperature of ≤55 ℃, to avoid accelerated aging due to high temperature.

Avoid overpressure and overcurrent operations to prevent contact oxidation or adhesion.

When not in use for a long time, store in a dry environment (-20 ℃ to 70 ℃), cover the interface with a dust cap.