NI PXI-2536 - PXI Matrix Switch Module

NI PXI-2536 - PXI Matrix Switch Module

The NI PXI-2536 is a high-performance relay switching module designed to meet the rigorous demands of test, measurement, and automation applications, particularly within the power industry, petrochemical sector, and general automation environments. Engineered for superior reliability and flexibility, the PXI-2536 integrates advanced switching capabilities with robust input/output capacity, ensuring precise control and signal routing in complex automated test systems.

At the core of the NI PXI-2536’s technical prowess is its 2-wire multiplexing design, capable of switching up to 32 channels with low crosstalk and minimal signal degradation. Its relay architecture supports both AC and DC signals, with a maximum switching voltage of 150 VDC/100 VAC and a switching current of up to 1 A per channel, delivering the durability and performance required for harsh industrial settings. The module’s relay contact resistance is typically below 0.5 Ω, ensuring clean, reliable connections across thousands of switching cycles. Its impressive mechanical and electrical endurance, coupled with a switching speed optimized for automation workflows, makes the PXI-2536 an indispensable component for high-throughput test systems and monitoring applications.

In real-world scenarios, the application of PXI-2536 in the power industry shines in tasks such as substation monitoring, relay testing, and power quality analysis where accurate signal routing and switching isolation are critical. Within petrochemical plants, the PXI-2536 facilitates complex sensor multiplexing and safety interlock testing, helping maintain operational integrity in hazardous environments. For general automation, it excels in manufacturing test lines and environmental chamber controls where multiple sensor inputs must be sequentially monitored without compromising signal fidelity or system uptime.

Compared to other NI automation products, the NI PXI-2536 stands out due to its high channel density and relay reliability. While modules like the NI PXI-2523 offer fewer channels with similar switching capabilities, the PXI-2536 provides enhanced multiplexing density, reducing overall system footprint and cost. Unlike the NI PXI-2541 or NI PXI-2532, which focus on different switching architectures or lower current ratings, the PXI-2536 balances signal integrity and switching speed, making it versatile across various signal types. It complements measurement modules such as the NI PXI-6133 and NI PXI-6236, which provide high-precision data acquisition but lack integrated switching, thus enabling more comprehensive test configurations. Additionally, it pairs well with timing and synchronization modules like the NI PXIe-4610 for coordinated test sequences.

Alongside the NI PXI-2536, the NI SCXI-1169 and NI SCXI-1129 modules offer extended signal conditioning and multiplexing capabilities, ideal for mixed-signal test setups requiring both switching and analog input channels. The NI PXIe-2544 and NI PXIe-4498 can be integrated within the same PXI chassis to provide high-speed digitization and analysis, complementing the switching functions of the PXI-2536. For applications demanding embedded control, the NI cRIO-9056 and NI cRIO-9047 controllers can orchestrate complex automation sequences, coordinating relay switching with sensor data acquisition and actuator control. The NI PCI-6224 and NI USB-6221 modules provide additional flexible DAQ options to extend system capability beyond the PXI platform.

In summary, the NI PXI-2536 is a robust, high-density relay switching module that excels in demanding environments such as the power industry, petrochemical plants, and general automation. Its combination of durable relay technology, high channel count, and precise switching performance makes it a valuable asset in any automated test or monitoring system. When paired with complementary NI automation products like the NI PXI-6133, NI PXI-6236, NI SCXI-1169, and NI PXIe-4610, users can build scalable, efficient, and highly reliable test architectures tailored to complex industrial workflows.

For engineers seeking to enhance their system’s versatility and performance, the NI PXI-2536 offers unmatched reliability and integration within the NI automation ecosystem. Its proven track record in the application of PXI-2536 in power industry, petrochemical, and general automation underscores its role as a cornerstone module for modern automated testing and control solutions.