National Instruments 776572-61 General-Purpose Switch Module

Often referred to as the SCXI-1161, the National Instruments 776572-61 is a general-purpose switching module with a wide range of applications made specifically for the SCXI platform. It has eight isolated single-pole double-throw (SPDT) relays, sometimes referred to as Form C relays. Because of their low on-resistance and low thermal offset, these relays are perfect for switching, routing, and controlling medium-level signals. Each relay has a common (COM), normally closed (NC), and normally open (NO) terminal, which makes it appropriate for a range of uses in production testing, industrial process monitoring, and laboratory testing.

The 776572-61 module may be easily integrated with DIO-24, DIO-32F, and DIO-96 boards as well as National Instruments MIO boards including Lab-NB, Lab-PC, Lab-PC+, Lab-LC, and PC-LPM-16/PnP. Because of this compatibility, the SCXI chassis can be used as a controller or switcher, which increases its usefulness in intricate test setups. One data acquisition board can be used to control several 776572-61 modules inside of a single chassis. These modules can also be integrated with other types of SCXI modules to increase the capabilities of the system.

For ease of use, the 776572-61 is equipped with 24 on-board screw terminals, simplifying signal attachment. All channel's COM positions are linked to the NC positions at power-up and reset. In order to ensure reliable operation in a range of electrical situations, the module supports a working common-mode voltage of 250 VAC or VDC, a contact-to-contact breakdown voltage of 750 Vrms, and a contact-to-coil breakdown voltage of 1,500 Vrms. To further increase the durability of the relays, each one has pads for arc suppressors to guard against inductive loads.

Programming options for the 776572-61 include register-level programming, LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, ComponentWorks, VirtualBench, and NI-DAQ. LabVIEW provides a powerful graphical programming language and an interactive user interface, along with the Data Acquisition Virtual Instrument (VI) Library for easy integration with NI DAQ hardware. Similarly, LabWindows/CVI has a Data Acquisition Library that functions identically to NI-DAQ and uses the ANSI standard C programming language in addition to providing interactive graphics.