The National Instruments PXI-2584 dual 6×1 1-wire high-voltage multiplexer, which occupies a single 3U PXI slot and offers CAT II certification at 300 V, is capable of routing general-purpose ATE loads or high-voltage, low-current signals. With channel-to-ground isolation of up to 600 V CAT I and multimode configurations, it is ideal for fuel cell and battery stack testing applications. The switch module offers an innovative interleaved topology for making differential measurements on 11 channels of a battery stack with just two 6×1 1-wire multiplexers, substantially reducing the total cost per differential channel. In traditional 2-wire topologies, each channel would use two wires across each device under test, limiting the switch module to six channels. By using each single input pin on the front connector at points in between potentials on a stack, the channel count extends to 11 2-wire channels. In addition to its flexible architecture and high-voltage switching capacity, the NI PXI-2584 multiplexer features relay count tracking to keep track of the number of relay closures, which helps in predictive maintenance of the test system.
Engineers can use the PXI-2584 switch with the high-voltage capability and accuracy of the NI PXI-4071 7½-digit FlexDMM for high common-mode applications such as fuel cell testing. For easy programming and deployment, the PXI-2584 multiplexer seamlessly works with all NI software including NI-SWITCH driver software, the NI LabVIEW graphical development environment and NI Switch Executive switch management software. Engineers can use NI Switch Executive to reduce setup time, simplify switch programming and maximise the efficiency of the system for multiple deployment locations.
PCI eXtensions for Instrumentation (PXI) is an open specification governed by the PXI Systems Alliance (www.pxisa.org) that defines a rugged, CompactPCI-based platform optimised for test, measurement and control. It is supported by more than 70 member companies and more than 1,200 products are available. PXI products are compatible with the CompactPCI and CompactPCI Express industrial computer standards and offer additional features such as environmental specifications, standardised software and built-in timing and synchronisation.