PXI-2527 High-Voltage Multiplexer Switch Module
The PXI-2527 is a high-voltage PXI multiplexer switch module designed for automated measurements, data acquisition and electronic test systems. It handles signals up to 300 V and provides configurable 1-wire, 2-wire and 4-wire multiplexer topologies.
With up to 64 input channels, electromechanical latching relays and hardware-triggered scanning, the PXI-2527 is well suited for expanding the measurement capacity of compatible PXI digital multimeters and other measurement instruments.
Key Features of the PXI-2527
- 64-channel high-voltage multiplexer
- Maximum switching voltage of 300 V
- Maximum switching current of 2 A
- 64×1 one-wire multiplexer configuration
- 32×1 two-wire multiplexer configuration
- 16×1 four-wire multiplexer configuration
- Up to 140 relay cycles per second
- 30 MHz maximum bandwidth
- Electromechanical latching relays
- Onboard relay-count tracking
- Deterministic hardware triggering
- Single-slot 3U PXI module
PXI-2527 Technical Specifications
| Product Model | PXI-2527 |
|---|---|
| Part Number | 778572-27 |
| Product Type | High-Voltage Multiplexer Switch Module |
| Bus Type | PXI Hybrid |
| Maximum Channel Count | 64 channels |
| Multiplexer Topologies | 64×1 one-wire, 32×1 two-wire or 16×1 four-wire |
| Maximum Switching Voltage | 300 V |
| Maximum Switching Current | 2 A |
| Maximum Bandwidth | 30 MHz |
| Maximum Scan Rate | 140 cycles/s |
| Relay Type | Electromechanical latching |
| Front Connector | 100-position HDI male |
| PXI Slots Required | 1 |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 55°C |
| Dimensions | 21.6 × 2.0 × 13.0 cm |
| Weight | Approximately 209 g |
PXI-2527 Part Number and Configuration
| Model | Part Number | Configuration |
|---|---|---|
| PXI-2527 | 778572-27 | 64-channel, 300 V, 2 A PXI multiplexer |
| TB-2627 | 779358-01 | Direct-mount screw-terminal block |
Configurable Multiplexer Topologies
The PXI-2527 can be configured for three different multiplexer topologies, allowing one module to support several measurement requirements:
- 64×1 one-wire: Provides the highest channel density for measurements that use a shared return path.
- 32×1 two-wire: Routes differential or signal-and-return channel pairs to a common measurement instrument.
- 16×1 four-wire: Supports four-wire resistance measurements where lead resistance must be compensated.
The appropriate topology should be selected according to the signal type, measurement method and wiring requirements of the test system.
High-Voltage Signal Switching
The PXI-2527 supports signals up to 300 V, making it suitable for medium- and high-voltage automated test applications. Its 2 A switching capability also allows the module to route a broad range of measurement and stimulus signals.
The voltage, current and switching-power limits are separate ratings and should not be treated as simultaneously available under every operating condition. System designers should verify the applicable derating curves and use the lowest rating among the module, terminal block, cable and connected instrument.
PXI Digital Multimeter Channel Expansion
The PXI-2527 can operate as a measurement front end for compatible NI PXI digital multimeters. It enables a single DMM to sequentially measure voltage, current, resistance, capacitance or inductance across multiple devices or test points.
This architecture reduces the number of measurement instruments required in high-channel-count systems while preserving software-controlled routing and repeatable test sequences.
Hardware-Triggered Scanning
Deterministic hardware triggers allow the PXI-2527 to coordinate relay operations with PXI instruments such as digital multimeters, digitizers and data acquisition modules. This capability supports faster automated scanning with less dependence on software timing.
The module also includes onboard relay counting. Test engineers can monitor relay usage and establish preventive-maintenance intervals based on actual switching activity.
Typical PXI-2527 Applications
- Automated electronic production testing
- High-channel-count voltage measurements
- Two-wire and four-wire resistance measurements
- Battery and power-system testing
- Component characterization
- Manufacturing process monitoring
- Environmental and reliability testing
- Data acquisition channel expansion
- Research and laboratory measurement systems
Software and Driver Support
The PXI-2527 is controlled through the NI-SWITCH instrument driver. NI-SWITCH provides APIs for relay configuration, channel routing, scanning, triggering and relay-count monitoring.
The module can also be managed with NI Switch Executive, which provides graphical route configuration and simplifies the management of larger switching systems. Application development is supported in environments such as LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, C and compatible Microsoft development tools.
TB-2627 Terminal Block and Connectivity
The TB-2627 is the recommended screw-terminal block for the PXI-2527. It mounts directly to the module’s front connector and supports single or dual 1-wire, 2-wire and 4-wire multiplexer configurations.
Before operating the system, verify the terminal block configuration, conductor rating, insulation, strain relief and applicable safety requirements. The PXI-2527 is rated for Category I measurements and should not be connected directly to Category II, III or IV mains circuits.
PXI Chassis Integration
The PXI-2527 occupies one slot in a compatible 3U PXI or PXI Hybrid chassis. Chassis cooling, slot compatibility and operating-temperature limits should be confirmed before installation.
The module supports operation from 0°C to 55°C in most compatible chassis. When installed in certain older PXI-1000B or PXI-101x chassis, the maximum supported ambient temperature is reduced to 45°C.
PXI-2527 Troubleshooting
The module is not detected by the system
Confirm that the module is fully seated in a compatible PXI or PXI Hybrid slot. Check that the chassis and controller are operating correctly, then verify the module status in NI Measurement & Automation Explorer.
Channels do not route as expected
Verify that the selected NI-SWITCH topology matches the physical wiring. A 64×1 one-wire configuration uses different channel relationships from the 32×1 two-wire and 16×1 four-wire configurations.
Measurements are unstable or inaccurate
Check the terminal connections, cable insulation, shielding and grounding. For low-resistance measurements, use the four-wire topology to reduce errors caused by test-lead resistance.
Relay operations are slower than expected
Review the scan list, trigger configuration and connected instrument timing. Hardware-triggered scanning can provide more consistent operation than software-timed channel changes.
A relay channel may be worn
Read the onboard relay count and compare it with the expected service life under the actual switching load. Relay life depends on voltage, current, switching power and signal type.
PXI-2527 Compared with Related Multiplexer Modules
| Model | Channel Configuration | Maximum Voltage | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|---|
| PXI-2527 | 64×1 one-wire, 32×1 two-wire or 16×1 four-wire | 300 V | High-voltage multipoint measurements |
| PXIe-2527 | 64×1 one-wire, 32×1 two-wire or 16×1 four-wire | 300 V | Native PXI Express systems |
| PXI-2575 | 196×1 one-wire or 98×1 two-wire | 100 V | Higher channel-density signal routing |
| PXI-2576 | Configurable multi-bank multiplexer | 150 V | Flexible multi-bank test systems |
Recommended Related Products
- PXIe-4081 Digital Multimeter – A high-resolution DMM for precision voltage, current and resistance measurements.
- PXIe-4080 Digital Multimeter – A versatile PXI Express DMM for automated measurement systems.
- PXIe-2527 Multiplexer – The PXI Express version for native PXIe system integration.
- PXI-2575 Multiplexer – A higher-density alternative for applications with lower voltage requirements.
- PXIe-1092 Chassis – A PXI Express chassis for building modular automated test systems.
Additional PXI switching, measurement and control products are available in the NI PXI Modules category.
Selecting the PXI-2527
Choose the PXI-2527 when an application requires up to 300 V signal handling, flexible one-wire through four-wire switching and integration with an existing PXI or PXI Hybrid system. It is particularly useful for expanding a DMM across multiple high-voltage measurement points.
If the system requires native PXI Express connectivity, consider the PXIe-2527. For applications requiring substantially more channels at lower voltage, the PXI-2575 may be a better option.
Why Choose the PXI-2527?
- Combines high-voltage switching with flexible channel configurations
- Supports one-wire, two-wire and four-wire measurement methods
- Expands compatible PXI DMMs across multiple test points
- Provides deterministic hardware-triggered scanning
- Tracks relay usage for preventive maintenance
- Integrates with NI-SWITCH and NI Switch Executive
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PXI-2527 used for?
The PXI-2527 routes multiple voltage, current, resistance and other measurement signals to a common instrument. It is commonly used as a multiplexer front end for PXI digital multimeters.
How many channels does the PXI-2527 provide?
It provides up to 64 channels in a one-wire configuration. It can also operate as a 32×1 two-wire or 16×1 four-wire multiplexer.
What is the maximum voltage of the PXI-2527?
The module supports switching voltages up to 300 V within its specified Category I operating limits.
What is the maximum switching current?
The PXI-2527 supports switching currents up to 2 A. The applicable voltage, current and power limits must be checked for the specific signal and configuration.
Which terminal block is used with the PXI-2527?
The NI TB-2627 screw-terminal block, part number 779358-01, is designed for direct connection to the PXI-2527.
What is the part number for the PXI-2527?
The standard NI part number for the PXI-2527 is 778572-27.
Request a Quote for the PXI-2527
Contact us for current availability, lead time and project pricing for the PXI-2527 High-Voltage Multiplexer Switch Module. We can also help identify compatible PXI digital multimeters, terminal blocks, chassis and related switching modules for your test system.
