Most switch modules and cards are capable of tracking relay usage using the niSwitch Get Relay Count VI or the niSwitch_GetRelayCount function.

Relay counts are stored on your NI switch hardware in nonvolatile storage such as EEPROM or flash, and are backed up periodically as well as on system shutdown. Unexpected power removal could prevent proper backup of the relay counts, resulting in the possible loss of a few minutes of relay count data.
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.

The following switch modules do not support relay counting:

  • NI PXI-2501
  • NI PXI-2503
  • NI PXI-2565
  • NI PXI-2590
  • NI PXI-2591