PXI-2796

The PXI-2796 is a PXI RF Multiplexer Switch Module from National Instruments, designed for high-frequency RF signal routing, microwave signal switching, automated RF testing, wireless validation, and modular PXI test systems. As a 40 GHz, 50 Ω, dual 6×1 PXI RF multiplexer switch module, the NI PXI-2796 provides two independent 6×1 multiplexer banks in one PXI module. NI lists the PXI-2796 with part number 782356-01.

The NI PXI-2796 is useful for engineers who need to automate RF and microwave signal path selection in high-frequency test systems. It can be used to route signals between RF signal generators, spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, RF upconverters, RF downconverters, filters, amplifiers, receivers, antennas, and devices under test. Compared with manual RF switching, the PXI-2796 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 PXI-2796 RF Multiplexer Switch Module is its dual 6×1 multiplexer topology. This configuration provides two separate RF switching banks in a single PXI module, which is useful for systems that require parallel RF path control or multiple source and measurement routing paths. NI describes the PXI-2796 as a high-density, unterminated multiplexer that is ideal for passing high-order harmonics from PXI RF Signal Upconverter modules or routing multiple sources to PXI RF Signal Downconverter modules.

The National Instruments PXI-2796 supports 50 Ω RF signal routing up to 40 GHz, making it suitable for higher-frequency RF and microwave applications than 26.5 GHz switch modules such as the PXI-2596 or PXI-2597. This bandwidth is useful for microwave component validation, high-frequency receiver testing, harmonic routing, RF downconverter input routing, source selection, and automated signal path switching.

The PXI-2796 is designed as an unterminated multiplexer, which makes it suitable for systems where users need flexible signal routing and external termination control. This architecture is useful when engineers want to manage termination outside the module or when building custom RF switch networks. Its high-frequency capability makes it practical for microwave test environments where signal path quality, isolation, insertion loss, and repeatable switching are important.

Technical listings describe the NI PXI-2796 as having less than 1.1 dB insertion loss, less than 2.2 VSWR, greater than 45 dB open-channel isolation, and 5 W RF carry power at up to 40 GHz. They also list the module as using non-latching electromechanical relays, with 14 SMA 2.9 jacks for I/O connections, a recommended cycle speed of 5 channels/s, and a two-slot 3U PXI form factor.

In system integration, the PXI-2796 PXI RF Multiplexer 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-2796 is suitable for applications such as RF signal routing, microwave signal switching, wireless device testing, RF source selection, harmonic routing, receiver testing, RF downconverter input routing, production RF test, and automated measurement systems. Its dual 6×1 architecture is especially useful when multiple high-frequency RF paths need to be switched in one PXI module.

Overall, the NI PXI-2796 PXI RF Multiplexer Switch Module is a high-frequency RF switching solution for PXI-based automated test systems. With its 40 GHz bandwidth, 50 Ω impedance, dual 6×1 multiplexer topology, unterminated architecture, electromechanical relays, SMA 2.9 connectivity, and software-controlled switching capability, the PXI-2796 is well suited for RF signal routing, microwave validation, production testing, and modular PXI test applications.