PXI-2586

The PXI-2586 is a PXI Relay Module from National Instruments, designed for high-current switching, power signal routing, load control, battery testing, power supply testing, and automotive test applications. As a 10-channel, 12 A SPST PXI relay module, the NI PXI-2586 provides independent single-pole single-throw Form A armature relays in a single-slot 3U PXI form factor. Each relay offers low contact resistance and high isolation voltage, making the module suitable for switching power signals and loads in automated test systems.

The NI PXI-2586 is a general-purpose switch module that allows engineers to control multiple power or signal paths through software. Unlike low-current signal switching modules, the PXI-2586 is rated for both high current and high voltage switching, making it useful for applications where standard low-power relay modules are not enough. It is commonly used to switch loads, disconnect circuits, route power signals, and control test conditions in PXI-based systems.

One of the main advantages of the PXI-2586 Relay Module is its 10 independent SPST relay channels. Each channel can be controlled separately, allowing users to open or close individual circuits as required by the test sequence. This configuration is useful for power control, device connection and disconnection, load switching, and fault insertion applications. NI describes the PXI-2586 as a fully software-programmable module with independent SPST Form A relays.

The National Instruments PXI-2586 is rated for switching up to 12 A and up to 300 VDC / 300 VAC, making it suitable for higher-power test environments. These ratings allow the module to be used in battery test systems, power supply validation, automotive electronics testing, industrial control systems, and other applications where higher current or voltage signals must be switched safely and reliably. NI also notes that the PXI-2586 is ideal for switching power signals and loads in control, battery, power supply, and automotive testing.

The PXI-2586 can also be used to create fault insertion unit topologies. By externally connecting channel and COM pins, engineers can configure the module to create open-circuit faults, short-circuit faults, and fault bus connections between automated test equipment and devices under test. NI documentation shows that one or more PXI-2586 modules can be used to build 12 A fault insertion configurations such as 3-channel, 4-channel, and 9-channel FIU topologies.

In system integration, the NI PXI-2586 installs into a compatible PXI chassis and can be controlled through NI switch software tools. It can be used alongside DAQ modules, power supplies, source measure units, digital I/O modules, CAN interfaces, and other PXI instruments to build automated test systems. Because it is software programmable, users can define relay states through test software and automate switching sequences for production validation, laboratory testing, and system-level verification.

The PXI-2586 PXI Relay Module is suitable for applications such as battery testing, power supply testing, automotive ECU validation, load switching, circuit isolation, fault insertion, industrial control, and automated production testing. Its independent high-current relays make it especially useful when a test system needs to switch power lines, simulate wiring faults, or control loads under software command.

Overall, the NI PXI-2586 PXI Relay Module is a high-power switching solution for PXI-based automated test systems. With 10 independent SPST Form A relay channels, 12 A current rating, 300 VDC / 300 VAC switching capability, low contact resistance, high isolation voltage, and software-programmable control, the PXI-2586 is well suited for power signal switching, load control, battery testing, power supply validation, automotive testing, and fault insertion applications.