Engineers now can use four new National Instruments 26.5 GHz PXI switch modules and the latest version of the company’s switch management software for PXI-based RF and microwave test applications. The switches, combined with the new per-path calibration capability of NI Switch Executive 2.1, offer modularity and programming flexibility for communication test systems.

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The National Instruments PXI-2596, PXI-2597, PXI-2598 and PXI-2599 are multiplexers, SPDT relays and transfer switch modules designed for routing RF or microwave signals in automated test applications. The new modules offer 26.5 GHz switching in multiple PXI configurations for a complete switching solution on one platform. Using microwave relays from Radiall, each module is designed to operate with less than 1 dB insertion loss up to 26.5 GHz, minimizing impact on the test system and appearing almost invisible to signals at much lower frequencies. They are suitable for passing high-order harmonics from RF upconverters, such as the NI PXI-5671 2.7 GHz vector signal generator, or routing multiple sources to RF downconverters, such as the NI PXI-5660 2.7 GHz vector signal analyzer.

Engineers can use the NI PXI-2597 50-Ohm terminated multiplexer to route signals while avoiding reflections in high-power applications. The PXI-2596 offers a higher-density, unterminated option with dual 6x1 multiplexer banks in the same module. The PXI-2598 and PXI-2599 operate as transfer switches or SPDT relays, respectively, for basic signal routing or inserting and removing components in a single path.

To configure and control these new RF/microwave switch modules, engineers can use NI Switch Executive 2.1, which introduces several new features for Excel integration, RF switching and switch system debugging. The updated software gives engineers programmatic access to settings on a per-switch route basis so they can store RF path calibration and parametric information, improving overall test system accuracy.

The PXI-2596, PXI-2597, PXI-2598 and PXI-2599 modules add to the more than 100 switch configurations available from National Instruments in the modular PXI and SCXI platforms. When combined with modular instruments and intuitive software such as NI Switch Executive, engineers can use these switches to form the building blocks of functional test systems, in-circuit testers or manufacturing defect analyzers in a variety of industries.