National Instruments PXI-2503 PXI Multiplexer Switch Module

The NI PXI-2503 (Part Number: 777697-01 ) is a 1-, 2-, or 4-Wire PXI Multiplexer Switch Module. The PXI-2503 has the options of 6, 12, 24, or 48 channels- as well as a hybrid connector. This model utilizes electromechanical relays for accurate measurements. For deterministic scanning, it provides a 1,024-step scan list. The NI PXI-2503 consists of a 14 by 1, 2-wire multiplexer in PXI format. This model is offered with the Windows-based NI-SWITCH software that you can use to configure and operate your PXI-2503 switch card. With this model, the user can utilize software-configurable switches to get the PXI-2503 configured as a 48 x 1, 1-wire multiplexer for achieving many measurements at a common reference. Besides, this electromechanical switch can operate as a 12 x 1, 4-wire multiplexer for making resistive measurements such as RTDs or thermistors. The device has a switch bandwidth of 10 MHz. Finally, users can also get this card configured as a 6 by 4, 2-wire matrix with the help of a National Instruments TB-2606 terminal block.

For more challenging applications, multiple PXI-2503 modules can also be used in combination. As an example, consider a 48 x 1, 2-wire multiplexer that can be formed by connecting two cards. The NI PXI-2503 supports a 4-wire analog bus as well. Thus, the user can connect the 4-wire analog bus to the switch through its main connector provided on the front-panel–it is equipped with a 68-pin male SCSI I/O connector. Using an analog bus makes the creation of large systems possible through redundant switch cards. The advanced scanner trigger and the external trigger input are used to handshake the National Instruments PXI-2503 with external instruments or PXI instruments. The device weighs 8 oz., and measures 8.5 x 0.8 x 5.1 in. in physical dimensions. It has a power requirement of 370 mA typical, 700 mA maximum at +5 VDC, a relay operate time of 3 ms typical and 5 ms maximum at 20 °C, an expected mechanical and electrical life expectancy of 5 x 107 and 2 x 105 cycles respectively. The NI instrument has a recommended operating temperature range of 0 °C to 50 °C, and a storage temperature range of -20 °C to 70 °C.