National Instruments PXI-2546 PXI RF Multiplexer Switch Module

The National Instruments PXI-2546 (Part Number: 778572-46) is an RF signal multiplexer switching module. In many hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test systems, fault insertion or signal insertion is used to simulate failures between the electronic control unit (ECU) and the rest of the system in order to test, characterize, or validate ECU behavior under fault conditions. Fault insertion is often critical when verifying that an ECU responds appropriately to specific fault scenarios—common use cases include automotive, aerospace, and industrial control systems.

To accomplish this, Fault Insertion Units (FIUs) are placed between the I/O interfaces of a test system and the ECU. The test system can then switch between normal operation and various failure conditions such as short circuits to power, shorts to ground, or open circuits.

The PXI-2546 offers many key features, including hardware triggering, onboard relay count tracking, and a wide range of reconfigurable topologies, allowing the user to customize the switch configuration for their application needs. These advanced features make the module a smart solution for demanding applications across industries such as consumer electronics, aerospace, and defense.

This model supports up to 2.7 GHz bandwidth, with the following typical RF characteristics at 2.7 GHz: Insertion loss: <1.5 dB (typical <1.25 dB), VSWR: <1.7 (typical <1.6). It also includes onboard relay counting and is compatible with NI Switch Executive for configuring and managing switch routes.