National Instruments 780587-44 8x1 RF Multiplexer Switch Module

The National Instruments 780587-44 is an 8x1 RF Multiplexer Switch Module. It is manufactured for high-performance applications and is also known as the PXIe-2544. This module features solid-state relays that offer a typical operate time of 1 ms, with a maximum of 3.3 ms, supporting up to 90 relays simultaneously. The expected mechanical relay life is approximately 100 million cycles, while the electrical relay life varies based on the voltage and current applied (from 100,000 to 2.5 million cycles).

The front-mounted SMA connectors ensure straightforward connections to RF devices, and each COM line and channel is terminated to improve performance and reduce signal reflection. The 780587-44 operates with a minimum input frequency of 10 MHz and a characteristic impedance of 50 Ω. It is AC-coupled and can handle a maximum safe DC input voltage of ±8V. When the chassis is powered on, the module can manage a maximum RF power of +30 dBm that drops to +20 dBm when powered off.

The NI 780587-44 module exhibits an insertion loss of less than 4.5 dB up to 2.4 GHz, less than 6.3 dB up to 6 GHz, and less than 7.2 dB up to 6.6 GHz. Its insertion loss thermal coefficient is 3,402 ppm/°C. The module maintains excellent voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) across its frequency range. The input and output of the 780587-44 unit triggers via PXI trigger lines and front panel connections along with programmable pulse widths ranging from 1 µs to 62 µs. The front panel also provides 9 SMA jacks for I/O and 2 SMB jacks for triggers.

The 780587-44 multiplexer is compact and can be installed into a single PXI/cPCI module slot. The net weight of the unit is 538 g and it has an overall dimensions of 21.6 cm x 2.0 cm x 13.0 cm. It operates within a temperature range of 0°C to 55°C and can be stored between -40°C to 71°C. This multiplexer compliant with safety and electromagnetic compatibility standards like IEC 61010-1, EN 61326-1, and FCC Part 15B. This compliance, along with certifications for CE, RoHS, and ATEX, underscores the module's suitability for global deployment in diverse testing and measurement scenarios.