How to Connect Signals to the NI PXI-2536

The NI PXI-2536 is a high-density FET switch matrix that features 544 crosspoints. The NI PXI-2536 is configured as a one-wire 8x68 matrix. You can connect signals, DUTs, or other elements to this module using the NI SH68-68 cable and the NI TBX-68 external terminal block.

1. Connecting Signals to the NI PXI-2536
2. Cables
3. Terminal Blocks

Connecting Signals to the NI PXI-2536

The NI PXI-2536 is a high-density FET switch matrix that features 544 crosspoints. The NI PXI-2536 is configured as a one-wire 8x68 matrix. Because the module uses field effect transistor (FET) switch technology, it offers unique benefits such as unlimited switch lifetime, unlimited simultaneous connections, and switching speed as high as 50,000 crosspoints/s. The NI PXI-2536 is ideal for routing low-power DC signals in validation test systems of mass produced devices such as semiconductor chips and printed circuit boards (PCBs). Use the NI PXI-2536 with the NI PXI-4110 programmable power supply and the NI PXI-4071 7½-digit FlexDMM to build high-density automated test systems up to ±12 VDC/8 VAC.

The NI PXI-2536 breaks out switch connections into three VHDCI connectors, as seen in Figure 1. The upper connector mates with the 68 columns on the switch while the lower left connector mates with the eight rows. The lower right connector, which also connects to the rows, is meant for matrix expansion, as illustrated in Figure 2.

Figure 1: The Three VHDCI Front Connectors of the NI PXI-2536

Figure 2: NI PXI-2536 Matrix Expansion

You can connect signals to the switch matrix using the NI SHC68-68 VHDCI to 68-pin SCSI cable and the NI TBX-68 screw-terminal block.

Cables

National Instruments recommends you use the NI SHC68-68 cable to connect to each of the NI PXI-2536’s 3 VHDCI connectors. The NI SHC68-68 cable offers basic shielding with individually twisted cable pairs. The cable does not have shields between the analog and digital signals. For improved noise rejection, consider the NI SHC68-68-EPM. The NI SHC68-68 features a 68-positiion 0.050 series D-Type connector to 68-position VHDCI connector, as seen in Figure 3. This will allow you to cable your Switch device to standard 68-pin accessories, such as the NI TBX-68 screw-terminal block. This cable is available in 2 different lengths: 1m and 2m.

Figure 3:  The NI SHC68-68 Cable

For OEMs who need to wire directly to third-party devices and for custom cabling solutions, the National Instruments SHC68-NT-S cable is a possibility. The cable has a 68-pin VHDCI offset male connector on one end for connectivity to the NI PXI-2535 and the other end of the cable is not terminated for access to the bare wires, as can be seen in Figure 4.

Figure 4:  The NI SHC68-NT-S Cable

NOTE: Since one cabled is need for each of the VHDCI connectors of the PXI-2535, you will need at least 2 cables to access all pins of the NI PXI-2536. Recall that the third VHDCI connector is for matrix expansion.

Terminal Blocks

National Instruments recommends you use the NI TBX-68 Connector Block to access the individual channels of your switch device. This is a termination accessory with 68 screw terminals for easy connection of field I/O signals to 68-pin connectors such as those on the NI PXI-2536. The connector block includes one 68-pin male SCSI connector for direct connection to the NI SCH68-68 cable, as seen in Figure 5. The NI TBX-68 is mounted in a protective plastic base with hardware for mounting on a standard DIN rail.

NOTE: When connecting to the NI PXI-2536, one NI TBX-68 will be needed for each of the two cables.

Figure 5: The NI TBX-68 Connector Block

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