The NI PXIe-2524 is a high-density, 1-slot PXI Express multiplexer switch module designed for automated test systems (ATE) that require scanning a large number of signals with high precision. Utilizing the PXI Express backplane, this module offers enhanced synchronization and timing capabilities compared to its PXI predecessors. It can be software-configured as a 128-channel 1-wire multiplexer or a 64-channel 2-wire multiplexer, making it a versatile foundation for everything from massive thermocouple arrays to complex battery validation systems.
1. Key Technical Specifications
Channel Count: 128 (1-wire) or 64 (2-wire) Topology: Software-configurable multiplexer Relay Type: Electromechanical (Non-latching) Max Switching Voltage: 150 VDC / 150 VAC Max Switching Current: 1.0 A per channel Max Switching Power: 30 W / 37.5 VA Switching Speed: 145 cycles per second Bus Interface: PXI Express (Gen 1 x1)
2. Detailed Technical Breakdown
High-Density 1-Wire and 2-Wire Flexibility The PXIe-2524 excels in its ability to balance channel count with signal integrity. In 1-wire mode, it provides 128 channels, which is ideal for single-ended measurements where all sensors share a common ground. In 2-wire mode, it offers 64 differential channels, providing the high common-mode rejection necessary for precise measurements of low-voltage sensors like RTDs or strain gauges.
The PXI Express Advantage As a native PXIe module, the PXIe-2524 benefits from the advanced timing and synchronization features of the PXI Express backplane. This allows for tighter integration with other PXIe instruments, such as DMMs or digitizers. The module supports “hardware-timed” scanning, where the switch can advance through its list of channels based on a trigger signal from another instrument, ensuring the highest possible throughput without CPU overhead.
Predictive Maintenance and Long-Life Design To minimize system downtime in 24/7 manufacturing environments, the PXIe-2524 includes an integrated relay counter. This hardware-based feature tracks the number of times each of the 128 relays has been cycled. By monitoring this data through NI-SWITCH software, engineers can proactively replace modules before they reach their mechanical end-of-life, maintaining the reliability of critical test campaigns.
3. Usage and Application Scenarios
Battery Management System (BMS) Testing In electric vehicle (EV) battery validation, the PXIe-2524 is used to sequentially route the voltage of up to 64 or 128 cell-monitoring points to a high-precision PXIe DMM. Its 150V rating provides a comfortable safety margin for most low-to-medium voltage battery stacks.
Large-Scale Thermal Mapping For environmental chamber testing or aerospace thermal vacuum cycles, the module can manage over a hundred thermocouples. The 2-wire configuration ensures that the small millivolt signals from the temperature sensors are routed differentially, preserving accuracy across long cable runs.
Consumer Electronics Functional Verification Modern smartphones and wearables have dozens of test points. The PXIe-2524 allows an automated tester to quickly scan through these points to check for continuity, power-rail stability, and signal integrity during the final assembly and test (FATP) stage.
4. Product Comparison and Recommendations
NI PXIe-2524 (The Balanced Multiplexer) 128 channels, 150V/1A. Best for general-purpose high-density applications requiring 150V isolation and PXI Express synchronization.
NI PXIe-2527 (High-Voltage/High-Current) 32 channels, 300V/2A. Best for applications requiring higher power handling or higher voltage limits, though at a significantly lower channel density.
NI PXIe-2532B (Ultra-High Density) Up to 512 channels, 100V/0.5A. Best for extremely high-channel-count systems where space is the primary constraint and power requirements are minimal.
Summary
The NI PXIe-2524 is a cornerstone of high-density PXI Express switching. By combining 128 channels of reliable electromechanical switching with the speed and synchronization of the PXIe backplane, it provides an efficient and scalable solution for modern ATE. We offer professional technical support for complex system configuration and support project pricing for large-scale deployments and automated test facility upgrades.
