The NI PXI-2584 uses reed relays.

Refer to the following table for information about ordering replacement relays.

Relay Manufacturer Part
Coto Technology 9104-05-11

Complete the following sets of steps to disassemble your switch module, replace a failed relay, and reassemble your switch module.

Disassemble the Switch Module

  1. Ground yourself using a grounding strap or a ground connected to your PXI chassis.
    Note   Properly grounding yourself prevents damage to your switch module from electrostatic discharge.
  2. Remove the four screws that secure the plastic cover on the top and plastic lead cover on the bottom of the switch assembly.

    1Screws
    2Plastic Cover
    3Plastic Lead Cover
  3. Carefully separate the adhered top cover absorber from the relays by slowly prying up on the cover. (Note: some metal relay caps might come loose during this process and can be put back onto the relays after you have completed relay replacement.)
  4. Locate the relay you want to replace. Refer to the following figure and table for relay locations.
    Channel NameRelay Name
    CH0K0
    CH1K1
    CH2K2
    CH3K3
    CH4K4
    CH5K5
    CH6K6
    CH7K7
    CH8K8
    CH9K9
    CH10K10
    CH11K11
  5. Locate the assembly and serial number labels on the board with the relay you want to replace. White labels indicate the board was assembled using lead solder (Sn 63 Pb 37). Green labels indicate the board was assembled using lead-free solder (Sn 96.5 Ag 3.0 Cu 0.5). Lead-free assemblies have assembly numbers ending in L. The different label types are shown in the following figure.

Replace the Relay

Note   NI recommends using lead-free solder for relay replacement on lead-free assemblies, and lead solder for relay replacement on lead assemblies.
Caution   Do not rework lead assemblies using a lead-free work station. Lead solder from the unit could contaminate the station.
Caution   If a lead-free assembly is reworked with lead solder, label the assembly to indicate this condition. This rework can prevent the same unit from being reworked later on a lead-free solder station, because it could contaminate the station.

Make sure you have the following items:

  • Temperature-regulated soldering iron set to 316 °C (600 °F) for lead solder rework or 371 °C (700 °F) for lead-free solder rework
  • 63/37 Tin/Lead solder (flux core) for lead solder rework
  • 96.5/3.0/0.5 Tin/Silver/Copper solder (flux core) for lead-free solder rework
  • Solder wick
  • Isopropyl alcohol
  • Cotton swabs

Replace the relay as you would any other through-hole part. Trim the replaced relay leads to under 1.2 mm (0.05 inch) protrusion.

Reassemble the Switch Module

Replace the top cover while carefully aligning the standoffs with the mounting holes in the module. Secure the bottom cover using the four screws removed in Disassemble the Module, step 2.

Tip   In NI-SWITCH 3.1 or later, you can use the Switch Soft Front Panel to reset the relay count after you have replaced a failed relay. Refer to the Switch Soft Front Panel Help for more information.