NI SCXI-1193 | SCXI System RF Multiplexer
Description
The NI SCXI-1193 is a high-density 32-channel RF multiplexer switch module manufactured by National Instruments (NI), designed specifically for the SCXI system. This module can be programmed to configure various topologies and supports signal frequencies from DC to over 500 MHz, making it suitable for high-frequency signal routing, testing, and measurement applications in various industrial and laboratory environments.
Application Scenarios
In an automated shortwave radio testing system, the NI SCXI-1193 was deployed for RF signal routing and switching. The system’s original RF switch module had limited bandwidth, supporting only 250 MHz signal frequencies, which could not meet the 500 MHz testing requirements of modern shortwave radios. This resulted in incomplete test coverage and only 85% product verification coverage. Furthermore, the traditional module had insufficient channels, requiring multiple devices to be cascaded, increasing system complexity and maintenance costs.
The system upgrade project utilized the SCXI-1193 module to build the RF signal routing system. The module’s 500 MHz bandwidth fully covers the shortwave radio testing requirements, and its high-density 32-channel design allows a single module to handle all RF signal switching. The module supports various topological configurations, including four 8×1 multiplexers and two 16×1 multiplexers, meeting the signal routing needs of different test projects. After implementation, the test system coverage reached 100%, test time was reduced by 40%, and system reliability increased to 99.8%. The module’s high isolation and low insertion loss ensured signal quality, reduced test errors, and resulted in annual maintenance cost savings of approximately 500,000 RMB. Parameters
Main Parameters
Value/Description
Product Model
SCXI-1193
Manufacturer
National Instruments (NI)
Product Category
RF Multiplexer Switch Module
Number of Channels
32 channels
Frequency Range
DC-500MHz
Topology Configuration
Four 8×1, Four 4×1 terminated, Two 16×1, Two 8×1 terminated, 32×1, 16×1 terminated, Independent modules
Scanning Rate
100 channels/second
Relay Type
Electromechanical latching relay
Relay Contact Material
Silver palladium and gold
Connector Type
36 MCX jacks, 2 SMB jacks
Operating Temperature
0°C to 50°C
Storage Temperature
-20°C to 70°C
Humidity Range
5% to 85% non-condensing
Dimensions
1.2 × 6.8 × 7.8 inches (3.0 × 17.3 × 19.8 cm)
Weight
2 ounces (960 grams)
Power Requirements
+5VDC 50mA, +18.5VDC to +25VDC 170mA, -18.5VDC to -25VDC 170mA
Technical Principles and Innovative Values
Innovation Point 1: High-Density 32-Channel Design
The NI SCXI-1193 utilizes high-density integration technology to integrate 32 RF channels on a single module. Each channel uses an independent electromechanical latching relay with silver palladium and gold alloy contact materials, ensuring low contact resistance and high reliability. The module supports a wide bandwidth signal from DC to 500MHz, capable of handling various application scenarios from low-frequency control signals to high-frequency RF signals. The high-density design significantly reduces system volume and wiring complexity, improving system integration. Innovation Point 2: Flexible Programmable Topology Configuration
This module can be configured via software programming into seven different topological structures, including a four-channel 8×1 multiplexer, a four-channel 4×1 terminated multiplexer, a dual-channel 16×1 multiplexer, a dual-channel 8×1 terminated multiplexer, a 32×1 multiplexer, a 16×1 terminated multiplexer, and an independent module. This flexibility allows the same module to adapt to different application requirements, enabling functional switching without hardware replacement. Each configuration can handle signal frequencies from DC to over 500MHz, ensuring signal integrity.
Innovation Point 3: High-Performance RF Characteristics
The SCXI-1193 employs a high-quality RF design with high isolation and low insertion loss characteristics. The module uses high-density push-in MCX connectors, supporting various cable types such as MCX-MCX, MCX-BNC, MCX-SMB, and MCX-SMA, with selectable cable lengths of 0.3m or 1.0m. The module’s scanning rate reaches 100 channels/second, and the relay has an expected lifespan of 50 million mechanical cycles and 300,000 electrical cycles (30V 0.3A DC resistive load), ensuring long-term stable operation.
Innovation Point 4: Seamless Integration with High-Frequency Instruments
The SCXI-1193 is designed for seamless integration with high-frequency equipment and can be used with high-frequency instruments such as the PXI-5404 frequency generator and the PXI-5112 high-speed digitizer. The module supports triggering functions, with a minimum input trigger pulse width of 150 nanoseconds and a programmable output trigger pulse width (1μs to 62μs), meeting the synchronization requirements of high-speed test systems. The module also supports SCXI trigger lines 0 to 7 on the front panel and rear connectors, enabling precise synchronization between multiple modules.
Application Cases and Industry Value
Case Study: Communication Equipment Production Line Test System
A communication equipment manufacturer upgraded its production line test system using the NI SCXI-1193 module. The original system used multiple independent RF switch modules, which suffered from insufficient channel capacity and limited bandwidth, resulting in low test efficiency and inability to meet market demand. The testing system required frequent replacement of test fixtures, increasing equipment downtime and maintenance costs.
The upgrade project utilized the SCXI-1193 module to build a centralized radio frequency signal routing system. The module’s 32 channels met the signal switching needs of all devices under test, and its 500MHz bandwidth covered all test frequency bands from baseband to radio frequency. The system used a four-way 8×1 multiplexer configuration, enabling parallel testing of 8 test stations and increasing testing efficiency by 60%. The module’s high isolation characteristics eliminated crosstalk between channels, improving testing accuracy to 99.5%. After project implementation, production line capacity increased by 40%, resulting in an annual increase in output value of approximately 8 million RMB. The module’s hot-swappable design supported online maintenance, reducing equipment downtime and saving approximately 1 million RMB in maintenance costs annually.
Case Study: Radar System Test Platform
A national defense research unit used the NI SCXI-1193 module to build a radar system test platform. The platform needed to handle signal routing and switching for multiple radar channels, requiring extremely high signal isolation and bandwidth. The original system used traditional mechanical switches, which had slow switching speeds, could not meet real-time testing requirements, and suffered from signal attenuation and phase shift problems.
The test platform used the SCXI-1193 module to build a flexible sparse matrix switching network. The module supports signal frequencies from DC to 500MHz, meeting the testing needs of the radar system from low-frequency control signals to high-frequency echo signals. High isolation characteristics ensured signal isolation between channels, reducing testing errors. The module’s fast scanning capability (100 channels/second) enabled real-time signal routing, reducing test response time from 500ms to less than 10ms. After project implementation, the test platform was able to complete complex radar system performance testing, increasing test coverage from 85% to 98%, and reducing testing time by 50%, providing strong technical support for the research and development and verification of radar systems.
Related Product Combination Solutions
PXI-5404: Arbitrary waveform generator, used in conjunction with SCXI-1193, provides high-frequency excitation signals to achieve a complete signal generation and routing system.
PXI-5112: High-speed digitizer, integrated with SCXI-1193, enables high-frequency signal acquisition and analysis, building a complete test and measurement system. SCXI-1001: SCXI chassis, provides the mounting platform and power management for the SCXI-1193, supporting multi-module expansion.
SCXI-1120: 250Vrms common-mode voltage isolation module, used with the SCXI-1193 to provide high-voltage isolation capabilities.
SCXI-1121: 450Vrms common-mode voltage isolation module, providing higher voltage isolation capabilities, suitable for demanding industrial environments.
SCXI-1166: 32-channel general-purpose switch module, used with the SCXI-1193 to control non-RF signals such as audio channels and transmission protection.
NI-DAQmx: Driver software, provides programming interface and control functions for the SCXI-1193, supporting the LabVIEW programming environment.
LabVIEW: Graphical programming environment, integrated with the SCXI-1193, enabling flexible test program development and system control.
Installation, Maintenance, and Full-Cycle Support
Installation and Commissioning
The NI SCXI-1193 is designed for simple and quick installation. The module uses a standard SCXI chassis for mounting; simply insert the module into the chassis slot and secure it. High-density push-in MCX connectors are used for I/O signal connections, supporting various cable types including MCX-MCX, MCX-BNC, MCX-SMB, and MCX-SMA, with cable lengths of 0.3m or 1.0m available. Power is supplied through the SCXI chassis backplane, eliminating the need for additional wiring. The module supports hot-swapping, allowing replacement while the system is running, reducing system downtime. LED indicators provide immediate visual feedback, displaying power, communication, and fault status to ensure correct installation.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Routine maintenance is simplified through built-in diagnostic functions. Weekly checks of the diagnostic log reveal signal drift or communication errors, which are early indicators of wiring or sensor problems, allowing for proactive resolution. Every six months, clean dust from the ventilation slots and check that the MCX connectors are secure. LED indicators (power, communication, fault) provide immediate visual feedback, reducing troubleshooting time to 15 minutes. The module supports hot-swapping, allowing replacement in just 10 minutes while the system continues to operate, with the control system automatically restoring configuration settings. The relay has an expected lifespan of 50 million mechanical cycles and 300,000 electrical cycles, ensuring long-term stable operation under normal operating conditions.
Technical Support and Service Commitment
NI provides comprehensive technical support for the SCXI-1193 through its global service network. The product comes with a 12-month warranty, and global 24/7 technical support is available for remote guidance on configuration, calibration, and troubleshooting. Critical application spare parts can be shipped within 48 hours to ensure minimal downtime. The NI engineering team provides customized configuration profiles to optimize performance for specific applications. Maintenance personnel training programs are available, covering installation, configuration, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance procedures to ensure long-term system reliability. NI’s LabVIEW programming environment and NI-DAQmx driver software provide powerful software support for the module, simplifying system development and maintenance.
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