PXI-2535 4×136 High-Density Matrix Switch Module
The PXI-2535 is a high-density, one-wire PXI matrix switch module with a 4×136 configuration and 544 crosspoints. It is designed for automated routing of low-power DC signals in semiconductor, printed circuit board and electronic device validation systems.
The module uses field-effect transistor relays and supports switching speeds up to 50,000 crosspoints per second. Its solid-state design eliminates mechanical contact wear and provides reliable operation for high-throughput production testing.
Key Features of the PXI-2535
- 4×136 one-wire matrix topology
- 544 independently controlled crosspoints
- Field-effect transistor relay technology
- Up to 50,000 crosspoint operations per second
- 12 V maximum DC switching voltage
- 100 mA maximum switching current
- 1.2 W maximum switching power per channel
- Greater than 1 MHz typical single-crosspoint bandwidth
- Low 10 µV typical offset voltage
- Hardware triggering for deterministic scanning
- Onboard relay-operation counting
- PXI Hybrid bus connector
- NI-SWITCH and NI Switch Executive support
PXI-2535 Technical Specifications
| Product Model | PXI-2535 |
|---|---|
| Part Number | 778572-35 |
| Product Type | PXI Matrix Switch Module |
| Matrix Topology | 4×136, one-wire |
| Matrix Rows | 4 |
| Matrix Columns | 136 |
| Crosspoints | 544 |
| Relay Type | Field-effect transistor |
| Maximum Scan Rate | 50,000 crosspoints/s |
| Maximum Switching Voltage | 12 VDC or 8 VAC |
| Maximum Switching Current | 100 mA |
| Maximum Switching Power | 1.2 W per channel, resistive |
| Typical Path Resistance | 9 Ω, row to column |
| Maximum Path Resistance | 14 Ω, row to column |
| Typical Offset Voltage | 10 µV |
| Typical Bandwidth | Greater than 1 MHz for one crosspoint |
| Powered-On Overvoltage Protection | ±36 VDC |
| Powered-Off Overvoltage Protection | ±40 VDC |
| Front Connector Type | 68-pin VHDCI |
| Bus Connector | PXI Hybrid |
PXI-2535 Part Number and Accessories
| Item | Part Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| PXI-2535 | 778572-35 | 4×136, 544-crosspoint FET matrix switch module |
| TBX-68 | 777141-01 | 68-pin male SCSI connector block |
| CB-68LP | 777145-01 | Low-profile 68-pin connector block |
| CB-68LPR | 777145-02 | Rack-mountable 68-pin connector block |
| SHC68-C68-S | 186380-02 | 2 m shielded cable for PXI switch connections |
| SHC68-68 | 191945-01 | 1 m shielded 68-pin cable |
| SHC68-68 | 191945-02 | 2 m shielded 68-pin cable |
Accessory selection depends on the required connector block, cable length and fixture design. Confirm connector compatibility and signal assignments before ordering.
4×136 Matrix Architecture
The PXI-2535 provides four matrix rows and 136 columns, creating 544 possible row-to-column connections. Any available row can be connected to one or more columns under software control.
This architecture allows a small number of measurement or stimulus instruments to be routed across a large number of device-under-test points without manually changing cables.
One-Wire Signal Routing
The PXI-2535 uses a one-wire matrix topology. Each crosspoint switches a single signal conductor between a row and a column.
Separate ground or return connections must be provided by the test fixture or system wiring. The module is therefore best suited to low-power DC signals with a compatible common reference.
544 Independently Controlled Crosspoints
Each of the 544 crosspoints can be controlled independently. Multiple crosspoints can be closed to build flexible routing paths, distribute a common stimulus or connect measurement instruments to selected test points.
Before closing multiple paths, verify that the resulting connections will not short independent voltage sources or exceed the module’s current and power ratings.
FET Relay Technology
The PXI-2535 uses field-effect transistor relays instead of conventional mechanical contacts. The solid-state design provides fast operation and eliminates mechanical contact wear.
This makes the module suitable for production systems that perform a very large number of switching operations during their service life.
High-Speed Matrix Scanning
The module supports switching speeds up to 50,000 crosspoints per second. Fast switching can reduce overall test time when hundreds of test points must be measured sequentially.
Hardware triggering provides deterministic scan advancement and allows switch operations to be coordinated with external instruments or automated test sequences.
Low-Power DC Signal Routing
The PXI-2535 is designed for low-power signal routing with a maximum switching voltage of 12 VDC, maximum current of 100 mA and maximum resistive switching power of 1.2 W per channel.
It should not be used for power switching, high-voltage routing or loads that exceed the specified current and power limits.
Path Resistance Considerations
The typical row-to-column path resistance is approximately 9 Ω and can be as high as 14 Ω. This resistance should be included when evaluating measurement errors or voltage drops.
The module is most suitable for high-impedance measurement inputs and other applications where the signal current is low.
Signal Bandwidth and Crosstalk
A single crosspoint provides a typical bandwidth greater than 1 MHz in a 50 Ω test system. Actual system bandwidth depends on the number of closed crosspoints, cable length, test fixture and connected instruments.
For sensitive measurements, unused routes should remain open and signal wiring should be arranged to minimize crosstalk.
Onboard Relay Counting
The PXI-2535 includes onboard relay-operation counting for monitoring switch usage. Although FET relays do not have mechanical contacts, operation statistics can still help track system activity and maintenance history.
Relay counts may also be used to verify automated test execution and compare usage across different signal routes.
Hardware Triggering
Hardware triggers allow matrix routes to advance without waiting for individual software commands from the host computer. This provides more predictable timing during repetitive scan operations.
The switch can be synchronized with a digital multimeter, source measurement unit, digitizer or other test instrument to improve automated test throughput.
Typical Applications
- Semiconductor device validation
- Printed circuit board testing
- Integrated circuit production testing
- High-density continuity testing
- Automated functional testing
- Low-power DC signal routing
- Measurement instrument sharing
- Electronic component characterization
- Design verification testing
- Production test fixture automation
Semiconductor Test Systems
The 4×136 matrix topology allows measurement instruments to connect to a large number of semiconductor pins or test points. Fast FET switching helps reduce the time required to complete repetitive validation sequences.
The module can route low-power DC signals from source measurement units, digital multimeters and other compatible instruments.
PCB Functional Testing
In printed circuit board testing, the PXI-2535 can connect a limited number of test instruments to many nodes within a fixture. Test software selects the required path for each measurement step.
This approach reduces cabling complexity and allows the same instrumentation to be reused across multiple test points.
NI-SWITCH Driver Support
The PXI-2535 is controlled through the NI-SWITCH driver. The driver provides functions for connecting and disconnecting routes, configuring scan lists, processing triggers and monitoring relay operations.
Applications can be developed using LabVIEW, C, C#, Python and other supported programming environments.
NI Switch Executive Integration
NI Switch Executive provides route-based configuration for complex switching systems. Users can define meaningful route names instead of controlling individual crosspoint identifiers throughout the test program.
This can simplify development, improve documentation and reduce routing errors in systems containing multiple switch modules.
PXI System Integration
The PXI-2535 uses a PXI Hybrid connector and requires a compatible PXI or PXI Express hybrid chassis slot. The chassis controller and software environment must support the NI-SWITCH driver.
Visit the NI PXI Modules category to explore related switch and measurement modules.
Troubleshooting the PXI-2535
The module is not detected
Confirm that the PXI-2535 is installed in a compatible PXI Hybrid slot. Check the chassis controller, PXI Platform Services and NI-SWITCH driver installation.
A configured route does not close
Verify the row and column names, route syntax and matrix topology. Check whether the requested path conflicts with another active connection.
The measured signal has an unexpected voltage drop
Include the module’s path resistance in the circuit calculation. Check the signal current, cable resistance, connector contacts and external fixture wiring.
The signal appears on the wrong test point
Verify the connector pinout, cable orientation, column assignment and fixture wiring. Use a continuity test to confirm each route before connecting sensitive equipment.
The module reports an overvoltage condition
Disconnect the signal and confirm that the switching voltage, current and power remain within the module ratings. Overvoltage protection does not replace correct signal-level control.
Automated scanning is slower than expected
Review software delays, instrument measurement time, trigger configuration and scan-list sequencing. Hardware triggering can reduce host-command overhead.
PXI-2535 Comparison
| Model | Topology | Crosspoints | Relay Type | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PXI-2535 | 4×136 | 544 | FET | High-density, low-power DC routing |
| PXI-2536 | 8×68 | 544 | FET | More rows with fewer columns |
| PXI-2533 | 4×64 | 256 | Solid-state | Lower-density matrix routing |
| PXI-2534 | 8×32 | 256 | Solid-state | Eight-row matrix applications |
| PXI-2531 | Multiple configurations | Up to 512 | Reed relay | Flexible signal routing topologies |
Recommended Related Products
- PXI-2536 – 8×68 FET matrix switch with the same 544-crosspoint capacity
- PXI-2533 – 4×64 solid-state matrix switch for lower channel-count systems
- PXI-2534 – 8×32 matrix switch for applications requiring additional matrix rows
- PXI-2531 – configurable matrix switch module for flexible routing topologies
- PXIe-4080 – digital multimeter for automated voltage, current and resistance measurements
Selecting the PXI-2535
Choose the PXI-2535 when the test system requires a small number of matrix rows to access as many as 136 columns and the routed signals remain within the module’s low-power DC ratings.
If additional matrix rows are required with fewer columns, consider the PXI-2536. For higher switching voltage or current, select a module with electromechanical or reed relays and suitable ratings.
PXI-2535 vs PXI-2536
The PXI-2535 and PXI-2536 both provide 544 FET crosspoints, fast switching and low-power DC signal routing.
The main difference is topology. The PXI-2535 uses a 4×136 matrix, while the PXI-2536 uses an 8×68 matrix. Select the model according to the number of instrument rows and device-under-test columns required.
Why Choose the PXI-2535?
- 544 crosspoints in a single PXI module
- 4×136 topology for high test-point counts
- Fast FET switching up to 50,000 crosspoints/s
- No mechanical relay contact wear
- Hardware-triggered deterministic scanning
- Low offset voltage for precision DC routing
- NI-SWITCH and Switch Executive integration
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PXI-2535 used for?
The PXI-2535 routes low-power DC signals between measurement instruments and a large number of test points in semiconductor, PCB and automated production test systems.
What is the PXI-2535 matrix configuration?
It provides a 4×136 one-wire matrix with 544 crosspoints.
Which relay technology does it use?
The PXI-2535 uses field-effect transistor relays for fast solid-state switching without mechanical contact wear.
What is the maximum switching speed?
The module supports switching rates up to 50,000 crosspoints per second.
What voltage and current can it switch?
The PXI-2535 supports up to 12 VDC, 100 mA and 1.2 W of resistive switching power per channel.
Can the PXI-2535 switch high-power loads?
No. It is designed for low-power signal routing and should not be used for high-voltage or high-current loads.
Does the PXI-2535 support hardware triggering?
Yes. Hardware triggering can provide deterministic scanning and synchronization with compatible test instruments.
What software controls the PXI-2535?
The module is controlled through the NI-SWITCH driver and can be managed with NI Switch Executive in complex routing systems.
What is the PXI-2535 part number?
The standard NI part number for the PXI-2535 is 778572-35.
Request a Quote for the PXI-2535
Contact us for current availability, lead time and project pricing for the PXI-2535 Matrix Switch Module. We can also help confirm compatible cables, connector blocks, PXI chassis and related switch modules for your test system.
