Product Introduction
The NI PXIe-2737 is a high-density PXI Express relay switch module designed for automated test equipment (ATE), electronic validation, manufacturing test, and signal routing applications. Featuring 128 independent relay channels, the PXIe-2737 enables engineers to efficiently route low-frequency analog and digital signals while minimizing system complexity and chassis space.
As part of the National Instruments PXI Switch family, the PXIe-2737 combines reliable electromechanical switching, high channel density, and seamless integration with NI Switch Executive and NI-SWITCH software, making it an ideal solution for scalable automated measurement systems.
Product Overview
The PXIe-2737 is optimized for applications requiring large numbers of independent signal paths. The module uses high-quality electromechanical relays that provide low contact resistance, excellent isolation, and long operational life.
Built on the PXI Express platform, the PXIe-2737 integrates easily with NI DAQ modules, digital multimeters, oscilloscopes, RF instruments, source measure units (SMUs), and programmable power supplies, allowing engineers to create flexible automated switching systems.
Key Features
128 Independent Relay Channels
The PXIe-2737 provides one of the highest relay densities available in the PXI switching family.
- 128 independent relay channels
- High-density switching architecture
- Independent channel operation
- Flexible signal routing
- Compact PXI Express module
Advantage: High channel density significantly reduces chassis space requirements while simplifying large automated switching systems.
Electromechanical Relay Technology
The module uses precision electromechanical relays for reliable switching performance.
- Low contact resistance
- Excellent isolation
- High switching reliability
- Long relay life
- Low leakage current
Advantage: Ideal for low-frequency analog measurements and precision signal routing applications.
Flexible Signal Routing
The PXIe-2737 supports routing between instruments, sensors, and devices under test.
- Analog signal routing
- Digital signal routing
- Measurement multiplexing
- Instrument sharing
- Automated channel selection
Advantage: Reduces manual cable changes while increasing automated test throughput.
Optimized for Automated Test Systems
Designed specifically for PXI-based ATE platforms.
- Production testing
- Validation systems
- Electronic manufacturing
- Automated measurements
- Laboratory automation
Advantage: Enables fully automated switching sequences controlled directly by test software.
PXI Express Integration
The PXIe-2737 integrates seamlessly with the NI PXI platform.
- PXI Express architecture
- Modular expansion
- Shared timing resources
- Software-controlled switching
- Scalable automated systems
Advantage: Easily combines switching with data acquisition, RF measurement, source measure units, oscilloscopes, and digital instruments.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Product Type | PXI Express Relay Switch Module |
| Switch Topology | 128 Independent SPST Relay Channels |
| Relay Type | Electromechanical |
| Number of Channels | 128 |
| Switch Control | Software Controlled |
| Bus Interface | PXI Express |
| Driver | NI-SWITCH |
| Switch Management | NI Switch Executive |
| Programming | LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, C/C++, .NET, Python |
| Relay Technology | High-Reliability Electromechanical Relay |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to 55 °C |
| Calibration | Self-Test Supported |
Software Ecosystem
The PXIe-2737 integrates with National Instruments software tools for automated switching, system configuration, and production testing.
- NI-SWITCH – Driver software for relay control and switch management.
- NI Switch Executive – Virtual routing configuration and automated switch management.
- LabVIEW – Graphical programming for automated switching applications.
- TestStand – Automated production test sequencing.
- NI MAX – Hardware detection and diagnostics.
- C/C++, .NET, Python – Supported through NI-SWITCH APIs.
Industries
- Electronics Manufacturing
- Semiconductor Test
- Automated Test Equipment (ATE)
- Aerospace and Defense
- Industrial Automation
- Research Laboratories
- Communication Equipment Testing
- Medical Electronics
Applications
Automated Functional Testing
Automatically connect measurement instruments to multiple devices under test.
- Production testing
- Functional verification
- Regression testing
- Quality inspection
Signal Routing Systems
Route analog and digital signals between instruments and test fixtures.
- Signal multiplexing
- Instrument sharing
- Automatic channel selection
- Switch matrix expansion
Electronic Validation
Create repeatable switching sequences for engineering validation.
- Board-level testing
- Subsystem validation
- Prototype evaluation
- Reliability testing
Laboratory Automation
Automate repetitive measurement connections to improve testing efficiency.
- Measurement automation
- Long-duration testing
- Instrument switching
- Research experiments
Comparison with Similar Products
| Model | Main Difference | Best Application |
|---|---|---|
| NI PXIe-2737 | 128-channel high-density electromechanical relay switching. | High-density signal routing |
| NI PXI-2564 | Relay switching optimized for lower channel-count applications. | General relay switching |
| NI PXI-2585 | High-power relay switching for larger voltage and current loads. | Power switching |
| NI PXI-2599 | RF switching designed for microwave signal routing. | RF and microwave applications |
Recommended Related Products
| NI PXIe-1095 | 18-slot PXI Express chassis for large automated switching systems. |
| NI PXIe-1092 | Compact PXI Express chassis for laboratory automation. |
| NI PXIe-8842 | Embedded PXI Express controller for automated testing. |
| NI PXIe-6368 | Multifunction DAQ module for synchronized measurement systems. |
| NI PXI-4071 | High-precision digital multimeter commonly paired with PXI switch modules. |
Why Choose PXIe-2737?
- 128 high-density independent relay channels
- Reliable electromechanical relay technology
- Excellent isolation and low contact resistance
- Ideal for automated signal routing
- Seamless integration with NI Switch Executive
- Compatible with NI-SWITCH and LabVIEW
- Scalable PXI Express architecture
- Designed for production and validation testing
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PXIe-2737 primarily used for?
The PXIe-2737 is primarily used for automated signal routing, instrument multiplexing, electronic validation, production testing, and PXI-based automated test equipment.
Does the PXIe-2737 support analog and digital signals?
Yes. The electromechanical relay architecture allows the PXIe-2737 to switch both low-frequency analog and digital signals depending on the application requirements and signal ratings.
Which software supports the PXIe-2737?
The PXIe-2737 is supported by NI-SWITCH, NI Switch Executive, LabVIEW, TestStand, NI MAX, and programming environments including C/C++, .NET, and Python.
Conclusion
The NI PXIe-2737 High-Density Relay Switch Module provides a flexible and reliable switching solution for PXI Express automated test systems. With 128 independent electromechanical relay channels, seamless NI software integration, and scalable PXI Express architecture, it is an ideal choice for electronic validation, production testing, laboratory automation, and high-density signal routing applications.
