PXI-2598

The PXI-2598 is a PXI Transfer Switch Module from National Instruments, designed for RF signal routing, microwave signal switching, automated RF testing, component insertion, and modular PXI test systems. As a 26.5 GHz, 50 Ω, dual-transfer PXI transfer switch module, the NI PXI-2598 provides software-controlled RF and microwave switching for automated test applications. NI lists the PXI-2598 with part number 778572-98.

The NI PXI-2598 is useful for engineers who need to automate RF or microwave signal paths in a PXI-based test system. It can be used for basic signal routing, inserting or removing components in a signal path, routing RF sources, switching between measurement paths, or configuring different test conditions through software. Compared with manual RF switching, the PXI-2598 helps improve repeatability, reduce operator error, and simplify automated RF test sequences.

One of the main advantages of the PXI-2598 Transfer Switch Module is its dual-transfer switch topology. A transfer switch is useful when two signal paths need to be exchanged or rerouted in a controlled way. This makes the PXI-2598 suitable for applications where engineers need to insert or bypass RF components, switch between calibration and measurement paths, or change signal routing without manually reconnecting cables.

The National Instruments PXI-2598 supports 50 Ω RF and microwave signal routing up to 26.5 GHz, making it suitable for high-frequency RF and microwave test applications. This frequency range is useful for RF front-end testing, microwave component validation, receiver testing, RF source routing, harmonic testing, and automated signal path selection. NI also describes the module as suitable for passing high-order harmonics from PXI RF Signal Upconverter modules or routing multiple sources to PXI RF Signal Downconverter modules.

The PXI-2598 uses electromechanical switching and is designed for automated RF and microwave test environments. Third-party technical data lists the module as supporting 1.25 Arms maximum carry current per channel and 75 W maximum RF carry power, which helps engineers evaluate whether the module is suitable for their signal level and RF power requirements.

Another useful feature of the NI PXI-2598 is onboard relay count tracking. This feature helps users monitor relay usage and estimate relay lifetime, reducing the risk of unexpected downtime in automated test systems. Relay count tracking is especially valuable in production environments where RF switch modules may operate repeatedly over long periods.

In system integration, the PXI-2598 PXI Transfer Switch Module installs into a compatible PXI or PXI hybrid chassis and can be used with RF signal generators, spectrum analyzers, vector signal transceivers, RF upconverters, RF downconverters, digitizers, source measure units, and other PXI instruments. This allows engineers to build compact automated RF and microwave test systems with software-controlled signal routing.

The PXI-2598 is suitable for applications such as RF signal routing, microwave signal switching, RF component insertion, calibration path switching, harmonic routing, receiver testing, RF downconverter input routing, production RF test, and automated measurement systems. Its dual-transfer design is especially useful when RF paths must be exchanged, inserted, bypassed, or reconfigured through software control.

Overall, the NI PXI-2598 PXI Transfer Switch Module is a high-frequency RF and microwave switching solution for PXI-based automated test systems. With its 26.5 GHz bandwidth, 50 Ω impedance, dual-transfer switch topology, relay count tracking, electromechanical switching, and software-controlled operation, the PXI-2598 is well suited for RF signal routing, microwave validation, component insertion, production testing, and modular PXI test applications.