High-Frequency Multiplexer/Matrix Modules

Overview and Applications

NI PXI-2593, PXIe-2593, and SCXI-1193 are high-density 50 RF relay modules.

You can programmatically configure them as unterminated multiplexers,

externally terminated multiplexers, or dimensionally flexible sparse matrices.

Each configuration handles signal frequencies from DC to beyond 500 MHz.

These single-slot switch modules use high-density push-on MCX connectors

for discrete yet manageable cabling. NI 2593 modules are designed to integrate

with high-frequency instruments such as the NI PXI-5404 frequency generator

and the NI PXI-5112 high-speed digitizer.

Multiplexer Configurations

The NI 2593 and SCXI-1193 are 16- and 32-channel unterminated multiplexers,

respectively. With external 50 MCX terminators (P/N: 761930-01) on half of

the channels, you can use these modules as terminated multiplexers. Table 1

shows multiplexer configurations for each module.

Multiplexer

Topology

NI SCXI-1193

NI 2593

Unterminated

Terminated

Unterminated

Terminated

32x1

1 bank

–

–

–

16x1

2 banks

1 bank

1 bank

–

8x1

4 banks

2 banks

2 banks

1 bank

4x1

–

4 banks

–

2 banks

3x1

9 banks

–

4 banks

–

Table 1. This table shows available multiplexer configurations.

Dimensionally Flexible Sparse Matrix Configurations

You can configure the NI 2593 modules as flexible sparse matrices, which

you can use to route signals between any pair of channels or commons

while maintaining >500 MHz bandwidth and minimizing reflections. Unlike a

traditional sparse matrix made from two multiplexers with their COM terminals

connected, these modules use a flexible architecture in which you can define

the row and column dimensions. There is no restriction on row-to-row or

column-to-column connections. For example, you can configure the 18 terminals

on the NI 2593 modules as a 2x16, 4x14, or 9x9 sparse matrix, or any size in

between. It is even possible to connect multiple crosspoints simultaneously.

Figure 1 demonstrates the configuration capabilities of an NI 2593 as a

dimensionally flexible sparse matrix.

500 MHz bandwidth

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50 characteristic impedance

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10 W RF carry power

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150 V, CAT I switching

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Fully software configurable

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Unterminated multiplexer

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Available in both PXI and PXI Express

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versions for optimal slot placement

Configurations

NI SCXI-1193: 32x1, dual 16x1,

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quad 8x1, nine 3x1

NI PXI-2593/ NI PXIe-2593 (NI 2593):

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16x1, dual 8x1, quad 3x1

Terminated multiplexer configurations

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NI SCXI-1193: 16x1, dual 8x1,

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quad 4x1

NI 2593: 8x1, dual 4x1

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Sparse matrix configurations

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NI SCXI-1193: 36-terminal

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NI 2593: 18-terminal

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Operating Systems

Windows XP/2000/Me/9x/NT

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Recommended Software

LabVIEW

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LabWindows

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™

/CVI

Measurement Studio

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for Visual C++

NI Switch Executive

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Other Compatible Software

Visual Basic

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ANSI C/C++

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Driver/Software (included)

NI-SWITCH

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