PXI-2599

The PXI-2599 is a PXI RF Relay Module from National Instruments, designed for RF signal routing, microwave signal switching, component insertion, automated RF testing, and modular PXI test systems. As a 26.5 GHz, 50 Ω, dual SPDT PXI RF relay module, the NI PXI-2599 provides two independent single-pole double-throw RF relay paths in one PXI module. NI lists the PXI-2599 with part number 778572-99.

The NI PXI-2599 is useful for engineers who need flexible RF or microwave path control in automated test systems. It can be used for basic signal routing, inserting or removing components in a signal path, selecting RF sources, switching between measurement paths, or configuring different test conditions through software. Compared with manual RF switching, the PXI-2599 helps improve test repeatability, reduce operator error, and simplify automated RF test sequences.

One of the main advantages of the PXI-2599 RF Relay Module is its dual SPDT topology. Each SPDT relay can switch one common RF path between two selectable paths, giving users flexible signal routing options. This topology is useful for source selection, signal path switching, component insertion, bypass routing, and compact RF switch network design. NI documentation also describes the PXI-2599 as a 2-channel general-purpose switch module for handling RF signals up to 26.5 GHz.

The National Instruments PXI-2599 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-2599 uses electromechanical relay switching and is designed for automated RF and microwave test environments. Technical data lists the module with 1.73 Arms maximum carry current per channel, 150 W maximum RF carry power at 50 Ω load, and -35 dBm minimum switch load, helping engineers evaluate whether the module fits their signal level and RF power requirements.

Another useful feature of the NI PXI-2599 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-2599 PXI RF Relay 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-2599 is suitable for applications such as RF signal routing, microwave signal switching, RF component insertion, bypass path switching, harmonic routing, receiver testing, RF downconverter input routing, production RF test, and automated measurement systems. Its dual SPDT design is especially useful when two independent RF switching paths are required in one PXI slot.

Overall, the NI PXI-2599 PXI RF Relay Module is a flexible high-frequency RF and microwave switching solution for PXI-based automated test systems. With its 26.5 GHz bandwidth, 50 Ω impedance, dual SPDT relay topology, relay count tracking, electromechanical switching, and software-controlled operation, the PXI-2599 is well suited for RF signal routing, microwave validation, component insertion, production testing, and modular PXI test applications.