PXIe-2747 RF Multiplexer Switch Module
The PXIe-2747 is a 2.7 GHz, 50 Ω PXI Express RF multiplexer switch module containing two independent 8×1 SP8T multiplexer banks. It provides high-density signal routing for RF production testing, device characterization and automated measurement systems.
With 16 RF channels, two common ports and 18 front-panel MCX connectors, the PXIe-2747 can route multiple devices under test to shared RF analyzers, signal generators and other measurement instruments.
Key Features of the PXIe-2747
- 2.7 GHz maximum switch bandwidth
- 50 Ω nominal characteristic impedance
- Dual 8×1 SP8T multiplexer topology
- 16 RF channels and two common ports
- Maximum insertion loss of 3 dB at 2.7 GHz
- Typical isolation greater than 40 dB at 2.7 GHz
- Maximum VSWR of 2.2 at 2.7 GHz
- Typical channel-to-channel skew below 160 ps
- Maximum RF power of 10 W
- Maximum switching voltage of 30 V
- Maximum switching and carry current of 0.5 A
- Electromechanical latching relays
- Onboard relay-count monitoring
- Single-slot PXI Express module
PXIe-2747 Technical Specifications
| Product Model | PXIe-2747 |
|---|---|
| Part Number | 780587-47 |
| Product Type | RF Multiplexer Switch Module |
| Bus Type | PXI Express |
| Topology | Dual 8×1 multiplexer, SP8T |
| Number of Banks | 2 |
| RF Channel Connections | 16 channels plus two common ports |
| Maximum Frequency | 2.7 GHz |
| Characteristic Impedance | 50 Ω nominal |
| Insertion Loss | 1.5 dB maximum at 1 GHz; 3 dB maximum at 2.7 GHz |
| Typical Isolation | Greater than 60 dB at 1 GHz; greater than 40 dB at 2.7 GHz |
| VSWR | 1.5 maximum at 1 GHz; 2.2 maximum at 2.7 GHz |
| Channel-to-Channel Skew | Less than 160 ps typical |
| Maximum Switching Voltage | 30 V |
| Maximum Switching Current | 0.5 A per channel |
| Maximum Carry Current | 0.5 A per channel |
| Maximum RF Power | 10 W |
| Initial DC Path Resistance | Less than 1 Ω typical |
| Maximum Relay Operate Time | 10 ms |
| Mechanical Relay Life | 1 × 107 cycles |
| Relay Type | Electromechanical, latching |
| I/O Connectors | 18 gold-plated MCX female connectors |
| PXI Slots Required | 1 |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 55°C |
| Dimensions | 21.6 × 2.0 × 13.0 cm |
| Weight | Approximately 327 g |
PXIe-2747 Part Number and Cable Options
| Product | Part Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| PXIe-2747 | 780587-47 | 2.7 GHz, 50 Ω dual 8×1 RF multiplexer |
| MCX-to-MCX Cable | 188374-0R3 | 0.3 m, 50 Ω coaxial cable |
| MCX-to-MCX Cable | 188374-01 | 1.0 m, 50 Ω coaxial cable |
| MCX-to-BNC Cable | 188375-0R3 | 0.3 m coaxial cable |
| MCX-to-BNC Cable | 188375-01 | 1.0 m coaxial cable |
| MCX-to-SMB Cable | 188376-0R3 | 0.3 m coaxial cable |
| MCX-to-SMA Cable | 188377-0R3 | 0.3 m coaxial cable |
| MCX-to-SMA Cable | 188377-01 | 1.0 m coaxial cable |
Dual 8×1 SP8T Multiplexer Architecture
The PXIe-2747 contains two separate RF multiplexer banks identified as Bank A and Bank B. Each bank routes one of eight channel connections to its corresponding common port.
The independent banks can connect two shared instruments to different groups of devices under test. They can also be used together to route source and measurement paths through the same automated RF test system.
High-Density RF Production Testing
With 16 input channels in a single PXI Express slot, the PXIe-2747 is designed for systems that must test multiple RF devices using a limited number of expensive measurement instruments.
For example, several devices under test can be sequentially connected to a shared RF signal analyzer. This architecture reduces instrument duplication while allowing software-controlled and repeatable test sequences.
RF Performance up to 2.7 GHz
| RF Parameter | Up to 1 GHz | Up to 2.7 GHz |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Insertion Loss | 1.5 dB | 3 dB |
| Maximum VSWR | 1.5 | 2.2 |
| Typical Isolation | Greater than 60 dB | Greater than 40 dB |
Complete system performance also depends on the insertion loss, VSWR and isolation of the connected cables, adapters, fixtures and device interfaces. These components should be included when calculating the RF path budget.
RF Power and Signal Limits
The PXIe-2747 supports RF power levels up to 10 W, with a maximum switching voltage of 30 V and a maximum switching or carrying current of 0.5 A per channel.
The signal path must remain within all voltage, current and power limits. Maximum RF power cannot be used when doing so would exceed the specified voltage or current rating.
RF Switching Considerations
NI recommends against changing relay states while an active RF signal is applied. During relay operation, the selected signal path becomes temporarily unterminated, potentially producing reflections that can affect signal integrity or damage sensitive RF sources.
For best performance, disable or reduce the RF output before changing channels, wait for the relay and signal path to settle, and then restore the required signal power.
Onboard Relay Monitoring
The PXIe-2747 includes onboard relay counting for monitoring the number of operations performed by each relay. Test engineers can use these counts to plan preventive maintenance and reduce unexpected system downtime.
The expected mechanical relay life is 10 million cycles. Electrical life depends on the switched voltage, current, RF power, frequency and whether active signals are present during switching.
Typical PXIe-2747 Applications
- RF production testing
- Wireless device validation
- Multiple-device RF characterization
- Antenna and transceiver testing
- Amplifier, filter and mixer measurements
- Cellular and wireless communication testing
- Semiconductor RF component testing
- Automated signal-generator routing
- Shared RF analyzer systems
- Research and laboratory RF measurements
NI-SWITCH Software Support
The PXIe-2747 is controlled through the NI-SWITCH instrument driver. NI-SWITCH provides APIs for channel routing, relay control, route validation, triggering and relay-count monitoring.
NI Switch Executive can also be used to create named routes and manage larger switching systems. Compatible programming environments include LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, C and supported Microsoft development tools.
RF Cable Selection
The PXIe-2747 uses gold-plated MCX female connectors. NI offers MCX-to-MCX, MCX-to-BNC, MCX-to-SMB and MCX-to-SMA cable options in different lengths.
Use 50 Ω cables and connectors rated for the maximum signal frequency and power. Cable insertion loss should be considered when calculating the total loss between the source, switch, device under test and measurement instrument.
PXI Express Chassis Integration
The PXIe-2747 occupies one 3U PXI Express peripheral slot. Its single-slot design allows several RF routing modules to be installed in the same chassis when additional channel capacity is required.
The module can be combined with PXI vector signal transceivers, RF signal generators, RF analyzers and other modular instruments to create a synchronized automated test platform.
PXIe-2747 Troubleshooting
The module is not detected in NI MAX
Confirm that the PXIe-2747 is fully seated in a compatible PXI Express slot. Check the chassis and controller connection, install a supported NI-SWITCH driver and refresh the device list in NI Measurement & Automation Explorer.
The insertion loss is higher than expected
Inspect all MCX connections and verify that the cables are rated for 2.7 GHz operation. Measure each cable and adapter independently to identify losses outside the switch module.
The measured RF level changes between channels
Individual cable paths can have different insertion loss and phase characteristics. Characterize each complete route and apply path-specific correction data when measurement accuracy requires it.
The signal contains unexpected reflections
Verify that the source, cables, switch paths and loads use a consistent 50 Ω impedance. Avoid unnecessary adapters and confirm that unused test-fixture connections are terminated where required.
The relay does not switch reliably
Review the relay count, NI-SWITCH route configuration and required settling time. Disable the RF source before switching, particularly when operating at higher power levels.
Channel routing does not match the test sequence
Confirm that the software route uses the correct bank and common port. Bank A channels route only to COM A, while Bank B channels route only to COM B.
PXIe-2747 Compared with Related RF Switch Modules
| Model | Topology | Maximum Frequency | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|---|
| PXIe-2747 | Dual 8×1 SP8T | 2.7 GHz | High-density two-bank RF multiplexing |
| PXIe-2746 | Quad 4×1 multiplexer | 2.7 GHz | Four independent lower-channel-count banks |
| PXI-2796 | Dual 6×1 SP6T | 40 GHz | High-frequency microwave multiplexing |
| PXI-2797 | Single 6×1 SP6T | 40 GHz | Terminated microwave signal routing |
| PXI-2799 | Dual SPDT | 40 GHz | General-purpose microwave path selection |
Recommended Related Products
- PXIe-2746 RF Multiplexer – A 2.7 GHz quad 4×1 multiplexer for systems requiring four independent RF banks.
- PXI-2796 RF Multiplexer – A 40 GHz dual 6×1 multiplexer for higher-frequency microwave applications.
- PXI-2797 Terminated RF Multiplexer – A 40 GHz single-bank multiplexer with internal termination.
- PXI-2799 RF Relay Module – A 40 GHz dual-SPDT module for basic RF signal selection.
- PXIe-5841 Vector Signal Transceiver – An integrated RF generation and analysis instrument for automated wireless testing.
- PXIe-1092 PXI Express Chassis – A modular chassis for synchronized RF and mixed-signal test systems.
Additional RF switching and measurement products are available in the NI PXI Modules category.
Selecting the PXIe-2747
Choose the PXIe-2747 when an application requires two independent 8×1 RF multiplexers, a 2.7 GHz frequency range and high channel density in a single PXI Express slot.
Select the PXIe-2746 when four separate 4×1 banks provide a better routing structure. For frequencies above 2.7 GHz, consider a microwave switch such as the PXI-2796, PXI-2797 or PXI-2799.
Why Choose the PXIe-2747?
- Routes 16 RF channels through two independent banks
- Supports signals from DC through 2.7 GHz
- Provides high channel density in one PXI Express slot
- Uses compact, gold-plated MCX connections
- Supports relay-count monitoring for preventive maintenance
- Integrates with NI-SWITCH and NI Switch Executive
- Reduces RF instrument duplication in production systems
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PXIe-2747 used for?
The PXIe-2747 routes multiple RF sources or devices under test to shared RF instruments. It is commonly used in production testing, wireless validation and RF component characterization.
What is the PXIe-2747 topology?
It contains two independent 8×1 SP8T multiplexer banks. Each bank has eight channels and one common connection.
What is the maximum operating frequency?
The PXIe-2747 supports RF signal routing at frequencies up to 2.7 GHz.
How many RF connectors does the module provide?
The module provides 18 gold-plated MCX female connectors: 16 channel connections and two common ports.
What is the maximum RF power?
The maximum RF power is 10 W, subject to the module’s 30 V maximum switching voltage and 0.5 A maximum current limits.
Can the PXIe-2747 switch an active RF signal?
NI recommends removing or reducing RF power before changing relay states. Active switching can degrade signal integrity, shorten relay life or expose the source to damaging reflections.
Does the PXIe-2747 monitor relay usage?
Yes. It includes onboard relay counting to support preventive maintenance and relay-life monitoring.
What is the part number for the PXIe-2747?
The standard NI part number for the PXIe-2747 is 780587-47.
Request a Quote for the PXIe-2747
Contact us for current availability, lead time and project pricing for the PXIe-2747 Dual 8×1 RF Multiplexer Switch Module. We can also help identify compatible MCX cables, PXI Express chassis, RF instruments and related switching modules for your test system.
