National Instruments SwitchBlock for PXI automated test switch

The SwitchBlock for PXI high-density switching solution features an innovative architecture that simplifies connectivity through internal column expansion.

Designed specifically for demanding automated test systems with large numbers of channels, the device integrates with Switch Executive switch management software to provide a streamlined option for switch configuration, routing, programming and maintenance.

The device comprises an expandable carrier that occupies four PXI slots and accommodates up to six relay cards. Engineers can use the carrier’s integrated high-voltage analog bus to internally expand the relay cards into large matrices, with more than 2000 crosspoints in a single carrier.

They can further expand these matrices with an expansion bridge that extends a carrier’s analog bus to additional carriers.

Engineers can combine up to four carriers to create internally routed matrices with up to 8832 crosspoints in a single PXI chassis. Because of this hardware architecture, the device can integrate with other PXI instruments and I/O for use as the core of large-scale, automated test systems.

With the software, engineers can graphically configure their switch systems one relay at a time, for total control, or automatically route signals across multiple relay cards by specifying endpoints.

By combining Switch Executive with LabVIEW, engineers can abstract numerous route groups to configure, program and maintain large matrix configurations.

The device also includes Switch Health Centre software which increases long-term system reliability by automatically running onboard diagnostics that verify relay continuity and display relay count information.