PXIe-2748

The PXIe-2748 is a PXI RF Multiplexer Switch Module from National Instruments, designed for RF signal routing, automated RF testing, production validation, wireless device testing, and modular PXI Express test systems. As a 3 GHz, 50 Ω, 16×1 PXI RF multiplexer switch module, the NI PXIe-2748 allows users to switch a large number of RF signal paths to a single RF analyzer channel or common signal path. NI lists the PXIe-2748 with part number 780587-48.

The NI PXIe-2748 is useful for engineers who need high-channel-count RF switching in automated test systems. It can be used to route signals between RF signal generators, spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, RF components, filters, amplifiers, antennas, receivers, and devices under test. Compared with manual RF switching, the PXIe-2748 allows RF paths to be controlled through software, making it suitable for repeatable test sequences, laboratory automation, and production RF testing.

One of the main advantages of the PXIe-2748 RF Multiplexer Switch Module is its 16×1 multiplexer topology. This configuration allows multiple RF signal paths to be routed to one common port, which is especially useful for test systems that need to switch several devices under test to a single RF analyzer channel. Its high channel count helps reduce the number of separate switch modules required in a PXI Express chassis.

The National Instruments PXIe-2748 supports 50 Ω RF signal routing up to 3 GHz. This frequency range makes it suitable for RF and wireless test applications such as RF front-end testing, communication device validation, receiver testing, amplifier testing, filter validation, antenna path switching, and automated RF signal routing. NI also lists the module as an electromechanical RF multiplexer switch module with 30 V maximum AC switching voltage and 3 dB maximum insertion loss.

The PXIe-2748 is especially suitable for production RF test systems where many DUTs or RF paths need to be connected to one measurement channel. Engineers can use it to switch multiple DUT outputs into an RF analyzer, automate receiver testing, select RF signal paths, or build compact RF switch networks inside a PXI Express chassis. Its 16×1 topology provides higher channel density than 4×1 or 8×1 RF multiplexer modules.

Another useful feature of the NI PXIe-2748 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 PXIe-2748 PXI RF Multiplexer Switch Module installs into a compatible PXI Express chassis and can be used with RF signal generators, spectrum analyzers, vector signal transceivers, digitizers, source measure units, data acquisition modules, and other PXI/PXIe instruments. This allows engineers to build compact automated RF test systems with software-controlled RF signal routing.

The PXIe-2748 is suitable for applications such as RF signal routing, wireless device testing, RF path selection, receiver testing, amplifier testing, filter validation, production RF test, and automated measurement systems. Its 16×1 architecture is especially useful when many RF signal paths need to be switched to one common measurement or stimulus channel.

Overall, the NI PXIe-2748 PXI RF Multiplexer Switch Module is a practical high-channel-count RF switching solution for PXI Express automated test systems. With its 3 GHz bandwidth, 50 Ω impedance, 16×1 multiplexer topology, electromechanical relays, relay count tracking, and software-controlled switching, the PXIe-2748 is well suited for RF signal routing, wireless validation, production testing, and modular PXI Express test applications.