PXI-2542 6.6 GHz Quad 2×1 50 Ω PXI RF Relay Module
The PXI-2542 is a high-density PXI RF relay module designed for automated production testing, RF signal routing and communications-device validation. It provides four independent terminated 2×1 multiplexers in a single-slot PXI module.
Each multiplexer bank contains two selectable RF channels and one common connection. With frequency coverage from 10 MHz to 6.6 GHz, 50 Ω characteristic impedance and high-speed FET switching, the PXI-2542 is suitable for systems requiring fast, repeatable switching without the mechanical wear associated with electromechanical relays.
Key Features of the PXI-2542
- Four independent 2×1 terminated multiplexers
- Equivalent to four SPDT RF switching banks
- Eight selectable channels and four common connections
- 10 MHz to 6.6 GHz frequency range
- 50 Ω nominal characteristic impedance
- AC-coupled RF signal paths
- Solid-state FET switching technology
- Fast switching with an 8,000 cycles/s scan rate
- Unlimited mechanical switching life
- Internal 50 Ω termination on channels and common lines
- +30 dBm maximum continuous RF power with chassis power on
- +20 dBm maximum continuous RF power with chassis power off
- Less than 3 ps typical channel-to-channel skew
- 680 ps typical propagation delay
- 12 female SMA front-panel connectors
- PXI hardware trigger support
- Single-slot 3U PXI module
- NI-SWITCH and NI Switch Executive compatibility
PXI-2542 Technical Specifications
| Product Model | PXI-2542 |
|---|---|
| Part Number | 778572-42 |
| Product Type | PXI RF relay and multiplexer switch module |
| Topology | Quad 2×1 terminated multiplexer |
| Equivalent Configuration | Four independent SPDT switching banks |
| Number of Banks | 4 |
| Selectable RF Channels | 8 total |
| Common Connections | 4 |
| Termination | 50 Ω termination on channels and common lines |
| Minimum Input Frequency | 10 MHz |
| Maximum Frequency | 6.6 GHz |
| Characteristic Impedance | 50 Ω nominal |
| Coupling | AC |
| Maximum Safe DC Input Voltage | ±8 V |
| Maximum Continuous RF Power, Chassis On | +30 dBm |
| Maximum Continuous RF Power, Chassis Off | +20 dBm |
| Maximum Insertion Loss through 2.4 GHz | Less than 3.7 dB; less than 2.5 dB typical |
| Maximum Insertion Loss through 6 GHz | Less than 4.8 dB; less than 3.9 dB typical |
| Maximum Insertion Loss through 6.6 GHz | Less than 6.1 dB; less than 5.0 dB typical |
| Maximum VSWR from 6 to 6.6 GHz | Less than 2.2; less than 1.8 typical |
| Channel-to-Common Isolation through 2.4 GHz | Greater than 78 dB; greater than 94 dB typical |
| Channel-to-Common Isolation through 6 GHz | Greater than 60 dB; greater than 86 dB typical |
| Channel-to-Common Isolation through 6.6 GHz | Greater than 55 dB; greater than 75 dB typical |
| Channel-to-Channel Isolation through 6.6 GHz | Greater than 54 dB; greater than 70 dB typical |
| Bank-to-Bank Isolation through 6.6 GHz | Greater than 55 dB; greater than 83 dB typical |
| Typical Channel-to-Channel Skew | Less than 3 ps |
| Typical Propagation Delay | 680 ps |
| Minimum Input 1 dB Compression | Greater than +28 dBm |
| Typical Input 1 dB Compression | Greater than +32 dBm |
| Maximum Scan Rate | 8,000 cycles/s |
| Switch Type | FET solid-state switch |
| Mechanical Switching Life | Unlimited |
| Front-Panel Connectors | 12 female SMA jacks |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 55°C |
| Relative Humidity | 10% to 90%, noncondensing |
| Maximum Operating Altitude | 2,000 m |
| Dimensions | 21.6 × 2.0 × 13.0 cm |
| Weight | 553 g |
| Module Format | 3U, single-slot PXI/cPCI module |
| Software Support | NI-SWITCH and NI Switch Executive |
PXI-2542 Part Number and Accessories
| Item | Part Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| PXI-2542 | 778572-42 | 6.6 GHz, 50 Ω, solid-state quad 2×1 PXI RF relay module |
| SMA-100 Cable | 763443-01 | 0.15 m SMA male-to-male flexible 50 Ω RF cable |
| SMA-100 Cable | 763444-01 | 0.45 m SMA male-to-male flexible 50 Ω RF cable |
| 50 Ω SMA Termination Plug | 778353-01 | 50 Ω termination accessory for unused SMA connections |
The PXI-2542 uses 12 female SMA connectors. Select cables with 50 Ω impedance and sufficient bandwidth for the intended signal, and follow the recommended SMA connector torque to maintain repeatable RF performance.
Quad 2×1 Multiplexer Architecture
The PXI-2542 contains four independent switching banks. Each bank includes two input channels and one common connection, allowing either channel to be routed to the corresponding common port.
The four banks can operate independently. This architecture allows the module to control four separate RF signal paths, such as selecting between two sources for each DUT or switching four measurement instruments between paired test points.
The front-panel connections are organized as CH 0A, CH 0B and COM 0 through CH 3A, CH 3B and COM 3. Verify bank and channel assignments before connecting RF sources or measurement instruments.
Terminated RF Switch Design
The PXI-2542 includes 50 Ω termination on the channel and common lines. Termination helps present a controlled impedance to disconnected RF devices and reduces reflections from open signal paths.
This design is useful in production test systems where instruments and devices may be sensitive to open-channel reflections. Internal termination can also help protect connected equipment and improve switching repeatability.
Unused front-panel connections should still be handled according to the official measurement and calibration requirements. External 50 Ω terminations may be required on unused connectors when validating specified RF performance.
Solid-State FET Switching
The PXI-2542 uses FET solid-state switches instead of electromechanical relays. The absence of mechanical contacts provides fast operation and unlimited mechanical switching life.
FET switching is especially useful in production systems that perform a large number of switching operations. It eliminates mechanical contact wear as a routine maintenance concern and supports substantially faster test sequences.
Solid-state switches have different electrical characteristics from electromechanical relays, including AC coupling and greater insertion loss. Confirm that the PXI-2542 characteristics are suitable for the required frequency, signal level and measurement accuracy.
10 MHz to 6.6 GHz Frequency Range
The PXI-2542 supports AC-coupled RF signals from 10 MHz through 6.6 GHz. This range covers many cellular, wireless, semiconductor, communications and general-purpose RF test applications.
The module is not intended for DC signal routing. Signals below the specified minimum frequency can experience additional attenuation because of the AC-coupled architecture.
50 Ω RF System Integration
The PXI-2542 is designed for 50 Ω systems. Signal generators, spectrum analyzers, RF digitizers, cables, adapters, terminations and test fixtures should maintain the same characteristic impedance.
Mixing 50 Ω and 75 Ω components can introduce reflections and measurement errors. A connector adapter changes only the physical connection and does not provide electrical impedance conversion.
Insertion Loss Performance
Maximum insertion loss is less than 3.7 dB through 2.4 GHz, less than 4.8 dB through 6 GHz and less than 6.1 dB through 6.6 GHz. Typical insertion loss is lower under representative operating conditions.
Insertion loss should be included in the test system’s RF power budget. When accurate amplitude measurements are required, characterize the complete switch, cable and fixture path and apply calibration or path-loss compensation.
RF Isolation
The PXI-2542 provides strong isolation between channels, common connections and independent banks. Channel-to-common isolation remains greater than 55 dB through 6.6 GHz, with typical performance greater than 75 dB.
Bank-to-bank isolation helps prevent strong signals in one switching bank from coupling into another. External cable placement, fixture shielding, grounding and connector quality can also affect system-level isolation.
VSWR and Signal Reflections
The module’s controlled 50 Ω impedance and terminated architecture help minimize standing waves and reflections. From above 6 GHz through 6.6 GHz, the maximum specified VSWR is less than 2.2.
Actual VSWR depends on the complete signal path. Use high-quality SMA cables, avoid unnecessary adapters and inspect connectors for contamination or mechanical damage.
RF Power and Voltage Limits
With the PXI chassis powered on, the maximum safe continuous RF power is +30 dBm. When chassis power is off, the maximum safe continuous RF power is reduced to +20 dBm.
The maximum safe DC input voltage is ±8 V. Because the module is AC coupled, it should not be used as a DC switch or as the sole protection device for circuits with substantial DC content.
Before switching a transmitter or amplified source, verify its normal output, transient behavior and mismatch response. External attenuation or protection may be necessary for higher-power signals.
Fast Automated Scanning
The PXI-2542 supports scan rates up to 8,000 cycles per second. Fast switching can reduce test time when a production sequence must make repeated measurements across several RF paths.
Actual throughput also depends on instrument settling time, acquisition duration, DUT response, trigger configuration and application-software overhead.
Low Skew and Propagation Delay
Typical channel-to-channel skew is less than 3 ps, helping maintain consistent timing between similar RF routes. Typical propagation delay is 680 ps.
External cable length can introduce more timing difference than the module itself. Use matched RF cables when phase or timing consistency between channels is important.
Hardware Triggering
PXI hardware triggering allows switching operations to be synchronized with RF analyzers, signal generators, digitizers and other instruments in the chassis.
Hardware-controlled scanning can provide more repeatable switching timing and less software overhead than issuing individual route commands from the host computer.
Typical PXI-2542 Applications
- High-volume RF production testing
- Wireless device validation
- Cellular transmitter and receiver testing
- Semiconductor RF testing
- RF source selection
- Measurement-instrument routing
- Antenna-path selection
- Communications-device testing
- RF component characterization
- Automated test equipment
- Parallel DUT testing
- Laboratory RF automation
RF Production Test Applications
The fast solid-state switches make the PXI-2542 suitable for high-volume production test systems. Its four independent banks can route several RF paths without requiring multiple individual switch modules.
Fast scanning and PXI hardware triggering help coordinate route changes with RF measurements. This can improve test throughput when the switching sequence is repeated across many devices.
Parallel DUT Testing
Four independent 2×1 banks allow the PXI-2542 to support several devices or signal paths simultaneously. Each bank can select between two RF connections without affecting the routing state of the other banks.
Parallel test architectures should be designed with adequate bank-to-bank isolation and fixture shielding. Strong transmitter signals should be separated from sensitive receiver measurements.
Wireless and Semiconductor Testing
The module’s 6.6 GHz bandwidth covers many RF bands used in wireless communications and semiconductor testing. It can route stimulus signals, device outputs and measurement paths during automated characterization.
The FET architecture is useful when semiconductor production testing requires millions of switching operations. Engineers should account for solid-state insertion loss and linearity when establishing the RF measurement budget.
SMA Connector Integration
Front-mounted SMA connectors provide direct compatibility with common 50 Ω RF cables and test equipment. Each of the four banks uses three SMA jacks for its two channels and common connection.
Keep SMA connectors clean and protect them from excessive torque. Damaged or loosely connected interfaces can increase insertion loss, degrade VSWR and reduce measurement repeatability.
NI-SWITCH Software Support
The PXI-2542 is controlled through the NI-SWITCH instrument driver. NI-SWITCH provides functions for initializing the module, selecting routes, configuring scan lists, managing triggers and monitoring switch operation.
The driver supports LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI and compatible text-based programming environments. Engineers can integrate route control directly into automated RF test sequences.
NI Switch Executive Integration
NI Switch Executive allows users to assign descriptive names to channels and signal routes. Test programs can call these named routes instead of controlling each physical switch connection directly.
This approach simplifies systems containing multiple switch modules and complex fixtures. Hardware or wiring changes can often be managed within the route configuration rather than throughout the application code.
PXI Chassis Integration
The PXI-2542 occupies one slot in a compatible 3U PXI chassis. It can operate alongside RF signal generators, digitizers, controllers and other PXI instruments.
Before installation, verify chassis compatibility, available cooling, controller communication and NI-SWITCH software support. Provide enough front-panel clearance for all 12 SMA cables.
PXI-2542 Troubleshooting
The PXI-2542 Is Not Detected in NI MAX
Confirm that the module is fully seated in a compatible PXI slot. Check chassis power, controller communication and NI-SWITCH installation, then restart NI Measurement & Automation Explorer.
No RF Signal Appears at the Common Port
Verify that the correct bank and channel are selected. Check the source configuration, SMA cables, connector engagement and measurement-instrument input settings.
The Signal Is Significantly Attenuated
Confirm that the signal frequency is above the 10 MHz minimum. Account for the specified switch insertion loss and inspect the external cables and adapters for additional attenuation.
VSWR Is Higher Than Expected
Verify that all connected components use 50 Ω impedance. Install the required 50 Ω terminations on unused connectors and check the condition and torque of every SMA connection.
Signals Couple Between Banks
Inspect external cable routing, fixture shielding and grounding. Keep high-power sources separated from sensitive receiver paths and verify that coupling is not occurring outside the module.
Switching Speed Is Lower Than Expected
Review the software loop, scan-list configuration, hardware trigger settings and instrument settling time. Use hardware scanning when repeatable high-speed route changes are required.
The Module Does Not Pass DC or Low-Frequency Signals
The PXI-2542 is AC coupled and has a 10 MHz minimum input frequency. Select a DC-capable RF switch or general-purpose relay module when the application must route DC or lower-frequency signals.
Measurements Change When the Chassis Is Powered Off
The safe continuous RF power rating decreases from +30 dBm to +20 dBm when the chassis is off. Disconnect or reduce RF input power before removing chassis power.
PXI-2542 Comparison with Similar RF Switch Modules
| Model | Primary Configuration | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|
| PXI-2542 | 6.6 GHz, quad 2×1, terminated FET switching | Fast production testing with four independent banks |
| PXI-2543 | 6.6 GHz, solid-state RF multiplexer architecture | Applications requiring a different high-density routing topology |
| PXI-2544 | 6.6 GHz, solid-state RF multiplexer architecture | Higher-channel-count RF signal selection |
| PXI-2548 | 2.7 GHz, 50 Ω, quad SPDT electromechanical relay | DC-capable RF routing with lower insertion loss |
| PXIe-2542 | 6.6 GHz, quad 2×1, terminated PXI Express module | Maintaining the same topology in a PXI Express system |
PXI-2542 vs PXI-2543
The PXI-2542 provides four independent terminated 2×1 multiplexers. The PXI-2543 uses a different solid-state RF multiplexer topology for applications requiring another balance of channel count and routing configuration.
Choose the PXI-2542 when four independent SPDT-style banks are required. Choose the PXI-2543 when its multiplexer arrangement better matches the instrument and DUT connections.
PXI-2542 vs PXI-2548
The PXI-2542 uses solid-state FET switches and provides a 6.6 GHz bandwidth with fast operation and unlimited mechanical life. The PXI-2548 uses electromechanical relays and provides DC-capable quad SPDT switching through 2.7 GHz.
Select the PXI-2542 for faster switching, higher-frequency operation and high-cycle production testing. Select the PXI-2548 when DC continuity, lower path loss or electromechanical relay characteristics are more important.
PXI-2542 vs PXIe-2542
The PXI-2542 and PXIe-2542 share the quad 2×1 terminated FET switching architecture and core RF performance. Their primary difference is the chassis bus interface.
Choose the PXI-2542 for compatible PXI and hybrid-slot systems. Choose the PXIe-2542 when a PXI Express version is required for the target chassis and system configuration.
Recommended Related Products
- PXI-2543 6.6 GHz Solid-State RF Multiplexer
- PXI-2544 6.6 GHz Solid-State RF Multiplexer
- PXI-2548 2.7 GHz Quad SPDT RF Relay Module
- PXI-2549 2.7 GHz Dual Transfer Switch Module
- PXIe-2542 Quad 2×1 RF Relay Module
- View More NI PXI and PXI Express Modules
Selecting the Right RF Switch Module
Choose the PXI-2542 when the test system requires four independent 2×1 RF switching banks, operation through 6.6 GHz, internal 50 Ω termination and fast solid-state switching.
Select an electromechanical RF relay module when the application must route DC signals or requires lower insertion loss. Consider the PXIe-2542 when the same RF topology is needed with a PXI Express bus interface.
Why Choose the PXI-2542?
- Provides four independent RF switching banks
- Supports frequencies through 6.6 GHz
- Maintains 50 Ω termination on channels and common ports
- Uses fast solid-state FET switches
- Provides unlimited mechanical switching life
- Supports up to 8,000 switching cycles per second
- Offers strong channel and bank isolation
- Provides direct SMA connectivity
- Supports PXI hardware scanning and triggering
- Integrates with NI-SWITCH and NI Switch Executive
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the PXI-2542?
The PXI-2542 is a 6.6 GHz, 50 Ω, solid-state PXI RF relay module containing four independent terminated 2×1 multiplexers.
What Is the PXI-2542 Part Number?
The standard NI part number for the PXI-2542 is 778572-42.
How Many Switching Banks Does It Have?
The module has four independent banks. Each bank contains two RF channels and one common connection.
What Is the Frequency Range?
The PXI-2542 supports AC-coupled RF signals from 10 MHz through 6.6 GHz.
Is the PXI-2542 Internally Terminated?
Yes. The module includes 50 Ω termination on its channels and common connections.
Does the PXI-2542 Use Mechanical Relays?
No. It uses solid-state FET switches, providing fast operation and unlimited mechanical switching life.
Can the PXI-2542 Switch DC Signals?
No. The signal paths are AC coupled, and the minimum specified input frequency is 10 MHz.
What Is the Maximum RF Input Power?
The maximum safe continuous RF power is +30 dBm when the chassis is powered on and +20 dBm when chassis power is off.
How Fast Can the PXI-2542 Switch?
The module supports scan rates up to 8,000 cycles per second, subject to the complete test sequence and instrument-settling requirements.
What Connectors Does It Use?
The PXI-2542 provides 12 female SMA front-panel connectors.
Which Software Controls the PXI-2542?
The module can be controlled through NI-SWITCH and integrated into named-route applications using NI Switch Executive.
What Is the Difference Between PXI-2542 and PXIe-2542?
They provide the same core quad 2×1 terminated RF switching function but use different PXI bus interfaces and have different ordering part numbers.
Request a Quote for the PXI-2542
Contact us for current availability, condition, lead time and project pricing for the PXI-2542 6.6 GHz Quad 2×1 50 Ω PXI RF Relay Module. We can also help identify compatible SMA cables, termination accessories, PXI chassis and related RF switch modules for your automated test system.
