The PXI-2545 is a PXI RF Multiplexer Switch Module from National Instruments, designed for RF signal routing, automated RF testing, wireless validation, signal path selection, and modular PXI test systems. As a 2.7 GHz, 50 Ω, terminated 4×1 PXI RF multiplexer switch module, the NI PXI-2545 allows users to route RF signals between one common port and four channels while maintaining controlled impedance and minimizing signal degradation. NI lists the PXI-2545 with part number 778572-45.
The NI PXI-2545 is useful for engineers who need to switch RF signals in automated test systems. It can be used to route signals between RF sources, analyzers, devices under test, antennas, filters, amplifiers, and other RF components. Compared with manual RF switching, the PXI-2545 allows switching paths to be controlled through software, making it suitable for repeatable test sequences, production validation, and laboratory automation.
One of the main advantages of the PXI-2545 RF Multiplexer Switch Module is its terminated 4×1 multiplexer topology. The internal termination helps prevent high-power reflections that can occur when open channels are left unterminated, which is especially important in RF systems where reflected power may damage a signal source or affect measurement accuracy. This makes the PXI-2545 suitable for RF test applications that require stable signal routing and controlled termination.
The National Instruments PXI-2545 supports 50 Ω RF signal routing up to 2.7 GHz. This bandwidth makes it useful for a range of RF and wireless test applications, including communication device validation, RF front-end testing, filter testing, amplifier testing, antenna path switching, and automated signal routing. The module also provides strong insertion loss, VSWR, and isolation performance to help reduce signal degradation during RF switching.
The PXI-2545 uses electromechanical relays, making it suitable for applications that require reliable RF signal switching with good isolation and repeatable performance. NI also lists a maximum AC switching voltage of 30 V and a maximum insertion loss of -2 dB. These specifications help engineers evaluate whether the module is suitable for their RF signal level, frequency range, and test system requirements.
Another useful feature of the NI PXI-2545 is onboard relay count tracking. This feature helps users monitor relay usage and estimate relay lifetime, reducing the risk of unexpected downtime in automated test systems. Relay count tracking is especially useful in production environments where switching modules may operate repeatedly over long periods.
In system integration, the PXI-2545 PXI RF Multiplexer Switch Module installs into a compatible PXI or PXI hybrid chassis and can be used with other PXI instruments such as RF signal generators, spectrum analyzers, vector signal transceivers, digitizers, source measure units, and data acquisition modules. This allows engineers to build compact automated RF test systems with software-controlled signal routing.
The PXI-2545 is suitable for applications such as RF signal routing, wireless device testing, RF path selection, antenna switching, amplifier testing, filter validation, production RF test, and automated measurement systems. Its terminated multiplexer design makes it especially useful when signal reflection control is important.
Overall, the NI PXI-2545 PXI RF Multiplexer Switch Module is a practical RF switching solution for PXI-based automated test systems. With its 2.7 GHz bandwidth, 50 Ω impedance, terminated 4×1 multiplexer topology, electromechanical relays, relay count tracking, and software-controlled switching, the PXI-2545 is well suited for RF signal routing, wireless validation, production testing, and modular PXI test applications
