PXIe-2544 6.6 GHz 8×1 PXI Express RF Multiplexer Switch Module
The PXIe-2544 is a solid-state PXI Express RF multiplexer switch module designed for high-speed signal routing in automated RF and wireless test systems. It provides an 8×1 terminated multiplexer topology, allowing software to connect one of eight RF channels to a common port.
With bandwidth from 10 MHz to 6.6 GHz, 50 Ω characteristic impedance and fast FET switching, the PXIe-2544 is suitable for routing signals between RF generators, analyzers, receivers and multiple devices under test. Termination on the channels and common connection helps maintain controlled impedance when paths are not selected.
Key Features of the PXIe-2544
- 8×1 terminated RF multiplexer topology
- 10 MHz to 6.6 GHz operating frequency range
- 50 Ω nominal characteristic impedance
- High-performance FET solid-state switching
- 1 ms typical switching time
- 3.3 ms maximum switching time
- Unlimited switching life when operated within specifications
- Nine female SMA RF connectors
- Two female SMB trigger connectors
- Termination on RF channels and the common connection
- Maximum continuous RF input power of +30 dBm with chassis power on
- High channel-to-common and channel-to-channel isolation
- Less than 10 ps typical channel-to-channel skew
- PXI hardware and front-panel trigger support
- Single-slot 3U PXI Express module
- NI-SWITCH and NI Switch Executive compatibility
PXIe-2544 Technical Specifications
| Product Model | PXIe-2544 |
|---|---|
| Part Number | 780587-44 |
| Product Type | PXI Express RF multiplexer switch module |
| Topology | 8×1 terminated multiplexer |
| Number of Input Channels | 8 |
| Number of Common Connections | 1 |
| Minimum Input Frequency | 10 MHz |
| Maximum Switching Bandwidth | 6.6 GHz |
| Characteristic Impedance | 50 Ω nominal |
| Signal Coupling | AC coupled |
| Switch Type | FET solid-state switch |
| 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 4.5 dB, 3.2 dB typical |
| Maximum Insertion Loss through 6 GHz | Less than 6.3 dB, 5.2 dB typical |
| Maximum Insertion Loss through 6.6 GHz | Less than 7.2 dB, 6.0 dB typical |
| Maximum VSWR through 3.5 GHz | Less than 1.9, 1.5 typical |
| Maximum VSWR from 3.5 GHz to 6 GHz | Less than 1.9, 1.4 typical |
| Maximum VSWR from 6 GHz to 6.6 GHz | Less than 2.2, 1.6 typical |
| CH-to-COM Isolation through 2.4 GHz | Greater than 77 dB, 95 dB typical |
| CH-to-COM Isolation through 6 GHz | Greater than 65 dB, 77 dB typical |
| CH-to-COM Isolation through 6.6 GHz | Greater than 61 dB, 72 dB typical |
| CH-to-CH Isolation through 2.4 GHz | Greater than 77 dB, 95 dB typical |
| CH-to-CH Isolation through 6 GHz | Greater than 62 dB, 82 dB typical |
| CH-to-CH Isolation through 6.6 GHz | Greater than 56 dB, 76 dB typical |
| Typical Channel-to-Channel Skew | Less than 10 ps |
| Typical Propagation Delay | 1,100 ps |
| Minimum Input 1 dB Compression Point | Greater than +27 dBm |
| Typical Input 1 dB Compression Point | Greater than +32 dBm |
| Typical Input IP2 | Greater than +91 dBm |
| Typical Input IP3 | Greater than +56 dBm |
| Typical Switching Time | 1 ms |
| Maximum Switching Time | 3.3 ms |
| Input Trigger Sources | PXI trigger lines 0 through 7 and front-panel trigger input |
| Minimum Input Trigger Pulse Width | 150 ns |
| Output Trigger Destinations | PXI trigger lines 0 through 7 and front-panel trigger output |
| Typical Output Trigger Pulse Width | 2 µs |
| RF Connectors | 9 × female SMA |
| Trigger Connectors | 2 × female SMB |
| Bus Interface | PXI Express |
| Module Format | 3U, single-slot PXI Express module |
| Dimensions | 21.6 cm × 2.0 cm × 13.0 cm |
| Weight | 538 g |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 55°C |
| Operating Humidity | 10% to 90%, noncondensing |
PXIe-2544 Part Number and Accessories
| Item | Part Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| PXIe-2544 | 780587-44 | 6.6 GHz, 50 Ω, solid-state 8×1 terminated RF multiplexer |
| SMA 100 Cable | 763443-01 | Approximately 0.15 m male-SMA-to-male-SMA flexible RF cable |
| SMA 100 Cable | 781846-01 | Approximately 0.30 m male-SMA-to-male-SMA flexible RF cable |
| SMA 100 Cable | 763444-01 | Approximately 0.38 m male-SMA-to-male-SMA flexible RF cable |
| SMA 100 Cable | 783470-01 | Approximately 2 m male-SMA-to-male-SMA flexible RF cable |
| SMA 50 Ω Termination Plug | 778353-01 | 50 Ω termination for compatible SMA RF connections |
| SMA Torque Wrench | 187106-01 | Torque wrench for installing compatible SMA connections correctly |
The module includes an SMA driver bit. Verify the required cable length, frequency rating, connector gender and insertion-loss performance before selecting external RF cables.
8×1 Terminated Multiplexer Architecture
The PXIe-2544 routes one of eight RF input channels to a single common connection. Software can select the required channel without manually reconnecting the RF source, receiver or device under test.
The terminated architecture provides impedance control for the channels and common path when they are not actively routed. This can improve signal behavior compared with an unterminated multiplexer, particularly in applications where reflections and transient responses must be controlled.
Terminated Channel Operation
Every channel and the common line include termination as part of the switching architecture. The terminations help provide a defined 50 Ω condition for disconnected paths and reduce reflections from open RF connections.
Termination does not remove the need to use properly matched external components. Cables, adapters, instruments and test fixtures should also maintain 50 Ω impedance throughout the measurement path.
Solid-State FET Switching
The PXIe-2544 uses FET solid-state switching instead of conventional electromechanical relays. Solid-state construction provides fast switching and avoids the mechanical contact wear associated with relay-based modules.
This architecture is useful for production and validation systems that perform a large number of switching operations. When operated within its electrical and environmental specifications, the switching elements do not have a mechanical cycle-life limitation.
Fast Switching Performance
The module provides a typical switching time of 1 ms and a specified maximum of 3.3 ms. Fast switching helps reduce route-change time when an automated system must test several RF devices or ports sequentially.
Complete test throughput also depends on instrument configuration, trigger timing, signal settling, measurement aperture and device-under-test response time.
10 MHz to 6.6 GHz Frequency Range
The PXIe-2544 supports AC-coupled RF signals from 10 MHz through 6.6 GHz. This frequency range covers many wireless, communications, aerospace, defense and electronic validation applications.
The module is not intended for DC or low-frequency signals below 10 MHz. Select a DC-coupled switching module when the application must route signals extending to DC.
50 Ω Signal Routing
The PXIe-2544 has a nominal characteristic impedance of 50 Ω. It can be integrated with compatible RF generators, spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, network analyzers, digitizers and communication test instruments.
Using cables and fixtures with the same characteristic impedance helps minimize signal reflections and measurement errors. A 75 Ω system should not be connected directly without appropriate matching components.
Insertion-Loss Performance
Insertion loss is less than 4.5 dB through 2.4 GHz, less than 6.3 dB through 6 GHz and less than 7.2 dB through 6.6 GHz. Typical values are lower under the specified operating conditions.
Account for the module’s insertion loss when calculating the RF level delivered to the device under test. Cable, adapter and fixture losses must also be included in the complete signal-path budget.
High Channel Isolation
The PXIe-2544 provides strong isolation between inactive channels and the common connection. At frequencies through 6.6 GHz, specified channel-to-common isolation is greater than 61 dB and channel-to-channel isolation is greater than 56 dB.
High isolation helps prevent signals from inactive sources or devices from coupling into the selected measurement path. External cable placement and fixture shielding can still limit the isolation of the completed test system.
Low Channel-to-Channel Skew
Typical channel-to-channel skew is less than 10 ps. Consistent propagation delay between routes is useful when comparing multiple RF devices or ports using the same instrument.
External cables should be selected and installed carefully because differences in cable length, construction and bending can introduce more delay variation than the switch module itself.
RF Linearity
The module provides a minimum input 1 dB compression point greater than +27 dBm and a typical value greater than +32 dBm. Typical input IP3 is greater than +56 dBm, supporting applications where intermodulation performance is important.
RF input levels must remain within the continuous power and voltage limits. High-peak signals and multitone waveforms should be evaluated using both their average and instantaneous power characteristics.
RF Power Limits
The maximum safe continuous RF input is +30 dBm while the chassis is powered. When the chassis is turned off, the maximum continuous RF input is reduced to +20 dBm.
Do not apply an active RF signal above the power-off limit before powering the chassis or after shutting it down. Test software should disable the RF source as part of the system startup and shutdown sequence.
Front-Panel SMA Connections
The PXIe-2544 provides nine female SMA connectors: eight channel connections and one common connection. Front-mounted connectors allow direct connection to RF instruments and devices without a separate terminal block.
Use an appropriate torque wrench or driver to tighten SMA connections. Excessive torque can damage a connector, while insufficient torque can reduce measurement repeatability and degrade impedance matching.
Front-Panel and PXI Triggering
The module supports input and output triggers through PXI trigger lines 0 through 7. It also provides dedicated female SMB connectors for external trigger input and output.
Hardware triggering allows route changes to be synchronized with generators, analyzers, digitizers and other test equipment. This can provide more repeatable timing than software-controlled switching alone.
Typical PXIe-2544 Applications
- Automated RF test equipment
- Wireless device production testing
- RF source selection
- Receiver and analyzer routing
- Antenna and transceiver testing
- Multiband radio validation
- RF component characterization
- Aerospace and defense communication testing
- Signal-path selection
- Research laboratory automation
- High-cycle production test systems
- Multichannel RF data acquisition
Wireless Device Production Testing
The PXIe-2544 can connect one RF instrument to as many as eight devices or fixture paths. Test software can select each channel, configure the instrument and collect measurement results without manually changing cables.
Its solid-state switches are particularly useful for high-volume production systems that require frequent route changes and predictable switching performance.
RF Instrument Sharing
An RF generator, spectrum analyzer or vector signal analyzer can be shared among multiple device-under-test connections. This can reduce the number of RF instruments required in a multichannel test system.
Only one channel is connected to the common port at a time. Applications requiring several simultaneous RF connections may need multiple PXIe-2544 modules or a different switch topology.
Antenna and Transceiver Testing
The module can select among multiple antenna ports, radio channels or transceiver signal paths. Its 6.6 GHz bandwidth covers many commonly used wireless and communication frequency ranges.
Before connecting a transmitter, verify its peak and average output power. The applied signal must remain within the PXIe-2544 input-power and compression specifications.
Automated RF Component Characterization
The PXIe-2544 can route a source and measurement instrument to different filters, amplifiers or other RF components installed in a test fixture. This makes it possible to characterize several devices using the same instrument set.
For accurate comparison measurements, use phase-stable cables and characterize the insertion loss of each complete route. Route-specific correction values can then be applied in the test software.
NI-SWITCH Software Support
The PXIe-2544 is controlled through the NI-SWITCH instrument driver. NI-SWITCH provides functions for initializing the module, connecting channels, disconnecting routes, configuring triggers and checking switch status.
The driver supports LabVIEW and compatible text-based programming environments. Engineers can coordinate RF switching with signal generation, acquisition, analysis and automated reporting.
NI Switch Executive Integration
NI Switch Executive allows users to define meaningful route names instead of controlling physical switch channels directly throughout the application. This can make complex RF systems easier to develop and maintain.
Named routes can represent connections such as RF Generator to DUT 1 or DUT 8 to Signal Analyzer. Route-specific loss and calibration information can also be associated with the test-system configuration.
PXI Express Chassis Integration
The PXIe-2544 is a single-slot 3U PXI Express module. It can be installed alongside RF signal generators, vector signal transceivers, digitizers and other PXI Express instruments.
Before installation, verify chassis compatibility, available cooling and front-panel cable clearance. Support heavy RF cable assemblies so they do not place excessive mechanical force on the SMA connectors.
PXIe-2544 Troubleshooting
The PXIe-2544 is not detected in NI MAX
Confirm that the module is fully installed in a compatible PXI Express slot. Check chassis power, controller communication and NI-SWITCH installation, then restart the system and rescan the hardware.
A channel does not connect to COM
Verify that the application is addressing the correct channel and module resource name. Check for route conflicts and inspect the corresponding channel and common SMA connections.
Insertion loss is higher than expected
Inspect the SMA connectors, cables, adapters and fixture for damage or contamination. Confirm that all components support the test frequency and characterize the complete signal path.
The received RF level changes between channels
Check cable length, cable type, connector torque and route-specific loss. Calibrate each channel independently or apply an individual correction value for every RF path.
Isolation is lower than expected
Separate active and inactive cables, improve fixture shielding and check for leakage through external equipment. Verify that the observed coupling is not bypassing the switch through a shared instrument or ground path.
VSWR is too high
Confirm that the complete system uses 50 Ω components. Inspect connector condition, cable bending and termination, then retighten the SMA connections using the recommended tool.
The trigger does not change the route
Verify the selected trigger source, trigger direction and minimum pulse width. For front-panel triggering, confirm the SMB cable connection and signal voltage.
The signal disappears when chassis power is removed
The PXIe-2544 uses active solid-state switching and requires chassis power for normal routing. Disable or reduce the RF source before turning off the chassis, and observe the +20 dBm power-off input limit.
Measurements change as the module warms up
Insertion loss varies with temperature. Allow the PXI system to reach a stable operating temperature and perform route calibration under conditions similar to the final measurement environment.
PXIe-2544 Comparison with Similar RF Switch Modules
| Model | Primary Configuration | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|
| PXIe-2544 | 8×1 terminated, 6.6 GHz, 50 Ω, solid-state | Fast, high-cycle RF routing with eight selectable channels |
| PXIe-2543 | 4×1 terminated, 6.6 GHz, 50 Ω, solid-state | Applications requiring fewer RF channels and fast switching |
| PXIe-2542 | Multibank RF multiplexer architecture | Systems requiring additional RF routing flexibility |
| PXI-2544 | 8×1 terminated, 6.6 GHz, 50 Ω, solid-state | Maintaining compatible legacy PXI systems |
| PXI-2547 | 8×1 RF multiplexer, electromechanical switching | Applications prioritizing a relay-based RF signal path |
PXIe-2544 vs PXIe-2543
The PXIe-2544 provides eight selectable RF channels, while the PXIe-2543 provides a lower-channel-count multiplexer configuration. Both use solid-state switching and support terminated 50 Ω RF routing through 6.6 GHz.
Choose the PXIe-2544 when one instrument must connect to as many as eight RF paths. Select the PXIe-2543 when fewer channels are required and the smaller routing configuration matches the test fixture.
PXIe-2544 vs PXI-2544
The PXIe-2544 and PXI-2544 provide similar 8×1 terminated RF multiplexer functionality. The PXIe-2544 uses the PXI Express platform, while the PXI-2544 is intended for legacy PXI systems.
Select the model that matches the chassis slot type and system architecture. Confirm the exact module designation before ordering because PXI and PXI Express versions are not interchangeable in every chassis slot.
Solid-State vs Electromechanical RF Switching
Solid-state FET switches provide fast operation and do not experience mechanical contact wear, making the PXIe-2544 suitable for high-cycle applications. Electromechanical RF switches may provide lower insertion loss or different signal-handling characteristics in certain frequency ranges.
Select the switching technology according to bandwidth, insertion loss, isolation, power, switching speed and expected cycle count rather than relying on channel count alone.
Recommended Related Products
- PXIe-2543 6.6 GHz Solid-State RF Multiplexer Module
- PXIe-2542 RF Multiplexer Switch Module
- PXI-2544 6.6 GHz 8×1 RF Multiplexer Module
- PXI-2547 8×1 RF Multiplexer Switch Module
- PXI-2548 RF SPDT Switch Module
- View More NI PXI and PXI Express Modules
Selecting the Right RF Multiplexer
Choose the PXIe-2544 when the application requires an 8×1 terminated topology, operation from 10 MHz to 6.6 GHz and fast solid-state switching. It is well suited for sharing one RF instrument among multiple devices or fixture paths.
Confirm that the application can accommodate the module’s AC coupling, insertion loss and +30 dBm powered input limit. Select a different module when DC coupling, higher RF power, simultaneous connections or bandwidth above 6.6 GHz is required.
Why Choose the PXIe-2544?
- Connects one RF instrument to eight selectable signal paths
- Supports frequencies from 10 MHz to 6.6 GHz
- Provides a terminated 50 Ω RF architecture
- Uses high-speed solid-state FET switching
- Avoids mechanical relay wear
- Offers strong channel isolation
- Provides low channel-to-channel timing skew
- Includes front-panel and PXI hardware triggering
- Integrates with NI-SWITCH and NI Switch Executive
- Occupies only one PXI Express chassis slot
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PXIe-2544?
The PXIe-2544 is a solid-state, 8×1 terminated RF multiplexer switch module for PXI Express systems.
What is the PXIe-2544 part number?
The standard NI part number for the PXIe-2544 is 780587-44.
What frequency range does it support?
The module supports AC-coupled RF signals from 10 MHz through 6.6 GHz.
What is the switch topology?
The PXIe-2544 provides an 8×1 terminated multiplexer topology that connects one of eight channels to a common RF port.
Does the PXIe-2544 use mechanical relays?
No. It uses FET solid-state switching, providing fast operation without mechanical contact wear.
What is the characteristic impedance?
The module has a nominal characteristic impedance of 50 Ω.
How many SMA connectors does it provide?
The front panel has nine female SMA connectors: eight channel connectors and one common connector.
What is the maximum continuous RF power?
The maximum is +30 dBm while chassis power is on and +20 dBm while chassis power is off.
Can the PXIe-2544 route DC signals?
No. The module is AC coupled and has a specified minimum input frequency of 10 MHz.
How quickly does it switch?
Typical switching time is 1 ms, with a specified maximum of 3.3 ms.
Are unused RF paths terminated?
Yes. The module includes termination on the channels and common line to maintain controlled RF impedance.
Does the module support external triggering?
Yes. It supports PXI trigger lines 0 through 7 and includes front-panel SMB trigger input and output connectors.
Which software controls the PXIe-2544?
The module is controlled with NI-SWITCH and can be integrated into NI Switch Executive, LabVIEW and compatible text-based programming environments.
How many PXI Express slots does it occupy?
The PXIe-2544 is a single-slot 3U PXI Express module.
Request a Quote for the PXIe-2544
Contact us for current availability, lead time and project pricing for the PXIe-2544 6.6 GHz 8×1 PXI Express RF Multiplexer Switch Module. We can also help identify compatible SMA cables, termination accessories, PXI Express chassis and related RF switching modules for your automated test system.
