NI PXI-2568 - PXI Relay Switch Module

NI PXI-2568 - PXI Relay Switch Module

The NI PXI-2568 is a high-performance, versatile switching module designed to meet the demanding needs of the power industry, petrochemical sector, and general automation applications. Built on the robust PXI platform, the PXI-2568 offers exceptional input/output capacity, reliability, and precision, making it a cornerstone for advanced test and measurement systems.

At its core, the NI PXI-2568 features a matrix switch configuration that supports up to 64 crosspoints, enabling complex routing of signals with minimal crosstalk and excellent channel-to-channel isolation. This makes it ideal for automated test environments where accurate, repeatable switching is critical. The module supports a wide range of signal types, including low-level analog signals and digital signals, with a maximum switching voltage of 300 V and a current rating up to 1 A per channel. Its impressive durability is evidenced by a long mechanical life exceeding 10 million operations, ensuring consistent performance in rigorous industrial conditions.

Performance-wise, the PXI-2568 stands out with its fast switching times and low contact resistance, which together enhance system throughput and measurement accuracy. The built-in diagnostics and self-test capabilities allow for proactive maintenance and minimize downtime, a critical factor in continuous production environments such as petrochemical plants and power generation facilities.

In real-world scenarios, the NI PXI-2568 excels in applications requiring complex signal routing and multiplexing. For example, in the power industry, it can be used to automate the testing of protective relays and circuit breakers, where rapid switching between multiple test points is necessary to validate system integrity and response times. Similarly, in petrochemical automation, the PXI-2568 can handle multiplexed sensor inputs and control signals, streamlining process monitoring and control with high reliability. Its role in general automation extends to manufacturing test systems, where it efficiently manages signal routing between different test instruments, increasing test coverage without compromising speed.

When compared with other NI automation products, the PXI-2568 offers unique advantages. Unlike the NI PXI-2547 and NI PXI-2542, which focus primarily on simpler multiplexing functions, the PXI-2568’s matrix architecture offers greater flexibility and scalability for complex test setups. Compared to digital I/O modules like the NI PXI-6534 or NI PCI-6520, the PXI-2568 specializes in switching and routing rather than direct digital control, complementing these modules when integrated into a comprehensive test system. For high-precision data acquisition needs, models such as the NI PCI-6154 and NI USB-6289 provide excellent analog input capabilities, whereas the PXI-2568 enhances system versatility by managing signal routing efficiently.

Alongside the NI PXI-2568, users can leverage complementary modules including the NI PXI-2532 for additional multiplexing, the NI PXI-2549 for matrix switching, and the NI PXI-6229 for synchronized analog input and output. The NI PXI-2800 and NI PXI-2529 modules also integrate seamlessly to expand the system’s I/O footprint. For embedded control applications, the NI cRIO-9045 controller offers real-time processing capabilities, while the NI USB-6211 and NI USB-6346 provide portable DAQ options that complement PXI-based test architectures.

The NI PXI-2568 is a critical component of NI automation products tailored for demanding industrial environments. Its rugged design, high channel density, and superior switching performance make it indispensable in the application of PXI-2568 in power industry, petrochemical, and general automation fields. Whether automating complex relay test sequences, enhancing sensor multiplexing in chemical processing, or streamlining manufacturing test processes, the PXI-2568 delivers reliable, high-throughput operation that optimizes productivity and minimizes downtime.

In summary, the NI PXI-2568 stands out in the NI portfolio by combining durable hardware with flexible, high-density signal routing capabilities. Its synergy with other NI modules, such as the PXI-2547, PXI-6229, and cRIO-9045, enables integrators to build sophisticated, scalable test and automation solutions. For professionals seeking a reliable, high-performance switching solution within the extensive NI ecosystem, the PXI-2568 represents a proven choice that meets the rigorous demands of modern industrial applications.